How to Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness in a Job Interview

How to Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness in a Job InterviewHow to Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness in a Job InterviewWhen preparing responses to common job interview questions, dont forget this tricky one What is your greatest weakness? Employers use it to get an idea of your self-awareness and to see if you keep cool under pressure.But since presenting oneself in the best possible light is of utmost importance, candidates get nervous that theyll say something damaging.Heres a look at how to answer What is your great weakness? in a job interview, and speak negatively while totenstill proving that youre the best person for the jobWhat to AvoidResist the temptation to say that you dont have any weaknesses. Everyone knows that isnt true, and youll come off as cocky.Likewise, steer clear of clichs. Interviewers tire of people trying to disguise strengths as weaknesses with statements such as I work too hard or Im too passionate about what I do.And, in case theres any doubt, dont say things that undermine your suitability for the position. Admitting that youre lazy, not good with deadlines, hate teamwork, or drink too much wont come off as endearingly honest it will just scare listeners.Building a Strong AnswerLuckily, there are ways to give a believable response and continue to sell your candidacy.Take the P.A.R. approach Problem-Action-Result, says Lavie Margolin, author of Mastering the Job Interview. Provide a relevant weakness that you may have had, what you have done to overcome it, and where you stand now.As illustration, Margolin offers this sample answerIve always considered myself a quieter person. While I am very comfortable talking to people one on one, or even giving presentations, I have always been intimidated to go over to people I do not know and introduce myself. Given my role in the business world, I knew that I had to get beyond that. Ive made a concerted effort to put myself out there and meet new people. While it can be intimidating to do so, I dont think anyone notices that I am uncomfortable sometimes and Ive made some great new connections.Another option is to choose a minor flaw unrelated to the job at hand. By doing this, you admit imperfection and demonstrate awareness of where you might need improvement- without raising eyebrows. Unless youre applying for an IT position, nobody should really care about your inability to troubleshoot tech issues.And regardless of your answer, deliver your words with confidence. Peoplewho maintain composure whether talking about positives or negatives demonstrate to employers an ability to handle whatever comes their way.Looking for more advice on interviewing? Take a look at our job interviewing tips category.