“What are your weaknesses?”

Sample Answer 1:

A weakness that I have is that I don’t like to do public speaking and I get nervous when I have to give a presentation or a speech in front of other people. I realize that I won’t need to do any public speaking in this job right now, but I want to overcome this fear so that when the time comes, I’ll be prepared. It’s important to me to identify any shortcomings that may affect my job performance or career advancement opportunities, and to do something about them.
To combat my fear of public speaking, I took a public speaking class at Litton College a few months ago, and after I finished the course, I joined a Toastmaster club. I have been going to the club meetings regularly where I give speeches in front of other members and I get constructive criticism about my performance.
I can say that in the past five months, I have become a better and more confident speaker. I think, however, I can be even better, and that’s why I’ve continued to attend meetings and to look for opportunities to put into practice what I’ve learned. I’m confident that in a very short time, I’ll be an even better and more ffective speaker and presenter.

shortcoming – something about oneself that isn’t as good as it should be; something that is lacking in one’s abilities or experience; a fault; a defect

One of her greatest shortcoming is that she’s always late. I don’t understand why she can’t get to meetings on time.

to combat – to fight and win; to overcome

The United Nations has programs that are working to combat world hunger.

constructive criticism – negative feedback (comments) about one’s performance that is intended to help someone improve

Can you please give me some constructive criticism about this design? Please don’t just say that “it’s fine,” because I want to know your honest opinion.

confident – believing that one can do something; convinced that one can do something

During an interview, it is very important to be confident and let the interviewer know that you are the best candidate for the job.