During any job interview, the organisation to which you are applying to join will certainly ask questions to find out if you have what it takes to work for them.
But what if they were to ask something tricky such as “what would you say is your biggest weakness”? Is it possible to answer this in a manner that doesn’t sound too negative, or that doesn’t paint a bad impression of yourself?
It’s important to strike a balance between being open and self-aware with your prospective employer and being too self-critical to the point that it damages your prospects.
If you’re among those who might be meeting with HR managers anytime soon, here are five ways you could consider responding.
1. ‘I pay too much attention to detail.’
Usually, this would be a good thing, but it can also be a weakness if you spend too much time worrying about every little thing.
“Sometimes pay too much attention to the details of a project and spend too much time analysing the finer points,” you might say. But follow this up by explaining how you have also kept yourself in check.
“I’ve been trying to get better by stepping back and letting myself see the bigger picture again. So, I can still do good work without getting bogged down by details that slow me down or make it hard for the team to finish their tasks.”
2. ‘I find it hard to say no.’
It’s important to find a good mix between helping co-workers and getting your own work done.
From an employer’s point of view, an employee who takes on all tasks may seem determined and willing to put in the work, but it can also be hard on someone who doesn’t yet have a handle on time and project management.
“I sometimes find it hard to say ‘no’ to requests, so I take on more than I can manage. This has been an issue in the past, but now I use apps and software to help me with my tasks, so I know if I have the time and resources to take on more work.”
3. ‘I could be better at [insert topic here].’
Sharing something you want to get better at can be perceived as a good thing; it shows you are aware of shortcomings and wish to get better in a particular field.
So, there’s no harm in acknowledging you could be better when it comes to oral or written communication skills, for example, or your ability to lead or give constructive feedback.
Express your desire to take part in training courses or programmes to improve in a particular area. Of course, do make sure that this skill, or skills, you lack are not essential to the position you’re applying for.
4. ‘Sometimes I lack confidence.’
This is common, especially for recent graduates who are only just starting their careers. Nevertheless, lack of confidence can result in you feeling less productive or useful in the workplace.
For instance, you have an idea that could help your team reach their goal but you don’t say anything as you feel that, compared with everyone else, you don’t know enough.
If you bring this weakness up during your job interview, follow it up by explaining you recognise the importance of confidence and in being appropriately vocal as a situation calls for it.
Acknowledge that this is an area you will work on so you can be a valuable member of any team.
5. ‘I feel frustrated when I don’t meet my goal.’
Even though you may feel stressed or upset when you miss a deadline, employers value workers who prioritise goal-setting and ensure projects are on track.
If this is your answer, also explain that it is important to you that tasks are done on time and objectives are reached.
You could say: “My biggest flaw is I feel frustrated if I don’t finish work according to schedule. To get around this, I’ve become more proactive and pay attention to how I do things.
“This helps me stay motivated and improves my sense of self-efficiency.”
This article was originally written by Anisa Aznan for jobstore.com, an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.