Interview Preparation1 min read
"What Is Your Greatest Weakness?" Best Answers and Examples
By OMA TeamPublished
Choose a real but non-critical weakness, explain how it affected you, and describe what you are doing to improve.
Table of contents
Formula: Weakness → Impact → Action → Progress.
Examples
- "I used to avoid delegating because I wanted things done perfectly. It slowed my team. I now set clear checklists and review points, and my last project finished two days early."
- "Public speaking made me nervous. I joined a speaking group and now present weekly updates to my team."
Avoid: "I'm a perfectionist" clichés, fake weaknesses, or weaknesses that are core to the job (e.g., "I struggle with deadlines" for a project manager).
Frequently asked questions
- How do I answer the weakness question?
- Choose a real but non-critical weakness, explain its impact and describe the steps you are taking to improve.
- Should I say "I am a perfectionist"?
- No. That cliché is overused and unconvincing; give a genuine, minor weakness.
- What weaknesses should I avoid?
- Anything core to the job, for example "I struggle with deadlines" for a project manager.