One of the most common—and challenging—questions in job interviews is some variation of: “What would you like to improve about yourself?” Whether framed as a question about skills, weaknesses, or professional growth, how you answer can significantly influence the interviewer’s perception of you. For job seekers and students, preparing a thoughtful response is essential to turning this question into an opportunity to showcase self-awareness and a commitment to growth.

Understand the Question’s Purpose

Interviewers ask this question to assess:

• Your self-awareness and honesty
• Your willingness to learn and develop
• How you handle constructive criticism
• Whether you’re a good fit for the role and company culture

Your goal is to provide an answer that is genuine, relevant, and focused on improvement—without undermining your candidacy.

Choose the Right Area to Discuss

Select a weakness or skill that:

• Isn’t critical to the job’s core responsibilities
• Is reasonable and relatable
• You’re actively working to improve

Examples by Career Level:

• Senior Managers: Presentation skills or strategic delegation
• Middle Managers: Networking or conflict mediation
• Entry-Level Candidates: Time management or technical skills

Avoid:

• Clichés like “I’m a perfectionist”
• Traits that are red flags (e.g., poor communication, inflexibility)
• Weaknesses directly related to the job’s essential functions

Structure Your Answer Effectively

Use this simple framework to keep your response concise and impactful:

1. Identify the Area: Clearly state what you’d like to improve.
2. Explain Your Approach: Describe the steps you’re taking to address it.
3. Highlight Progress: Share how these efforts are already yielding results.

Example Answers:

• “I’ve been working on becoming more concise in written communication. I sometimes include excessive detail in emails, so I’ve started using bullet points and editing for clarity. This has already improved response rates and efficiency.”
• “I’m developing my participation in meetings. I tend to listen carefully before speaking, but I’m now making an effort to contribute ideas earlier in discussions. This has helped me become more engaged in team brainstorming sessions.”
• “I’m enhancing my technical skills related to data analysis. I’ve enrolled in an online course to learn advanced Excel functions, which I’ve already applied to streamline reporting in my current role.”

Key Tips for Success

• Be Honest but Strategic: Choose a real area of improvement, but frame it positively.
• Keep It Brief: Avoid over-explaining. A concise answer feels more confident.
• Show Initiative: Emphasize that you’re proactively addressing the area.
• Stay Relevant: Ensure your answer aligns with the role and industry.
• Practice Aloud: Rehearse your response to sound natural and poised.

What to Avoid

• Don’t blame others or make excuses.
• Avoid mentioning weaknesses that could disqualify you (e.g., “I struggle with deadlines” for a project-based role).
• Never say you have nothing to improve—this suggests a lack of self-awareness.

Conclusion

Answering “What would you like to improve?” doesn’t have to be a stumbling block. With preparation and self-reflection, you can turn this question into a chance to demonstrate maturity, ambition, and fit for the role. Remember, employers don’t expect perfection—they want to see that you’re committed to growing professionally. By framing your weaknesses as opportunities for development, you’ll leave a lasting positive impression.