How to Respond to “What is Your Greatest Weakness” in HR Interviews

How to Respond to “What is Your Greatest Weakness” in HR Interviews

This question is designed in such a way that it will make any candidate nervous. How do you respond to a question that wants to know about your shortcomings! Many make the mistake of highlighting those weaknesses that are crucial to the job role. This mistake convinces the recruiter that you are not suitable for the job and then the job opportunity is lost. Thus, it is of utmost importance for you to know how to respond to this question, without compromising on anything.



How to Respond to “What is Your Greatest Weakness” in HR Interviews

Read ahead to know how to respond to “what is your greatest weakness” at interviews!


1. Focus on those skills that are not crucial to the job description


The best way to do this is by knowing all the skills and requirements of the job you have applied to. Your response to the question should then be tailored in such a way that it does not touch upon those skills that are needed for the job. If you are interviewing for the role of a software engineer and you say that you have trouble writing creatively, the interviewer will not be wary of your fit with the company.




2. Make your weakness look like a strength


This can be done by saying “I take on a lot of tasks that could easily be delegated as I want to ensure that the tasks are carried out well”, “I wait until the last minute to plan out my schedule for the coming week, I now understand that it is easier if I do this earlier.” When you answer the question, make sure you lay emphasis on how you’re trying to overcome the weakness. Focus on what you’ve learned.


3.Don’t say you have no weakness


Everyone has weaknesses. Don’t make the mistake of saying that you do not have any. The question “what is your biggest weakness” is to test how aware you are, how you work under pressure (because this isn’t an easy question to answer) and how critical you are of yourself. By saying that you have no weakness, you are indirectly refusing to answer the question. So, make sure you answer the question with confidence.


Don’t get bogged down by the question “what is your greatest weakness” in interviews. The interviewer wants to see how you respond to the question that will throw you off your game. Surprise them by preparing your answers accordingly. Prepare well and see how nothing will stop you from shining through that upcoming interview.


Good luck!



How to Respond to “What is Your Greatest Weakness” in HR Interviews


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