Everybody dreads the question “What are your weaknesses?” in a job interview. It’s one of the toughest questions to answer. After all, no one wants to admit their weaknesses, right? Wrong. Answering this question correctly can do wonders for your chances of landing the job. So, how can you talk about your weaknesses in a job interview without losing face?

Before you answer the question, understand that it’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding the right balance between being honest and self-deprecating. You’re not expected to list out all your weaknesses or give an exhaustive account of your failures. On the other hand, you don’t want to lie about your weaknesses either. It’s important to be candid and give an honest assessment of your weaknesses, so that the interviewer can make an informed decision.

The key is to start by acknowledging your weaknesses, but also highlight the measures you’ve taken to overcome them. This will show the interviewer that you’re aware of your shortcomings and have the initiative to work on them. To give you a head start, here are five ways to talk about your weaknesses in a job interview.

A great way to make sure you’re on the right track in your job interview is to use a service like Interview Prep, which provides you with customised resources for practice and guidance. Here, you can get industry-specific interview tips, mock interviews, and feedback to ensure your preparation is up to the mark.

1. Talk about a skill or habit you’re working on improving:

This is a great way to present any weakness you might have without making yourself vulnerable. Talk about a time you identified a certain weakness and what steps you took to address it. This can show the interviewer that you’re willing to take the initiative to improve yourself.

2. Discuss a skill that isn’t necessary for the job:

If you have a weakness that has no relevance to the job description, mention it. This can show the interviewer that you understand the skill set required for the role and can prioritise your strengths accordingly.

3. Present a challenge as an opportunity:

Rather than being embarrassed about a weakness, think about it as an opportunity for growth. Talk about how you took it upon yourself to overcome the challenge and what you learned from it. This can show that you’re open to learning and are not afraid of taking risks.

4. Explain what you’re doing to strengthen the weaknesses:

This gives you the chance to show the interviewer that you’re aware of your weaknesses and are taking the initiative to improve them. Present the specific steps you’re taking to enhance the skill and how it’s making a positive impact on your work.

5. Mention a weakness you’ve overcome:

Talk about a weakness you had in the past and how you worked to overcome it. This can demonstrate that you’re capable of learning and growing in your professional career.

It’s never easy to talk about your weaknesses in a job interview, but it’s important to come across as honest and self-aware. Check out Interview Prep to get detailed industry-specific advice and mock interviews to ace your next job interview.

No matter how well prepared you are, it’s normal to be a little apprehensive about talking about your weaknesses in an interview. But remember: an interviewer is not looking for a ‘perfect’ candidate, but someone who can demonstrate self-awareness and the willingness to learn. So, take a deep breath, be honest, and show the interviewer that you’re the right person for the job.