What Is Your Biggest Weakness?

Almost every interview includes the question, “What is your biggest weakness?” It might feel like a trap—after all, you’re trying to impress, not confess! But there’s a good reason interviewers ask this, and handling it well can actually boost your chances.

Learn how to answer this tough interview question and find some tips for what NOT to do below. 

Why do interviewers ask about your weaknesses?

Interviewers aren’t trying to catch you out. Instead, they want to see if you’re aware of your areas for improvement and if these might affect your job performance. Suppose it’s a role with a high level of client responsibility and you say you’re disorganized. In that case, it doesn’t look good for your ability to maintain the company’s professional level of service. Admitting to a weakness that’s crucial for the job could be a red flag, so it’s about honesty and fit.

What hiring managers want to hear

Hiring managers look for candidates who can acknowledge their flaws and show steps they’re taking to improve. Growth is a big part of professional advancement, and you can’t grow if you can’t be honest about what needs improvement. They’re less interested in the weakness itself and more in your approach to overcoming it.

How to answer “What is your biggest weakness?”

Pick a non-essential skill

Choose a weakness that isn’t critical to the job you’re applying for. List a few options for weaknesses you could discuss, then compare them against the job description to make sure they’re not listed. For instance, if the job doesn’t involve much data entry, you might admit you’re not the fastest typist but are improving through practice.

Focus on personal traits

Sometimes, it’s safe to discuss a personality trait, like being naturally shy. If the job doesn’t require constant public speaking, you could say, “Being shy, I find public speaking challenging, but I’ve been taking workshops to become more confident.”

Keep the tone positive

Instead of dwelling on how a weakness has held you back, highlight what it has taught you or how you’re improving. This turns a potential negative into a positive, showing you’re proactive and reflective. For example, “Because I have a hard time saying no, I’ve learned I need to ask for more time to consider my existing obligations before agreeing to take on new projects.”

How not to answer

Don’t overemphasize the weakness

While honesty is key, don’t focus too much on the negative. Keep it brief and always pivot to your improvement strategy. Don’t ramble on or tell a story about how it set you back in a major way. 

Avoid cliche answers

Steer clear of tired claims like “I’m too much of a perfectionist” or “I work too hard.” Aside from being cliche, these can seem insincere and rehearsed.

Never claim to have no weakness

Nobody’s perfect, so if you say you have no shortcomings, this comes off as arrogant. Everyone has areas to improve—what matters is how you handle them.

Sample answers to “What is your biggest weakness?”

These strategies show that you’re working on your weaknesses and they’re not deal-breakers for your ability to perform in the role. This honest, thoughtful approach can set you apart as a self-aware and proactive candidate.