7 good weaknesses to say in an interview

7 good weaknesses to say in an interview and how to talk about them

“What’s your greatest weakness?”

It’s the question almost everyone dreads, but the right answer can actually help you stand out for the right reasons.

The key isn’t to hide your flaws. It’s to show that you’re self-aware, honest, and actively growing.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• ✅ 7 good weaknesses that are safe to say in an interview
• ✅ How to structure your answer strategically
• ✅ What to avoid and why some answers backfire

What makes a “good” weakness for an interview?

A good weakness is:

• 🎯 Honest: it’s real and relevant, not fake-humble
• 🛠️ Fixable: you’re actively working on it
• 🚫 Not disqualifying: it doesn’t block your ability to succeed in the role

Remember: self-awareness > perfection.

7 Good Weaknesses You Can Use (With Sample Answers)

1. Difficulty delegating

“In the past, I found it hard to delegate, I often felt I had to do everything myself to ensure quality. But I’ve realized that trust and clear communication lead to better outcomes. I now focus on setting expectations and checking in, not taking over.”

2. Public speaking

“I used to avoid public speaking, even small presentations would stress me out. To improve, I joined a weekly speaking group and volunteered to lead team updates. It’s still not my comfort zone, but I’ve grown significantly.”

3. Saying yes too often

“I tend to say yes to everything, especially when I want to be helpful. But I’ve learned that setting boundaries helps me deliver better work. I now pause, prioritize, and communicate timelines more effectively.”

4. Being too detail-oriented

“I can get caught up in the small things, I want everything to be perfect. While that helps with accuracy, I’ve learned that speed and progress matter too. I now set time limits and ask for feedback earlier in the process.”

5. Avoiding conflict

“I used to shy away from difficult conversations, especially with peers. But I’ve learned that respectful, direct feedback actually strengthens relationships. I’ve been working on speaking up earlier and with clarity.”

6. Asking for help too late

“I tend to push through challenges on my own, thinking I need to solve everything myself. But I’ve learned that asking for help early saves time and builds collaboration. I now flag blockers sooner.”

7. Struggling to say “done”

“Sometimes I have trouble stopping, I’ll keep tweaking a project even after it’s complete. I’ve learned to set clear criteria for completion and schedule final reviews to avoid overworking deliverables.”

What NOT to say

❌ “I’m a perfectionist.”

It’s vague and overused. If you use it, make sure to explain how it shows up and what you’re doing about it.

❌ “I work too hard.”

This sounds like humblebragging. Employers are looking for real challenges you’ve faced, not idealized traits.

❌ “I don’t have any weaknesses.”

This signals a lack of self-awareness. Everyone has something they’re working on and that’s okay.

How to structure your answer (simple formula)

“One area I’ve been working on is [weakness]. I noticed it when [brief situation]. Since then, I’ve taken steps to improve by [what you’ve done]. It’s something I still watch for, but I’ve made progress and it’s no longer a blocker.”

Final thought: Weakness = Growth Opportunity

You’re not expected to be perfect, but you are expected to be honest, reflective, and coachable.

The best candidates know how to talk about their challenges with humility, clarity, and a growth mindset. That’s what builds trust and shows maturity.