March 19, 2017 - By Monique Thompson
Top 7 Tips to Talk About Weaknesses in a Job Interview
Discussing weaknesses is one of the most common and confronting moments in any job interview, regardless of whether you are applying for roles in the public sector, private enterprise or corporate environments. Many applicants fear that acknowledging a shortcoming will damage their chances or draw attention to perceived flaws that employers may interpret unfavourably. In reality, interviewers pose this question to evaluate far more than the weakness itself. They are assessing your level of self awareness, emotional intelligence, maturity, accountability and your capacity to reflect constructively on areas that require development. A well structured and authentic response often carries greater weight than the weakness you choose to discuss.
At 1300 Resume, our highly experienced Career Coaches, Résumé Writers and Interview Specialists have supported thousands of clients across Australia, including graduates, mid career professionals, senior executives and APS applicants, to excel in structured and behavioural interviews. Through targeted coaching, we help candidates provide responses that are strategic, insightful and aligned with the expectations of contemporary recruiters, hiring managers and selection panels. By preparing thoroughly, using a refined framework and adopting a confident communication style, you can turn this traditionally difficult question into a powerful opportunity to highlight your professionalism, growth mindset, cultural alignment and long term potential as an employee.
Suggestions to Discuss Weaknesses
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Choose a genuine weakness, not a disguised strength
Avoid predictable responses such as “I work too hard” or “I am a perfectionist”, as recruiters view these as evasive. Select a real, manageable weakness that does not compromise your ability to perform the role, such as delegating tasks, using unfamiliar software or presenting to large audiences. Authenticity helps hiring managers understand your development needs and reinforces your integrity. -
Show strong self awareness
Employers value candidates who understand their performance patterns and proactively seek improvement. Explain how you identified the weakness, what feedback you have received and why addressing it is important. This demonstrates maturity, insight and a commitment to continuous learning, qualities highly regarded in both government and private sector recruitment. -
Explain the steps you are taking to improve
A weakness without an improvement plan can raise concerns. Provide clear, practical examples of the actions you are taking, such as enrolling in training, seeking mentoring, practising new skills or implementing structured strategies to overcome challenges. This shows accountability, initiative and a willingness to grow professionally. -
Highlight progress and measurable improvement
Interviewers want to hear evidence of development. Share short, specific examples that demonstrate improvement and the positive impact on your performance. This helps shift the focus from the weakness itself to your ability to learn, adapt and deliver results, reinforcing your suitability for the role. -
Keep the weakness relevant but not role critical
Select a weakness that is honest but does not undermine your core capability. For example, an accountant should not say they struggle with financial accuracy, and a customer service officer should not claim difficulty communicating with clients. Choose something adjacent to, rather than central to, the core requirements. -
Avoid overly personal or inappropriate examples
Keep your answer professional. Do not discuss health issues, personal challenges, stress, interpersonal problems or anything that may raise red flags. A concise, work related example keeps the focus on your capability, not your private life. -
Practise your response for clarity and confidence
Even a strong answer can fall short if delivered hesitably or without structure. Practising helps you respond naturally and confidently. Candidates who rehearse with an Interview Coach learn techniques to present answers succinctly, align their messaging with employer expectations and reduce interview anxiety.
