What do you consider the applicants weaknesses

This answer leads with a strength that employers want -- initiative -- and still acknowledges that you're not perfect. In fact, you can overextend yourself. Although you might consider this acknowledgement too honest, it works because it proves you're being honest. Plus, employers are still requiring workers to "do more with less," so you show that you are prepared to multitask. When you consider what your weaknesses are, think about how you have attempted to overcome them. No one is perfect, so pretending that you had a weakness and then eliminated it entirely will come across is insincere.

Debra Davenport, author of "Career Shuffle," believes citing examples are the best approach. I've taken the time to learn better time and project management, and I'm also committed to my overall wellness. I eat right, exercise and maintain healthy boundaries for myself.

The answer adds some dimension to the question, and proves you've thought beyond the answer. You've actually changed your behavior to address the situation, even if you haven't completely overcome the weakness.

However you decide to answer, Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide," recommends job seekers imagine themselves sitting on the other side of the desk. What would be your motivation for asking certain questions? Who would you be trying to weed out? I feel that I had good intentions, I just wasn't always comfortable speaking up. I took local improv classes and started trying to get comfortable discussing my thoughts. It's still a work in progress, but it's something that I've improved dramatically over the past year.

In the past, this caused me to experience unnecessary pressure and stress. One specific example was last year when I was responsible for planning our annual event. I tried to do everything on my own, from the most substantial decisions like the venue to the tiniest things like organizing the table settings.

I was so stressed leading up to the event, and I narrowly pulled it off. This taught me to take a step back and analyze when I need help. After that experience, I am trying to teach myself how to ask for help so I can keep my sanity. I've also found a team of people can produce a better outcome than one harrowed person. I will put in the time it takes to learn this new software. This caused me to compromise sometimes on the quality of my work or what I needed to complete a project just to keep the peace.

This became a real problem when I became a manager. One of the most critical aspects of managing people is telling them what they need to hear and not what they want to hear. I recognized this weakness and had been actively working to voice my opinions constructively and helpfully for the betterment of the team.

However, when new projects come across my plate, I sometimes jump right into those projects and halt work on the projects I had in progress. Having to jump between tasks, so many times throughout the day hinders my productivity and prevents me from delivering my best work.

I have been using a project management tool to help me manage my tasks and my time, which has helped me become more aware of prioritization. Since implementing this project management mentality, I have only improved my efficiency and productivity.

The better you can articulate your most significant weaknesses while providing examples and how you are attempting to overcome those weaknesses will serve you well in your job search. Once you can clearly identify your weaknesses , the stories and examples will fall into place. When confronted with this interview question, remember the interviewer is looking for a fit.

She is forming a picture of you based on your answers. A single answer will probably not keep you from getting the job, unless, of course, it is something blatant. Put your energy into your strengths statement—what you have to offer. Then let the interviewer know that although you may not be perfect, you are working on any shortcomings you have.

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Thank you! You are now a Monster member—and you'll receive more content in your inbox soon. By continuing, you agree to Monster's privacy policy , terms of use and use of cookies. Search Career Advice. Advice Interviews Interview Questions. List of strengths and weaknesses: What to say in your interview Discussing your strengths and weaknesses can be one of the most difficult parts of the job interview.

Avoid interview paralysis with our advice. Carole Martin, Monster contributor. When asked about your weaknesses in a job interview, don't panic. Related Articles. Browse articles by