Whatever your weakness is, frame it in such a way to show that you are aware of it give examples of ways you are overcoming it.

If you can, find a positive weakness. I've had this question and my answer is that I'm a perfectionist because 1) it's very true and 2) for them it's something of a positive. I think I'm over the top with it and wish I wasn't as much of a perfectionist as I am. It results in a lot of self battering when something isn't right. However, the results of my perfectionism reflect well on the company. My answer for how I deal with it is that I'm always on the lookout for more efficient and faster ways of producing ideas so I can tend to both the deadline and my weakness.

I'm not suggesting you go in and say you're a perfectionist! Just an example of how I turned the negative question into a positive for the company. If you can find a way to do that, then it's what I suggest.

I've found that many people look for canned answers that SOUND positive, even if these don't really pertain to them personally. (The candidate who does an internet search for "good answers" to that question in place of introspection, for example.) Please note that I am not suggesting that you are one of these, since you are asking how to prepare for the question. But those people are out there.

When an employer asks for a weakness, many candidates try to offer a strength masquerading as a weakness instead. This really doesn't fool potential employers, and probably most often results in a mental eye roll, since they've heard the same thing from each person they've interviewed.

Sure, you really want the job and you'd be a hard worker and a great asset to the company, and it's harder than ever to find a job these days... but proceed with caution, because people have a knack for spotting insincerity a mile away. That means that to have a shot at the job, you're going to need to be honest.

Do say that you're a perfectionist* if you really are one - but that really does seem to be the universal answer for the majority of job candidates, perfectionist or not. Like cornfed, I'd suggest that if you plan to use this answer, you prepare to explain how your perfectionism affects you and your work personally and what specific efforts or strategies you use to keep it in check.

I'd also suggest that you be sure to have another answer on hand. I've seen an interviewer ask for a weakness, and if the response was "I am a perfectionist", ask for another example. Some interviewers ask you to list THREE strengths and weaknesses by default.

If you do second-guess yourself a lot that might be a good thing to list as one of your weaknesses - but what do you do to make sure you meet deadlines when you're still uncertain? Unfortunately, while we do want to offer helpful advice, no one can answer that question for you.

It requires some thought and preparation beforehand, but I would second (or third) the suggestion that you do a bit of soul-searching before your interview:

- List your perceived weaknesses honestly to yourself (as many as you can).

- Be hard on yourself during this exercise. We all have weaknesses, and knowing what yours are is a good way to show that you are capable of both evaluating yourself and solving problems.

- After you've made the list, address each weakness to see how you can frame it in a positive way - "Well, I have trouble with X, so now I Y to be sure that (etc.)".

I know that this is all easier said than done, but going this route is sure to impress a potential employer with your own originality and self-awareness far more than taking the more common route and trying to dodge the question.

* it is also worth noting that some employers do NOT view perfectionism as a strength, but as a form of procrastination, so use that example with caution coupled by a damned good way you work through it, if you do happen to be a perfectionist.

As someone who interviews potential new hires, I have mixed feelings about that sort of approach. I hear those kinds of safe answers quite often, and they sometimes register as disingenuous and manipulative — both of which leave a bad impression.

In fact, I'll often ask awkward questions just to see whether or not the person being interviewed gives a thoughtful, interesting, unexpected and honest response or throws up a defensive wall of canned answers that he or she thinks I want to hear.

For example, I heard this answer to similar question recently: "I'm far too punctual in meeting my obligations and it sometimes causes resentment from those who aren't as reliable." Um, wrong answer.

The older I get the more I feel rehearsed answers are the wrong way to go. Be prepared yes, but don't read off notecards.

Thanks everyone!

Yeah, actually I'm really trying to avoid the typical answer about being a perfectionist as my weakness. I know thats a commonly chosen thing, and I want my answers to stand out and be unique!

That's why I wasn't sure exactly how to answer it. I'm guessing since second guessing myself is a weakness of mine, I'll deff try to figure out ways to make that a strong answer and how I approach this weakness.

Anyone have any suggestions as to how to answer that in a professional and unique manner?