How to Answer the 'Greatest Weakness' Interview Question

Want to ace the answer to “what’s your biggest weakness?” Don’t try to play up a strength as a weakness. (“My colleagues tell me I work too much.”) And avoid being a little too honest. (“I freeze up when talking to people I don’t know.”) Instead, use this framework: 1. Pick a skill that you’ve been actively working to improve 2. Describe how it’s been a challenge for you in the past 3. Talk about the actions you’ve taken to improve it 4. Showcase the results you’ve seen from your actions! Let’s say I stink at public speaking, my answer might look like this: “Public speaking was a huge challenge for me. I’d get incredibly nervous when I knew I had to get up and speak in front of a crowd. I realized this was hindering my progress so I decided to take action. I hired a speaking coach and asked my manager to present for 10 minutes in our weekly team meetings. After a few months, I can honestly say it’s something I enjoy. Most recently, I co-led a pitch to one of our biggest prospects. The stakes were high but we ended up closing them for $5.25M/year. After the deal was signed, our senior exec came up to me and told me that my narrative on X topic really sealed the deal.” Companies love people who are aware of their skill set and are always looking to grow!

After years in executive search, I’ve seen a ton of interview techniques - but this one really stands out.   What makes it so powerful? It catches people off guard in the best way.   It cuts through rehearsed answers and invites real self-reflection. It can feel a bit uncomfortable - and that’s exactly why it works.   This single question taps into a few key traits all at once:   Self-awareness - Do you truly understand your own growth areas? This reveals whether someone has a clear, honest view of their blind spots.   Grace under pressure - How do you react when the script goes out the window? It’s a great way to see how someone handles the unexpected.   Constructive mindset - Can you talk about your weaknesses without getting defensive or overly self-critical? That balance is essential for growth.   The best way to answer? Be honest about a real area you’re working on - and show how you’re actively improving it.   Something like:   "One area I’ve been focused on is gaining more experience with enterprise-scale implementations. I’ve been learning directly from mentors who've led large deployments and taking targeted courses to build that muscle."   That kind of response shows self-awareness and initiative - two things every great employer looks for.   What’s the most insightful or surprising interview question you’ve come across?   For more insights like this check out my newsletter:  https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   CC: @therobbgreenshow Dm for removal.   #executiverecruiter #eliterecruiter #jobmarket2025 #profoliosai #resume #jobstrategy #interviewquestions #hiringinsights #selfawareness #careeradvancement

Your next job interview could change your life. Here's the guide I wish I had 20 years ago. I've interviewed hundreds of candidates for $100k+ roles. The secret of the most successful? Preparation. 🔖 Save this cheat sheet. ♻️ Share it to help others. It covers 14 of the most common and toughest questions. Master these powerful responses and you'll stand out from 95% of candidates: 1. When Asked About Weaknesses ↳ Avoid statements like "I'm a perfectionist." ↳ Share a real weakness you're actively improving. ↳ For example: "I used to struggle with delegation. Now I use systems to empower my team and keep quality high." 2. Salary Requirements ↳ Do your homework on market rates before the interview. ↳ Let them share their range first when possible. ↳ Frame it as finding the right partnership, not a number. 3. Tell Me About Yourself ↳ Keep it under 3-5 minutes. Show genuine passion. ↳ Share a story that links directly to the role. 4. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job? ↳ Stay positive and professional. ↳ Focus on growth opportunities ahead. 5. Why Should We Hire You? ↳ Connect your experience to their specific challenges. ↳ Share measurable successes that relate to their goals. 6. How Do You Handle Stress? ↳ Give real examples of staying calm under pressure. ↳ Focus on results achieved during challenging times. 7. Explaining Resume Gaps ↳ Be honest, direct, and brief. ↳ Highlight productive activities during the gap. 8. Handling Conflicts ↳ Emphasize listening and finding common ground. ↳ Share specific examples of successful resolution. 9. Tell Me About a Failure ↳ Own it without excuses. ↳ Focus on lessons learned and how you made it better. 10. Greatest Accomplishment ↳ Choose something relevant to the role. ↳ Use specific numbers and results. 11. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? ↳ Show ambition balanced with realism. ↳ Align your growth with their company's future. 12. Why Do You Want This Job? ↳ Show you've researched their mission. ↳ Connect your passions to their goals. 13. What Motivates You? ↳ Share authentic drivers like growth and impact. ↳ Link your motivation to business results. 14. Questions for Them ↳ Ask about success metrics and expectations. ↳ Show interest in team culture and collaboration. Remember: Great interviews aren't about memorizing perfect answers. They're about showing who you are, what you can deliver, and how you'll help the company succeed. 2025 is your year to get that dream job 💪. ♻️ Helpful? Repost to share with your network. 🔖 Follow Justin Wright for more career tips. Want this and my 80 best cheat sheets? Get them here for free: BrillianceBrief.com