The wrong answer can hurt your chances — but the right one shows confidence and self-awareness.
If you’ve ever dreaded the “What’s your weakness?” question, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: how you answer reveals far more than the weakness itself. It’s a test of honesty, self-awareness, and your ability to grow.
🚨 Why This Question Matters
Interviewers aren’t looking for perfection. They want to see how you handle challenges, learn from mistakes, and whether you’re honest about your own development. The worst answers? Dodging the question, giving a cliché (“I’m a perfectionist”), or pretending you have none.
At Intellectica, we encourage candidates to embrace their development journey. Knowing your weaknesses — and how to frame them — is a strength in itself. It’s about showing reflectiveness and commitment to excellence.
“We coach candidates to be authentic, but strategic. The best answers show you know yourself and are actively working to improve.” — Athina Kantouni, Recruitment Team Lead, Intellectica
🔎 How to Approach This Question – And Leave a Lasting Impression
At Intellectica, we guide candidates to approach this question with clarity and strategy. The goal isn’t to hide your flaws – it’s to show how you handle them.
Here’s how to deliver a winning answer – one that’s honest, confident, and memorable.
- Share a past weakness you’ve already worked through
This shows maturity and the ability to self-correct
Example:
“I used to struggle with time management, especially when multiple deadlines were approaching. I started using planning tools and time-blocking techniques and now I consistently deliver ahead of schedule.”
Why it works
It demonstrates ownership, initiative, and tangible improvement — all qualities that reassure interviewers.
- Acknowledge a current weakness – and show how you’re actively improving
This demonstrates honestly, self-awareness, and a growth mindset
Example
“I’m currently working on becoming more comfortable with modern data analysis tools. I’ve enrolled in a Power BI course, and I’ve started applying what I learn to internal projects. It’s already making a difference.”
Why it works
It positions you as someone who takes initiative and values continuous learning.
- Be strategic – choose a weakness that’s honest but doesn’t compromise your fit for the role
This is about striking the right balance; being authentic without undermining your core strengths.
Example:
“In the past, I’ve found it challenging to navigate ambiguity – I preferred clear structures and defined processes. But as I’ve taken on more cross-functional projects, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty, ask better questions, and stay focused on outcomes even when the path isn’t fully mapped out.”
Why it works
It shows adaptability and growth, especially valuable for roles requiring agility and leadership in dynamic environments.
🛠️ Bonus Tip I: Align with Company Values
Before your interview, research the company’s values and culture. When discussing your strengths and areas for improvement, choose examples that reflect and support those values. This shows you’ve done your homework, are thoughtful about your fit, and committed to contributing positively.
📣 Bonus Tip II: Leverage Your DISC Profile
Do you know your DISC profile? If yes, use it to pinpoint genuine strengths and development areas. Experienced interviewers often DISC traits quickly – and can spot inconsistencies.
“In interviews, I often spot DISC-style cues – such as pace, tone, and focus. Dominance (D) tends to focus on ‘What’, Influence (I) on ‘Who’, Steadiness (S) on ‘How’, and Compliance (C) on ‘Why’. D and I styles are typically faster-paced and either task- or people-oriented, while S and C are more methodical. These patterns offer useful insights into a candidate’s behavioral style and help me infer aspects of their communication and self-awareness-— without being used to label or diagnose.” — Georgios Zeritis, Co-Founder & Partner, Intellectica
Avoid giving answers that contradict your DISC profile. Employers value authenticity, self-awareness and transparency.
At Intellectica, and in collaboration with TTI Success Insights, we offer assessments that help both candidates and employers gain deeper insights into behavioral strengths and development areas
— The Intellectica Team
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About Intellectica
At Intellectica, we are driven by a mission to deliver exceptional consulting and recruitment solutions that empower businesses to succeed, while making a meaningful impact on people and communities.
Contact
Intellectica
17 Solonos Str, Athens 106 71, Greece
T: (+30) 210 338 8581
E: contact@intellecticagroup.com