How to answer "what's your biggest weakness?"

I’ve been asked “What’s your biggest weakness?” in many interviews. Maybe it sounds deep or profound or something?

In any case, one non-BS way to answer is to be honest (you should always be honest). But also be smart.

Answer with a real weakness, and make it clear you’re working on it and improving.

For example, for me an answer could be:

• I’ve struggled at times to give direct critical feedback to people. This has meant colleagues haven’t always heard what they needed to to grow.

• To manage this, I frame feedback as helping the person and the company.

• Not giving it is only serving myself, and even then only in the short term.

• Thinking about it like this helps me decide to push through any discomfort and just give feedback. I’ve gotten a lot better at it.

And then, of course, be ready for the next obvious question: provide examples.

How do you answer this question? Have you seen or given any really good or really bad answers? Comment below 🙏