What Do You Need to Improve?

Job interviews are a chance to show why you’re the right person for the job. When an interviewer asks, “What do you need to improve?” they want to see if you know your strengths and where you can get better. They’re not trying to trick you; they just want to know you better.

Interviewers want to find out if you understand what you need to work on and if you’re good at working with others. They also want to know how the company might help you grow. With the proper preparation, you can answer this interview question confidently and leave a lasting impression.

What interviewers expect when they inquire about improvements

• Self-awareness: Knowing and admitting what you need to work on shows you are mature and understand yourself well. It’s important to be able to look at yourself clearly because it helps you grow in life and at work.
• Proactiveness: They want to see that you are already trying to get better in these areas. This shows you like to learn and are willing to work hard to improve.
• Relevance: It’s good to be honest, but make sure your answer fits the job. For example, if you’re trying to get a job in sales, saying you need to get better at public speaking is better than saying you’re not great with numbers.

How to answer “What do you need to improve?”

When formulating your answer, think about these tips:

Tell a story to show your growth

Use a story when you answer to make it easier for the interviewer to remember and understand you. This way, you can show real examples of how you’ve gotten better at something. Stories make it easy to see how you’ve faced challenges and what you’ve learned from them. Plus, stories can make a stronger emotional connection with the interviewer.

Be honest but smart with your answer

Don’t just say things like “I work too hard.” Pick a real thing you’re trying to improve. Sharing a real weakness shows you’re open and honest, which can build trust. Everyone has things they can do better, but what’s important is how you deal with them. Being real about your weaknesses shows you’re someone who wants to keep getting better.

Here are common examples of areas needing improvement:

• Time management skills
• Juggling multiple tasks
• Presentation skills
• Communication skills
• Management skills
• Leadership skills
• Professional development

Talk positively about your improvements

Even though the question is about what you need to work on, make sure to talk about it in a positive way. Show that you’re actively finding ways to be better. For example, instead of saying, “I struggle with time management,” you could say, “I’ve realized that I can sometimes get caught up in details, so I’ve been using task management tools and setting specific time limits to ensure I prioritize effectively.”

Explain how you’re fixing it

After you talk about what you want to improve, tell them what you’re doing to make it better. This shows you know yourself well and are working hard to grow. For instance, if you’re working on your tech skills, you might talk about a class you’re taking or how you practice these skills on your own.

Common mistakes when discussing your areas of improvement

When talking about what you need to get better at, it’s important to be honest but also smart about it. Here’s what to avoid:

• Don’t be too negative: It’s okay to admit you’re not perfect, but don’t list every little mistake or talk about yourself in a really bad way. Keep your answer short and to the point.
• Avoid irrelevant weaknesses: f your weakness doesn’t have anything to do with the job, don’t mention it. For example, if you’re not good at baking, it doesn’t matter if you want to be a data analyst.
• Don’t say you have no weaknesses: Saying you’re perfect can make you seem full of yourself or like you don’t know yourself well. Everyone has things they can work on, and it’s good to show that you’re willing to improve.
• Avoid being defensive: If you talk about a weakness, be calm and don’t sound like you’re making excuses. You can explain a bit about it, but do it in a way that shows you’re open to getting better.

Sample answers to “What do you need to improve?”

This answer shows the improvement area (time management), explains the solution (using digital tools), and shares the result (better productivity and prioritization). It shows a proactive approach to solving a common challenge among young professionals.

This response points out a specific skill to work on (public speaking), details the steps taken (joining workshops and groups), and describes progress (feeling more comfortable giving speeches). It shows a commitment to personal growth, which is important for leadership positions.

Here, the candidate mentions the issue (being hesitant to delegate), explains how they fixed it (asking mentors for advice and practicing delegation), and shows improvement. This demonstrates an understanding of teamwork and leadership, both valuable in any job.

This answer identifies the area for improvement (coding skills), the steps taken (courses and hackathons), and suggests ongoing effort. It portrays a dedication to mastery in a technical field, appealing to employers looking for candidates who continuously evolve their capabilities.

“What do you need to improve?” is not a question designed to trip you up but rather an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness, commitment to growth, and proactive nature. With preparation and authenticity, you can navigate this question confidently and improve your chances of getting that job offer!