All Posts

In an Interview, Should You Expose Your Biggest Weakness?

We went to a friend’s seventieth birthday party this weekend. Afterward, he thanked me for the encouraging card I’d written him pointing out the many ways he helps others thrive and grow. “You know, I tend to focus on my flaws, not the things I do well,” he told me.

I can relate. Last night, my husband and I both took a personality test with categories like openness, conscientiousness, and agreeability. After I honestly answered the questions about my behaviors and attitudes, my scores were higher than they’d have been a few years ago but still lower in several areas than I’d have liked them to be. I thought, “It’s a good thing I’m not looking for a job. I’m not sure I’d hire myself!”

Aren’t we each our own worst critic? A little self-examination is healthy and necessary for personal growth. But when you are asked, “What’s your biggest weakness?” in an interview, should you expose your biggest flaws?

Yes, but don’t answer the question directly, suggests Kelly Clay of Payscale.com. Instead, tweak it:

The intent of the question is to help the interviewer form an opinion of the interviewee. Turn the question around a little before you answer. Say, “Let me tell you about how I overcame one of my weaknesses,” because the question isn’t really about your weaknesses. It’s about being self-aware. How do you currently deal with and overcome challenges? Tell them those things and they’ll appreciate where you’re at on your journey, even if it’s still a struggle.

I don’t know about you, but I feel a sense of relief about that kind of answer! I’m always devising new ways to tackle my flaws, so it’s easy to imagine telling a hiring manager, for instance, how I recently figured out a new way to plot out my schedule on an hourly calendar to successfully accomplish my list of daily tasks.

The success of this response tactic hinges on the interviewer’s motive for asking the biggest weakness question. As Clay states it, the interviewer is trying to get to know you and learn about your problem-solving skills to see whether you might be a good fit for their existing team. So answering honestly while giving specifics for how you’re already addressing the flaw is a great way to become known and boost the interviewer’s perception of your abilities.

It’s paradoxical, but exposing your weakness in the context of your own personal growth could land you your next job! Next time you’re asked to share your biggest weakness, tap into your self-awareness, tweak the question, and plunge right in.

Do you get the respect you deserve? Maybe you need to enlist your body’s help! Read more…

Marcianne Kuethen

Marci loves writing and editing Amtec's blog posts. She also likes walking her dogs, gardening in her backyard, and painting ninja warriors on large canvases in her spare time.

Share
Published by
Marcianne Kuethen

Recent Posts

  • All Posts

25 Company Christmas Party Games that Rock

Here are 25 company Christmas party games that will have everyone laughing, bonding, and enjoying…

6 days ago
  • Uncategorized

What is the Perfect Personality Type for a Construction Manager?

While technical expertise & experience are critical, personality traits are equally vital in determining success…

1 week ago
  • Aerospace

Is Aerospace Engineering a Stable Career in 2025?

Is aerospace engineering a stable career? In this post, we’ll explore the job outlook for…

3 weeks ago
  • Employment Law

Overtime Rule Blocked: 1 Million Workers Lose New Eligibility

The federal overtime rule, which aimed to expand overtime eligibility to millions of workers, has…

3 weeks ago
  • Career Seekers

7 Things to Be Grateful for at Work (Even on Tough Days)

Reflecting on the things to be grateful for at work reveals opportunities for growth, meaningful…

4 weeks ago
  • Career Seekers

How to Decline an Interview Without Burning Bridges

Discover how to decline an interview politely with professional tips, email templates, and strategies to…

1 month ago