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Question: I have been struggling with one of the most common interview questions. It is "what is my weakness." I have no clue what to say to this and still have a chance at being hired. Any ideas? Thanks for your help! --Laurie Smith

Answer: Our experts agree that contrary to popular belief, hiring managers don't want to hear how you can spin this question into a positive. Don't say "I'm such a hard worker," says Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers in New York, "be authentic but at the same time choose something that's not damaging to your candidacy."

Career and Business Consultant Kathy Robinson recommends picking a weakness that does not have direct impact on the job. "Pick something that is true, but isn't so awful." For example, accounting candidates should not say that they're no good at Excel, but rather "say you're not good at public speaking, and say I've been working on it."

The best answers indicate that you are developing your skills. The interviewer is looking for two things, Robinson said. One is that the person is self-reflective and two is that they can let their guard down. "Saying I'm a perfectionist just comes across as glib."
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