What is your 3 weaknesses' best answer?

Asked by: Prof. Franco Huel IV  |  Last update: February 10, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (64 votes)

The best answers for "What are your weaknesses?" focus on a real, non-critical flaw, explain the specific steps you're taking to improve it (action), and highlight the positive results or learning, showing self-awareness and growth, like struggling with public speaking (weakness) but joining Toastmasters (action) to become a confident presenter (result). Avoid clichés like "I'm a perfectionist" and instead, frame weaknesses as opportunities, such as being too detail-oriented (weakness) but using scheduling tools (action) to manage it better, ensuring it doesn't hinder core job functions.

What is the best answer for weakness?

The best answer for "what is your weakness" involves choosing a real, but not critical, weakness, explaining how you are actively working to improve it, and showing self-awareness, like struggling with public speaking but taking a course to improve, or being detail-oriented but learning to balance speed and perfection. The key is to turn a negative into a positive by demonstrating growth, not to offer a fake weakness or one that disqualifies you from the job. 

What are 5 examples of weaknesses?

Five common examples of weaknesses include difficulty with delegation, being too much of a perfectionist, struggling with public speaking, being overly self-critical, and having trouble saying "no," often leading to taking on too much work. These are often discussed in job interviews as areas for growth, where you show awareness and steps for improvement, rather than major flaws.
 

What is a good sentence for weakness?

"Weakness" can describe a physical lack of strength, a character flaw, a vulnerability, or a strong liking for something, used in sentences like: "Her weakness for chocolate often leads to overindulging," "The report highlighted a structural weakness in the bridge," or "He admitted his political weakness in negotiating the deal".
 

What weaknesses are red flags in an interview?

Red flags for weaknesses in an interview are generic, rehearsed answers like "perfectionism," blaming others, lack of accountability, dishonesty, poor communication (vague answers, not listening), negativity about past jobs, lack of interest in the role, or an inability to articulate growth from a real weakness. True red flags signal a lack of self-awareness, poor work ethic, or bad attitude, rather than a manageable developmental area. 

What is your Weakness? | Best Answer (from former CEO)

19 related questions found

What is the best weakness to use in an interview?

Here are 10 weaknesses you can mention in a job interview:

  1. I focus too much on the details. ...
  2. I have a hard time letting go of projects. ...
  3. I have trouble saying "no" ...
  4. I get impatient with missed deadlines. ...
  5. I could use more experience in… ...
  6. I sometimes lack confidence. ...
  7. I can have trouble asking for help.

What are 5 things employers cannot ask about in an interview?

Below, we outline some of the questions you cannot legally ask during a job interview and what to ask instead.

  • Questions About Marital Status. ...
  • Questions About Pregnancy or Family Plans. ...
  • Questions About Age. ...
  • Questions About Religion. ...
  • Questions About Disabilities. ...
  • Questions About Criminal History.

How can I identify my weaknesses?

To begin the process of identifying your greatest weakness, consider the following self-reflective exercises:

  1. Examining Past Experiences. ...
  2. Gathering Feedback from Others. ...
  3. Assessing Your Skills and Abilities. ...
  4. Utilize Self-Assessment Tools. ...
  5. Seek Professional Guidance. ...
  6. Identify Areas of Discomfort. ...
  7. Set Specific Goals.

What are good questions to ask the interviewer?

Good questions to ask an interviewer focus on the role's expectations, team dynamics, company culture, and future growth, demonstrating your engagement and helping you assess fit; ask about typical days, success metrics (especially in the first 90 days), team challenges, growth opportunities, and the interviewer's own experience to get insightful answers beyond what's easily Googled. Always end by asking about the next steps in the hiring process. 

What are 5 simple sentences?

Five simple sentences are: "The cat sat on the mat," "She reads books," "The sun rises," "He plays soccer," and "They went to the park," as they each contain one independent clause with a subject and verb, expressing a complete thought.
 

What not to say as a weakness in an interview?

Employers are looking for reasonable honesty when you talk about your weaknesses, so it's important not to pick a lightweight response, such as "I work too hard" or "I care too much." You also may want to avoid a weakness that isn't a required skill of the role.

What are the 3 C's of interviewing?

The "3 C's of Interviewing" vary slightly by source, but commonly refer to Confidence, Competence, and Credibility for candidates (showing you can do the job, have the right skills, and are believable) or Clarity, Confidence, and Commitment/Control/Chemistry for interviewers (setting clear expectations, projecting confidence in the role, and ensuring a good fit). For candidates, demonstrating these through specific examples helps prove you're the right person, while for interviewers, they guide a structured, effective assessment. 

What is the most common weakness of a person?

Weaknesses can vary from person to person, but common ones include lack of time management, poor communication skills, difficulty with delegation, and fear of failure. These weaknesses can impact both personal and professional growth, hindering overall progress.

How do I turn a weakness into a positive?

Make time to learn new skills to improve upon your weaknesses. In order to turn your weaknesses into strengths, you will need to make time to learn new skills. This could involve taking courses, attending workshops, or simply doing some research on your own.

What is weakness in your own words?

Weakness is defined as a lack of strength or a character flaw, or something that you cannot resist. When a beam is not strong enough to hold any weight, this is an example of a time when the weakness of the beam prevents it from holding weight.

What are the 5 C's of interviewing?

The 5 Cs of interviewing are a framework for both candidates and employers, focusing on key attributes: Character, Competence, Culture Fit/Chemistry, Communication, and often Confidence or Contribution, helping to assess a candidate's potential beyond just skills, ensuring they are a well-rounded, valuable addition to the team. Candidates should demonstrate these qualities through clear examples (like the STAR method) to show their abilities, integrity, and fit with the company's values and team, while building rapport and projecting self-assurance.
 

How do you handle stress?

Handling stress involves a mix of identifying triggers, practicing relaxation (like deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies), maintaining physical health (sleep, diet, exercise), connecting with others, managing time, and learning to say "no," focusing on taking control and developing healthy responses rather than unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or excessive drinking.
 

Why should we hire you?

My high energy and quick learning style enable me to hit the ground running and rapidly size up problems. I have the ability to stay focused in stressful situations, and can be counted on when the going gets tough. I know I would be a great addition to your team."

What is your 3 weaknesses' best answer?

The best way to answer "What are your three weaknesses?" is to choose real but manageable flaws, frame them with specific actions you're taking to improve (like taking a course or using new software), and avoid deal-breakers for the job, focusing instead on growth areas like public speaking, over-commitment, or getting bogged down in details. For each weakness, follow the formula: Identify it -> Explain your action -> Show the positive result or goal, demonstrating self-awareness and a proactive approach to development. 

How do I face my weaknesses?

Here's how:

  1. Understand where you fall short. You can't improve on your weaknesses without first understanding what they are. ...
  2. Enlist your support system. ...
  3. Educate yourself. ...
  4. Make goals for yourself and work to meet them. ...
  5. Celebrate small achievements. ...
  6. Don't forget what you're good at. ...
  7. Work with people who complement you well.

Can weaknesses be strengths?

“Based on research with thousands of people it's unusual for a genuine weakness to become a genuine strength,” explained Dr. Alex Linley, one of the world's leading experts on the development of strengths in workplaces, when I interviewed him recently.

What is the biggest red flag to hear when being interviewed?

The biggest red flags in an interview involve toxic culture indicators like an interviewer badmouthing former employees, being rude or disrespectful (distracted, interrupting, condescending), or showing a lack of transparency about the role or company, often signaled by vague answers, high turnover, or pressure to accept quickly; these suggest a poor environment where you won't be valued or supported.
 

What not to say in an interview?

12 words and phrases to avoid saying in a job interview.

  • anything negative about your former company, boss, or colleagues. Never say anything negative about other people or companies during your interview. ...
  • 'I don't know' ...
  • 'it's on my resume' ...
  • 'hate' ...
  • curse words. ...
  • 'fired' ...
  • 'stuff' ...
  • 'can't'

What three things must you convince an employer of during an interview?

The answer is:

  • Your ability to do the job.
  • Your desire to get the job.
  • Your fit in terms of the company and team culture.