Navigating The “Your Weakness” Question During Interviews
Written by Ogechukwu Beluonwu-Ogbo
Many times during interviews, we are posed with questions by interviewers, asking to know our ‘low grip areas’ which have now been notoriously termed “weakness(es)”. This question is one which no doubt requires skill and grace in answering and perhaps also, an apt analysis of the same supposed weakness.
Before answering this question, it is important to remind yourself of the exact meaning of this word, particularly the suffix “ness”; this phrase has been defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary as one showing the state, condition, quality, and degree of a word.
You are probably experiencing an “Aha!” moment right now but let’s delve deeper.
From this definition, you will see that your reply to this question must show the current state of your weakness, the conditions which are very likely to affect or trigger such a weakness in each work environment and also, the loopholes which are created as a result of such weakness.
Needless to say, you should conclude your answers to such questions in a manner that shows a positive and constant improvement on your areas of weakness and also convinces your prospective employers that the said weakness does not pose a threat to the business of the company and can at all times be put in check, through attention to detail in managing the conditions which you have listed.
More often, when interviewers inquire as to your weakness, it is to ascertain the level of your self-awareness, honesty, dedication to career advancement and compatibility with other members of the team. When answering these questions, the best approach would be to avoid stating your deal breakers, especially in relation to the role you are applying to, but instead to discuss your attempts to overcome your weaknesses. This is because it shows your intentionality towards learning and evolving.
It is important at this point to advise against being “too honest”. No one wants to be honest to such a point in an instance where they are subjected to a higher human judgment. An example would be an instance where you are applying for the position of Mechanical Engineer, but you say that your weakness is having clumsy fingers. Your interviewer would probably stereotype you as a red flag and someone who is likely to churn out sub-par work in terms of the physical operations of the company.
Based on my experience, I would suggest that you play to the gallery. In this sense, it means that you state your supposed weakness, but in such a way that doesn’t make it seem like one or at worst, makes it seem like a “Positive Weakness”. However, you should be careful not to come off as pompous and unprofessional. Yes, there exists such a thin line between this divide.
An example would be you saying, “I am a hard worker and routinely close out from work at 10 pm, as I often do not trust the intellectual output of my team members”. Now, whilst this statement could be desirable and align with some companies’ values, a problem arises when for example, your interviewer is a Human Resource Professional who places a premium on topical issues of mental health. That sort of statement may not be to your advantage.
You might want to say this instead; “I tend to take on additional tasks excluding my assigned tasks, this sometimes bothers me as I think that it sometimes gives me a representation of a “Know-It All” amongst my colleagues.”
I must also bring your attention to the cultural differences which exist in workplaces. It is preferable to not state weaknesses that may conflict with any cultural race. Where you must use a response with cultural undertones, it is best to go the extra mile; show skill in manoeuvring such a weakness and a deeper appreciation for such an experience that positively impacts your life trajectory.
At this juncture, I will draw this curtain to a close and leave you with a question: Would you try this out?
Regardless of whatever reply, be rest assured that I am rooting for you!
Oge is a Legal Practitioner called to the Nigerian Bar. She advises on commercial transactions which have a nexus between Arbitration, Technology Law and Finance. You are most likely to find her being either a proper foodie, surfing the internet for new knowledge or binging on a movie during her leisure. Connect with Ogechukwu on LinkedIn and Instagram
Edited by Praise Udemba
Praise is a recent graduate who is constantly looking to try out new things. She enjoys learning about design, writing and anything relating to the MCU. Connect with Praise on Instagram.
