When employers ask for weaknesses, they’re trying to see if you’re the sort of person that will give an honest answer. Additionally, they want to know that you’re self-aware enough to recognize the areas where you need work and, more importantly, that you’re taking steps to improve.
Therefore, couch each of your weaknesses in terms how what you’re doing to get better. You might say something like:
“I have a hard time saying ‘no.’ On the one hand, that drives me to take on a lot of responsibility, but it also means that I sometimes tackle more than I can handle simply because someone asks me to. It’s backfired on me a few times. Lately, I’ve been trying not to answer right away. I tell the person that I’ll look at my schedule and get back to them. That removes the pressure to say “yes” in the moment and gives me the space I need to be responsible.”
This answer provides a specific, honest weakness, discusses both the positive and negative consequences, and details the steps you’re taking to improve. It’s precisely the sort of thoughtful answer interviewers appreciate.
Be sure to have a handful of weaknesses ready to go in case your interviewer asks for more than one, and then frame each using the method we’ve discussed. You’ll quickly realize that the dreaded weaknesses question isn’t all that terrible. It just takes preparation.