The interview question, “What is your greatest weakness?” often causes anxiety to many applicants, however, with the right mindset and strategy, this question can be an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness, growth potential, and adaptability. Let’s explore some effective techniques to help you confidently tackle this challenging question and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.

Recognize the underlying “intent” of the interview question. 

Self-awareness: Do you understand your flaws and limitations, indicating a realistic view of your professional abilities?

Accountability: Do you take ownership of your weaknesses and how do you actively work to overcome them?

Continuous improvement: Do you have a commitment to personal and professional growth, and do you have an adaptive and open mindset?

Identify a relevant genuine weakness that you are working to overcome:

The weakness that you talk about needs to be specific and relevant to the role. Aim for a trait that can be improved upon and shows your dedication to self-improvement. Remember to avoid clichés such as “being a perfectionist” or “working too hard,” as these can come across as insincere or worse, sound like a “canned” answer.

Provide context and examples:

Make sure to provide context and support your answer with examples that highlight your efforts to mitigate or overcome the weakness. Briefly describe the skill or trait you struggle with, focusing on how it affects your professional performance.  Next, explain steps you have taken, or are taking, to address the issue, such as taking relevant courses, seeking mentorship, or actively practicing new techniques. Finally, demonstrate your progress. Emphasize any notable improvements and how they have positively impacted your work, highlighting your adaptability and commitment to personal growth.

Summarize your answer keeping the focus on the job skills needed for the position you are interviewing for:

Think about the specific skills needed for the role you are interviewing for and emphasize your key competencies and how they compensate for your identified weakness. This demonstrates a balanced perspective, a thoughtful answer, and ensures a positive ending to your response.

By providing an honest weakness that is relevant to the job, explaining your efforts to overcome it, and emphasizing your strengths, you can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of being invited back for a 2nd interview.

If you are an insurance professional in the Pacific Northwest and are thinking about making a job change, I can help you prep and navigate these difficult interview questions before you do the interview.  Contact me, and let’s discuss your job search goals.