In a job interview, the interviewer will inquire about your strengths and weaknesses at some point. Below are 3 weaknesses job interview examples.
1. I am poor at multitasking
It is okay to struggle with multitasking. At the end of the day, only some people are good at it. Some people are only good at focusing on one task at a time. Acknowledge this weakness and show your interest in overcoming it.
In your responses, show the hiring manager how this weakness can affect you. Express your interest in overcoming this weakness if you get employed. If possible, you can share an incident when you were able to overcome this weakness. Share the results from your attempt to overcome the weakness.
Example:
“I’ve realized that while I’m committed to delivering quality, I sometimes find it difficult to perform numerous tasks simultaneously. I believe in giving every task my undivided attention to ensure the highest quality. Nonetheless, I am actively working to improve my multitasking skills by attempting to work within a set timeframe. My objective is to create a balance between maintaining quality and managing multiple concurrent tasks efficiently.”
2. I am impatient waiting for outcomes
You would be surprised to find you are one of many. Many people struggle with this. People sometimes pressure themselves too much because they want to instantly see the results of their energy input.
Cite what you have been doing to overcome this weakness. It would be hard for an employer to work with you if you are impatient to work with challenges and difficulties that delay results.
Example:
“Over time, it has come to my notice that I am somewhat impatient when waiting for outcomes. In my quest to get tasks and projects rolling as fast as possible, I set unrealistic goals and expectations for results. I have been training myself in what I would call Go Slow to Go Fast to overcome this challenge. I have found this strategy useful because it helps me focus on the bigger picture rather than the short-term results.”
3. I am not great at time management
Your hiring manager would wish you to be great in time management. However, you might be qualified for a vacant position, but poor time management could bar you. Struggling with time management is only a problem if you are not exercising to manage time better.
Show your hiring manager that time management has been a weakness. In your response, state how you have been practicing to overcome this weakness and the milestones you have made.
Example:
“I am poor at time management, more so when I am obsessed with completing a task. It often happens when I sleep late because I cannot go to bed before completing a task. This results to waking up late the next day. Of late, I have found a way to manage my time better. I have a personal timetable that I have been trying to follow to the core, and it works wonders. I have not experienced an incident where a task eats up the time of another. I think I am doing great, and I am on the right path for betterment in time management.”
4. I am carried away by attention to detail
This weakness is slightly related to an inability to multitask. Paying attention to a task is not a bad thing. It is only through paying the needed attention that you avoid mistakes. However, getting carried away by details and trying to achieve perfection can be a weakness.
While explaining these weaknesses more, explain how you are still trying to pay attention to detail but avoid time wastage.
Example:
I like it when things are close to perfection. In my quest to attain this perfection, I lose myself and try to avoid even the slightest mistake, no matter what it takes. At times, it takes me substantial time to eliminate an error that has little or no impact. I am trying to overcome this, and I feel my strategy is working. I am setting my success score on my tasks. This helps me to avoid lagging behind time while trying to sort errors that have no substantial impact.”
5. I am poor at public speaking
Not everyone is good at public speaking. Some people cannot even stand and speak in front of a group of five. You are not alone in this weakness, and don’t shy away from acknowledging it. However, show your intention to become a better public speaker if need be.
Example:
I have struggled with confidence in the past. This has barred my ability to pass even the most critical information to the audience. I have been practicing public speaking through Zoom meetings with my peers. I have been improving and am ready to try this to a physical audience.”