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Weaknesses for Job Interviews: 10 Example Answers

When you’re preparing for a job interview, there’s one question that almost always makes people pause:“What’s your greatest weakness?”It can feel like a trick — as if there’s only one “good answer” and everything else will knock you out of the running. But the truth is, interviewers aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for self awareness, honest reflection, and signs that you’re invested in your personal and professional growth.That’s why your response to this classic interview question matters. Not just what you say — but how you say it. The right approach shows that you know yourself, you’re working on your development, and you understand how your challenges relate to the job description in front of you.Whether you're a recent graduate, switching industries, or aiming for your dream job, knowing how to talk about your weaknesses — without underselling yourself — is one of the most underrated communication skills you can bring into an interview.In this guide, you’ll find 10 real weaknesses for job interviews examples — with simple language, honest tone, and practical strategies that help you answer honestly while still sounding confident and capable. Each example also shows how to reframe your weakness as part of your growth — because that’s what recruiters really want to hear.Let’s take a closer look at how to talk about common challenges in a way that feels natural, real, and aligned with the job you’re aiming for.
Difficulty Delegating Tasks
Example: “I’ve always had a hard time delegating tasks. I used to think doing everything myself was the best way. But now I see that sharing tasks helps the team do better. I use project tools to keep track and stay involved.” Strategy: Explain how you’ve learned to prioritize tasks, give others more trust, and step back when needed. You’ve become more of a team player. And if you’re also wondering how to present that growth in a clear, confident way on paper, especially when applying for new roles, this guide on How to Make a Resume in 2025 breaks down how to highlight transferable skills and tell your professional story with impact.
Public Speaking Anxiety
Example: “Public speaking was always tough for me. I’d get nervous in front of groups. So I joined Toastmasters and started leading small meetings. It’s helped a lot.” If public speaking is part of the role you’re aiming for, preparing ahead — not just emotionally, but strategically — can make things feel more manageable. These updated job interview preparation tips for 2025 walk you through how to manage nerves, structure your answers, and show up with clarity and confidence. A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Virtual Reality found that structured practice — especially using immersive environments — and cognitive reframing techniques can significantly reduce public speaking anxiety, while also improving communication skills and boosting self-efficacy. Strategy: Talk about what you’ve done — practice, feedback, and prep. You’re showing self awareness and working on your professional growth. You’re actively working to improve your communication skills and build confidence, which makes a big difference in any job interview.
Overcommitting
Example: “I used to say yes too much and ended up stretched thin. I’m learning to pause before taking on new things and plan better.” Strategy: Show how you manage your time now. Use tools, block time, and stick to realistic goals. It helps avoid burnout and supports a good work life balance. You’re improving your time management skills. You’re also learning to assess your bandwidth before saying yes, which helps you maintain a healthy balance between personal life and work. But sometimes overcommitting isn’t just about scheduling — it’s also about not being clear on what actually works for you. If you’re still figuring out what kind of job, workload, or environment truly fits your lifestyle and goals, these 6 questions can help clarify what you want in your next role — before you say yes to something that doesn’t align.
Perfectionism
Example: “I focus too much on small things. I’ve learned to let go when the job is done well — not chase perfect.” Strategy: Say how you set limits, define what “done” looks like, and focus on quality work that meets the goal. That helps avoid missed deadlines.
Reluctance to Ask for Help
Example: “I didn’t like asking for help — I thought it made me look weak. But now I see it leads to better understanding and stronger work.” Strategy: Now you ask questions early, talk with your team, and take in constructive feedback. It shows growth and stronger communication skills. In a video on Yango Group’s YouTube channel, this quote was shared:

Lack of cultural awareness is the first red flag. Inflexibility is another. And poor communication skills — especially for leaders — just don’t work.

Anit AntonianHead of Executive Search and International Recruitment at Yango Group
Impatience with Slow Processes
Example: “I can feel stressed when things move too slowly. I’ve started breaking work into small wins so I don’t lose focus.” Strategy: You’ve learned to stay on track and keep a positive attitude, even when results take time. You see the bigger picture and focus on steady progress.
Difficulty Saying No
Example: “I used to take on too much and lose focus. Now I check my schedule and say no when I need to.” Strategy: You’re better at setting limits and managing your workload effectively. That helps you focus and stick to your realistic goals.
Limited Experience with Specific Tools
Example: “I haven’t used [tool] much yet, but I’m learning and trying it out on new projects. I want my skill set to match the job.” Strategy: You’re actively working on this. Online courses, practice, and real tasks show you’re serious about your professional growth. And with more companies prioritizing skills over formal education, especially in support and tech-adjacent roles, this guide to becoming a Support Specialist can help you figure out what to focus on, how to build up your foundation, and how to talk about your learning path with clarity.
Avoiding Conflict
Example: “I avoided conflict for a long time. I thought keeping the peace was better. But I’ve learned that honest talks help the team grow.” Strategy: You now deal with problems early, listen more, and aim for solutions. It shows you’re more self aware and open to feedback.
Lack of Experience in a Particular Area
Example: “I haven’t worked much in [particular area], but I’ve studied it, checked the job requirements, and talked to others. I’m ready to try.” Strategy: You’re curious and motivated. You’re building a new skill, and that effort shows you’re actively working on growing your skill set. And when it comes to reflecting that growth in your resume or application, knowing how to position your learning mindset makes a real difference. Not sure how to frame a learning mindset or limited experience in your application? Here’s how to get past AI screening tools and make sure your resume gets seen by real people — even if you’re still building your track record. But beyond the resume, that same mindset matters just as much in interviews. Being honest about where you're growing — and showing how you're actively working on it — can make a stronger impression than pretending to have it all figured out. This idea is summed up well by the saying:

We look for candidates who are not afraid to admit their weaknesses and are committed to growing.

Anit AntonianHead of Executive Search and International Recruitment at Yango Group
Research supports this approach, too. A 2025 study in BMC Psychology found that being self-critical, open to feedback, and eager to learn helps drive professional growth. Read the study here.This interview question isn’t there to catch you off guard. It’s a way to see if you’re self aware and open to learning. Being honest, even about a common challenge, is a good thing.Whether you’ve had a hard time with public speaking, delegating tasks, or setting boundaries, what matters is that you’re actively working on it.We all face something — like trouble working with certain personalities, juggling personal life and work, or improving time management skills. These are normal. What’s important is that you’re trying, learning, and keeping a positive attitude.And if you’re not sure which weaknesses to bring up — or how to talk about them in a way that feels authentic — it helps to start by looking at your values. Understanding what matters to you in work and communication makes it easier to choose examples that feel real and relevant. This guide to identifying your core work values might help you uncover what really matters — and how to talk about it with confidence.So if someone asks about your greatest weakness in a job interview, don’t panic. Just present the real you — someone who’s growing, trying, and ready for your dream job.

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Weaknesses for Job Interviews: 10 Example Answers