I suggest to my clients, generally students seeking their first real job in their major or career field to have a long look at themselves and decide at least three weaknesses. I explain a weakness is something within you that you aren't satisfied with, and it is within your power to change it. I then suggest they compare their weaknesses with what the potential employer is looking in terms of strengths...Then choose the weakness that is the least important to that employer. As I describe it, 'The lesser of the evils.' But, they must practice saying it out loud and HEAR IT, better have someone else listen and write down what they heard, then look at what was written. Is it what you wanted that person to hear and remember? If not, change how you present the answer, but DO NOT LIE. As soon as you say your greatest weakness, then define why YOU, don't like it--how is it impacting you so that you would want to change. Then give an example how you are working on it. See it as a "bad habit" to break, but one you are committed to achieving. But, this has to be thought-out, maybe even practiced out-loud, and genuine. Show them you face challenges, even your own with determination and a don't give up attitude. I hope this made sense.

i also HATE this question and avoid it at all costs when i'm interviewing candidates. i do exactly what the first poster suggested, i ask about the project you're most proud of and a time when either things didn't go the way you suggested or how you dealt with being given poor direction. identifying how you handled a difficult situation is far more important for me to understand than, you tell me your weakness.

I don't hate the question because i spent a lot of time doubting my abilities in younger days. I felt others were quicker witted and seemed to know more than I did. But i worked on it, without even realizing it and began to see my own strength and what people began to request and appreciate in me. I gave myself permission to be human and develop around it. I know my weakness but i have turned that into something marketable that helps me sell myself and is now a great strength!

Ironically, the candidate did answer the question: biggest weakness is arrogance

I admit that this question takes everyone out any comfort zone, normally you don´t like to say things that do not make you look like a rockstar! However, the problem is not necessarily the question but the negative connotation we tend to give to it. In today´s world, being authentic, genuine and transparent are more than highly demanded characteristics and to prove that you rank high at them you start at the very first interview where questions like this come up. So I would like to invite you to reframe your view on this question and think it as a means to confirm you are truly skilled in these aspects. And indeed, you don´t need to speak about things that don´t make you look good but we ALL have things we can improve and it makes you feel very good when you focus and achieve that improvement. So, don´t fear, take the time to have full self-awareness so that you know yourself well and share who you are in a candid, empathetic and genuine way!

I was on the hiring side of an interview panel when this question was asked. I was young and did not have enough experience to see the answer given was a total copout and in the end this person produced a toxic work environment. He said people were his greatest strength and his greatest weakness (where is my eye roll emoji!?). This is a bad question that results in a bad answer and never really helps either side to understand the hire's personality or abilities. Let's all agree to remove this question from future interviews :)

“My weakness is that I notice everyone’s weaknesses but my own, which is why I’m a great problem-solver and a lover of feedback.” This response is conflicting isn’t it?

I'm sorry, but I started laughing when I read this. I've had some "interesting" characters in interviews as well, but the cocky one always takes the cake. I had one guy who told me that he is the best in his current job, even better than his incompetent boss and that the company just keeps throwing money at him. When I asked him how he would convince engineers to prioritize his project over someone else's he answered "I'd make sure they know the importance of my team and my job." Needless to say, I passed on him.

I would actually welcome feedback on what I say my biggest weakness is... I say: I feel that lots of people always try to sell themselves by saying "I'm a fast learner!" Well, I'm not a fast learner. I need time with something new, I need to be exposed to it multiple times, might need something explained to me more than once. However, once it clicks for me, I run with something and know it inside and out. Thoughts? And this isn't a smokescreen answer, this is true... I'm a slow learner, but once I finally get it, I'm great! :-)

I just completed a Women in Leadership Certificate program and the new focus is identifying your strengths and perfecting them. Weaknesses should not be a part of the conversation.