The RIGHT WAY to answer: “What’s Your Biggest Weakness?”

This might be the most annoying interview question of all time.

But it's important for you to know how NOT to answer this question (and the right way to answer it) because 9/10 times, you are going to get this question.

If you've been following me for some time now, you know I preach this simple formula to for all interview questions.

It goes like this:

🎨 Paint the Picture (and set the story up)

🔍 Go Into The Details (and talk about the who, what, where, when, and why)

🎁 Wrap Up (and relate it back to the role and why you are a great fit!)

How does this translate to the weakness q?

Like this:

🎨 What the weakness is

🔍 How’s it impacted me

🎁 Next steps to improve

But the REAL KEY HERE is to state a weakness that is REAL and ACTIONABLE.

Here’s an example of showing your weakness in presenting to a large group of people using this structure:

One aspect I've identified for growth is my comfort level with presenting to large groups. While I've successfully given presentations to smaller teams and 1:1 chats, I sometimes get rattled when addressing a larger audience.

This is something I have been actively working on because it's important for me to show up as a more confident speaker. For the last few months, I've enrolled in public speaking courses and signed up for an open mic at my local church to get more practice in. I've also sought opportunities to lead smaller discussions within my team, which has helped me gradually build my comfort level.

While it's still a work in progress, I believe that I am making progress and others have noticed as well! I would love to make this more of a consistent habit moving forward.

As you can see, this sample answer highlights you acknowledging areas where you can grow and the proactive steps you’re taking to improve. If you want more examples, watch this YouTube video all about answering this question to help you out!

But hold on!

Because this obviously won't be the only question you'll be asked in an interview. If you want to be well-equipped for your next one, download this FREE interview kit on our website!

🔎💎 Join the Conversation!

Earlier this week, I posted about embracing the “cringe” as a golden ticket to success.

Because let’s face it!

You won’t easily get things you want in life without being a little annoying 😂

Eyeing that promotion at work? Make sure your manager knows all about your stellar achievements.

Chasing after your dream job? Get cozy with strangers and delve into their inspiring journeys.

You wanna be your own boss? Brace yourself for sharing subpar content and awkward videos at the beginning.

Here are some 💎 in the comments section that will give you perspective:

“I've never put myself front and centre but i'm embracing the cringe because I want to grow!” - Nonggol Darapati

“As I’ve gotten more mature in my career and life, I’ve come to realize that the cringe is when I know I’m pushing myself.” - Angela Lau

“Something I've learned this year: if you don't promote yourself, and if you don't run after what you want INTELLIGENTLY, no one will do it for you.” - Mahdi Kafi

This LinkedIn community always serves up some great insights! 💪

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You are never going to be 100% ready

Follow us on IG: workhap for daily career vids!

And check out my newest project IG: creatorhap for social media growth tips

📣 Big Announcement! 🎉

I am now a Forbes Contributor! This has been on my vision board since 2019, and so stoked that it's now here.

What does this mean for you?

Get ready for my best takes and insights for your career, job search, and business in the form of articles and videos on the Forbes site! AKA get used to seeing my face around more 😛

To kick things off, click here to ready my first Forbes article - 5 Steps To Get Hired During The September Surge

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