What they are really asking

This is a weakness question wearing a different jacket. The interviewer wants to see how you talk about yourself when there's no obvious right answer. People who can describe their own personality calmly, without drama or excuses, tend to take feedback well at work.

Stay away from anything alarming. "I'd change my temper" makes the interviewer imagine you shouting at a colleague. Also avoid saying you wouldn't change anything; it sounds like you haven't looked. The best choice is a trait with a real upside and a real cost, so you can talk about both.

A shape that works

Trait, upside, cost, what you do about it. Name the trait in plain words. Say briefly why it helps you sometimes, because that's part of the "why." Then give the cost with a small example, and finish with how you manage it now. That last part answers the question behind the question: can you work around your own habits?

Model answers

Listen to how each answer is built, then make it yours.

Answer 1: a civil engineer who stays quiet in meetings
Answer 2: a graphic designer who is impatient
Answer 3: a restaurant manager who is very direct

Check yourself

1What makes a good trait to choose for this question?
2Why is "I wouldn't change anything" a poor answer?
3What is the question behind the question?

Practice · 3 min

Write down one trait you'd like to change. Add one sentence on how it helps you, one example of when it caused a small problem, and one sentence on how you manage it now. Record your answer. Listen back for tension in your voice; if you hear it, pick a lighter example and try again.

Your recording stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.