Addressing the Question about Weaknesses or Flaws

The question "What is your worst weakness?" or "What don't you like about yourself?" is one of the most uncomfortable questions in an interview, but it is an opportunity to demonstrate your self-awareness and ability to overcome.

Strategy: Mention a real but manageable weakness, show plan for improvement.

The key is controlled honesty. Accept a real weakness that is not critical to the position and does not pose a risk to the company (such as lateness or lack of integrity).

You must show that you are aware of the weakness and, more importantly, that you are taking concrete actions to manage or overcome it.

The technique is to mention the weakness and quickly return to the focal point of the job, directing attention to a strength.

What to avoid: Clichés, disabling flaws, saying "I don't have".

Avoid clichés: Don't resort to answers such as "I'm too much of a perfectionist" or "I work too hard," as interviewers consider them false answers. Perfectionism is nowadays perceived as a real weakness.

Don't mention crippling flaws: Never point out weaknesses that are critical to the role (e.g., lack of numerical ability in finance, or laziness).

Don't say "I don't have": Claiming that you have no weaknesses will make you appear to lack self-awareness or to be arrogant.

Avoid "I am...": Don't use definitive phrases such as "I am ill-tempered" or "I am very impatient."

Formulate the response in the past tense or showing control.

Formulate your response in a way that shows that the weakness is a challenge overcome or under active management. Use phrases such as "Sometimes it happened to me..." or "I have worked on...".

The key is to make the weakness sound like something that is no longer as "traumatic" and doesn't happen to you "all the time."

Practical example

Example: "In my previous job, I was sometimes a little late in delivering reports.

However, I managed to structure the process more efficiently and became more agile, which allowed me not only to meet deadlines, but even to anticipate them".

In this case, a past defect is accepted and the solution and overcoming of the problem is demonstrated.

Another example (Time management): "I like to talk to people a lot, and if I'm not on my toes, I can spend more time than expected.

Therefore, I am very organized with my time and when I want to have a conversation, I suggest having a coffee later. This way, I ensure productivity".

Handling Interviewer Perceived Weaknesses

One of the most challenging situations in an interview occurs when the interviewer, based on your CV or the conversation, identifies a shortcoming or weakness that concerns him or her.

Handling this moment calmly and strategically is crucial to avoid being ruled out.

Summary

This question is an opportunity to demonstrate your self-awareness and ability to overcome. The key strategy is controlled honesty: mention a real but manageable weakness.

You must show that you are aware of that weakness and, more importantly, that you are taking concrete actions to manage or overcome it. This shows responsibility and proactivity.

Avoid clichés such as "I'm too much of a perfectionist" or "I work too hard", and never say "I don't have it". and never say "I don't have it". Formulate the answer by showing that it is something under control or in the process of improvement.