Turning Weaknesses Into Strengths: How to Tackle the Toughest Interview Question

We’ve all been there—sitting across from an interviewer when they ask that dreaded question: "Can you tell us about your weaknesses?" It’s one of the trickiest questions to navigate because no one wants to reveal something that could make them seem less qualified. However, this question presents a valuable opportunity to show self-awareness, honesty, and a commitment to growth.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to handle this question gracefully and leave a positive impression on your interviewer.

1. Be Honest, But Strategic

First and foremost, it’s important to be honest, but that doesn’t mean you should expose a weakness that’s critical to the role you’re applying for. Instead, choose a real weakness that’s manageable and one you are actively working on.

Example:

"In the past, I found it difficult to delegate tasks because I like to ensure everything is done correctly. However, I’ve realised this can lead to inefficiency, and I’ve been working on improving my delegation skills by trusting my colleagues and focusing more on team outcomes rather than individual control."

This response shows honesty but also highlights your efforts to improve—a trait that interviewers look for.

2. Frame Your Weakness as a Learning Opportunity

The key to answering this question is not just admitting a weakness, but demonstrating how you are actively addressing it. This turns a potentially negative trait into an opportunity to showcase your growth and commitment to improvement.

Example:

"In the past, I’ve found it challenging to handle multiple projects simultaneously, which sometimes led to feeling overwhelmed. I recognised the need to improve my multitasking skills and have since adopted project management tools  and set daily priorities. This has helped me manage my workload more effectively and ensure nothing falls through the cracks."

In this response, you're showing that you’ve identified the issue, taken proactive steps to address it, and already have tangible improvements to share. This makes it a well-rounded answer that focuses on growth and problem-solving.

3. Avoid Clichés and Overused Responses

Many candidates try to play it safe by using overused responses like "I’m a perfectionist" or "I work too hard." While these answers may seem neutral, they often come across as disingenuous or evasive. Instead, aim to give an answer that feels genuine and specific to your own professional development.

Better Approach:

"I used to struggle with public speaking, but I’ve been taking steps to improve through workshops and by volunteering to lead team meetings. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m much more confident now."

This answer is honest, specific, and shows initiative in overcoming the challenge.

4. Highlight Progress and Self-Improvement

Once you’ve explained your weakness, it’s crucial to show the interviewer that you’re taking steps to improve and have already made progress. The goal is to end on a positive note, ensuring that the focus remains on your growth, not on the weakness itself.

Example:

"I’ve been taking on more speaking opportunities and participating in team presentations. While I’m still working on becoming more comfortable in larger settings, I’ve received positive feedback on my improvement and feel much more confident speaking in front of groups."

Ending with the progress you’ve made demonstrates resilience and a proactive mindset.

5. Keep It Relevant, But Non-Critical

It’s important to choose a weakness that won’t disqualify you for the role. If you’re applying for a leadership position, for instance, avoid saying you struggle with teamwork. Choose something relevant but not directly harmful to the core responsibilities of the job.

Example:

"I used to have difficulty managing my workload effectively, particularly when new priorities would emerge. To address this, I’ve started using project management tools and techniques like time-blocking, which has greatly improved my ability to balance tasks and meet deadlines."

This response shows that the weakness doesn’t affect the candidate’s ability to perform the job and highlights their self-driven solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Be honest, but strategic in choosing a weakness that won’t undermine your qualifications for the job.
• Frame your weakness as a learning opportunity and show how you’re actively addressing it.
• Avoid clichés, and offer genuine responses that reflect your self-awareness.
• Highlight progress to reassure the interviewer that you’re committed to self-improvement.
• Keep it relevant, but ensure it’s a non-critical aspect of the role.

By approaching this question thoughtfully, you’ll leave a positive impression on your interviewer and demonstrate a growth mindset—qualities that every employer values.

Need more advice on preparing for interviews? Reach out to our team at Savvi Recruitment Consultants for tailored support and guidance on how to succeed in your next interview.