One of the most commonly asked but often mishandled questions in job interviews is, “What is your greatest weakness?” For many candidates, this question creates uncertainty—should they reveal a personal flaw, disguise a strength as a weakness, or give a rehearsed answer? While the question is intended to gauge self-awareness and honesty, the way candidates choose to respond can significantly influence how they’re perceived by potential employers.
Recently, a Reddit post broke down this question in a way that felt realistic and helpful to many professionals. The post argued that instead of framing the answer around personality traits or emotional shortcomings, jobseekers should focus on job-specific skills they are still developing. This more grounded approach quickly resonated with users, sparking a discussion filled with shared experiences and thoughtful perspectives.
Shift the Focus to Job-Related Challenges
According to the Reddit post, answers like “I work too hard” or “I’m too honest” often come off as insincere or self-serving. Similarly, mentioning emotional sensitivities—such as taking criticism too personally or letting people take advantage—can raise doubts about a candidate’s fit for the role. The post recommended keeping the answer focused on professional areas that need improvement but can be realistically addressed once hired.
A stronger alternative, it suggested, would be acknowledging something like a lack of experience with a specific tool or platform used by the company. This shows both honesty and a willingness to learn, positioning the candidate as someone who is aware of the job requirements and ready to grow.
Redditors Reflect on Their Own Experiences
Several commenters chimed in with personal stories. One user mentioned realizing that despite being an experienced events producer, they lacked formal project management credentials. To address this, they enrolled in an internal apprenticeship program—demonstrating initiative and a commitment to improvement.
Another user recalled being asked the same question in an interview and regretted not answering it in a straightforward, practical way. They acknowledged that simply stating their unfamiliarity with a database system would have been more appropriate than trying to cover it up.
A third user added that weaknesses should be seen as opportunities for growth, advising others to frame their responses around how they’ve worked to overcome such gaps.
Is the Question Still Relevant Today?
While the advice was appreciated by many, one commenter questioned whether the question itself is outdated, noting that they hadn’t encountered it in recent interviews. This viewpoint reflects a broader trend in hiring, where companies are gradually shifting away from generic interview questions in favor of task-based or scenario-driven assessments.
The overall takeaway from the Reddit discussion is clear: when faced with the “greatest weakness” question, stick to practical, job-related shortcomings that can be improved with time and training. Avoid turning the response into a character analysis or a disguised strength. This kind of honesty, paired with a willingness to grow, is more likely to leave a positive impression on interviewers.