Facing the question ‘What areas need improvement?’ in an interview can be a moment of truth for many job seekers. It’s a question that resonates deeply, asked by 90% of our client companies, and often reflects the crux of a candidate’s journey toward self-improvement and professional growth.
At MatchBuilt, we understand the anxiety this question can cause. Drawing from our vast experience with thousands of candidates and hundreds of successful placements, we’ve crafted this guide to help you navigate this challenging question with confidence. Here, we share insights and strategies from HR experts, empowering you to transform a potential vulnerability into a testament to your commitment to growth.
Post Contents
The Meaning and Importance of Self-Improvement in Interviews
Why Employers Ask About Areas Needing Improvement
Guidelines for Responding to the Improvement Question
Researching the Company
Considering Areas Unrelated to the Job
Adopting a Story-Like Approach
Being Honest with a Promise of Improvement
Give a Clear and Concise Answer
Examples: How to Answer “What Areas Need Improvement?”
Answer Example 1
Answer Example 2
Answer Example 3
Strategies for Effective Answers
Using the STAR Technique
Identifying Attributes for Improvement
Preparing Real-Life Examples
Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Common Pitfalls in Answering and How to Avoid Them
Avoid Mentioning Crucial Job Skills as Weaknesses
Don’t Disguise a Strength as a Weakness
Maintain Consistent Eye Contact
20 Areas of Improvement Valued by Employers
Table:
FAQs on Crafting Your Response
Conclusion: Summary and Additional Resources
The Meaning and Importance of Self-Improvement in Interviews
Self-improvement in interviews is not just about identifying gaps in skills or knowledge. It’s an exploration of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
At MatchBuilt, we recognize that when interviewers ask about areas of improvement, they’re seeking insight into a candidate’s self-awareness and eagerness to develop.
This question goes beyond pinpointing weaknesses; it’s about showcasing what motivates you and demonstrating a proactive approach to enhancing skills like time management, communication, or leadership. Embracing these improvement areas is key to not just excelling in your current role but also paving the way for future promotions and successes.
Why Employers Ask About Areas Needing Improvement
Understanding why employers inquire about areas needing improvement is crucial in preparing for job interviews.
It’s not about highlighting weaknesses but revealing a commitment to personal growth.
Successful professionals acknowledge their need for continual development, an attitude highly valued in the corporate world. This question enables hiring managers to assess a candidate’s self-awareness, honesty, and willingness to evolve. The essence lies in being open about areas for improvement, showcasing integrity and a growth mindset.
Taura D. Prosek from Stewart Leadership emphasizes that employers seek candidates who are not just qualified but also have the potential to grow and contribute long-term to the organization. This approach ensures that the recruitment process aligns with the company’s goals of retaining and nurturing talent.
Hiring managers know applicants with no gaps in skills or experience required for the role are likely overqualified and will only be fulfilled for a short time. With the increased focus on retention in many organizations, most are looking for candidates who will stay and grow with the organization.
Guidelines for Responding to the Improvement Question
Here’s a guide on how you can answer the interview question on areas that need improvement.
Researching the Company
Understanding the company’s values and approach to challenges is crucial.
As Kali Wolken from The Lookout Point advises, “Echo the company’s language and values in your response to show how you align with them.” Taura from Stewart Leadership further suggests, “Identify areas for growth relevant to the job and share how you’re working to improve them, demonstrating self-awareness and problem-solving skills.”
Considering Areas Unrelated to the Job
Choose a skill or area for improvement that isn’t critical to the job’s core responsibilities.
Andrew Fennell of StandOut CV recommends, “Focus on skills that are non-essential but you’re working to enhance, like technical knowledge in a marketing job or managerial skills for future growth.”
Adopting a Story-Like Approach
Narrative is a powerful tool.
Maureen, a career coach with Bravely, proposes, “Tell a story about receiving feedback, how you incorporated it, and the positive changes that resulted. This shows your ability to adapt and grow.”
Being Honest with a Promise of Improvement
Honesty is key, coupled with a commitment to improve.
John Ricco of Atlantic Group advises, “Be honest about your weaknesses, and pair it with actions you’re taking to improve, like courses or reading relevant material.”
Give a Clear and Concise Answer
Clarity and specificity make your answer more impactful.
Dani Herrera, a diversity and inclusion professional, suggests, “Be specific about your improvement areas, like struggling with delegation, and use this as a chance to inquire about the company’s support for your growth.”
By following these guidelines, you can craft a response that demonstrates self-awareness, a commitment to growth, and alignment with the company’s values and needs.
Now that we’ve explored the strategies for responding to improvement-related questions, let’s dive deeper with a practical example. Watch the following video titled ‘What is your biggest weakness’ to see these tips in action and gain a clearer understanding of how to articulate your weaknesses in a professional context.
Examples: How to Answer “What Areas Need Improvement?”
Upon reviewing a typical example answer to the interview question, “what areas need improvement,” you can get a clear glimpse of how to craft your responses. You can get a template from the examples below for future use.
Here are some example answers that cover different work scenarios:
Answer Example 1
That’s something I’ve been thinking through myself as this is my first application for employment. Even though I had to overcome obstacles and take exams that tested my strengths in school, I know that the business world is on an entirely different playing field.
Therefore, it was hard to identify problem areas before I worked at the company for at least a few weeks. Even so, I can’t claim to be perfect, and I am sure I will identify areas that need improvement. When conscious of my flaws, I may try to remedy the situation and eliminate them.
This example gives an approach that best suits a newbie in the employment field. It reveals one’s present ignorance of their weaknesses as far as it concerns the work. However, the respondent acknowledges their imperfection and readiness to learn, an attitude that employers would appreciate.
Answer Example 2
I was skilled at dealing with customers over the phone because of my previous position. Unfortunately, that leaves an opportunity with customer support email correspondences.
One or two misspelled words can completely change the meaning of an email, which is why I think it’s essential for customer service representatives to employ caution when communicating with clients via electronic mail.
That’s why I’ve been studying the most effective strategies for ensuring that email correspondence with clients always goes off without a hitch.
Answer Example 3
I debated whether to list “communication skills,” “presentation skills,” or “being more patient with colleagues” as areas for growth on my job application.
And in the end, I chose to include them all. Not because I have trouble conversing with others or giving speeches to an audience.
Even though I’m somewhat competent in both areas, I know how important they are in the professional sales world and would like to get even better. I believe one should always strive to improve and never settle for mediocrity.
Strategies for Effective Answers
If you intend to impress the interviewer with your response to the question “What areas require improvement?”, you need to take the appropriate approach. Here are some suggestions that may help open up dialogue on what could be enhanced.
Using the STAR Technique
You can improve your responses to interview questions by using the STAR approach. Elements included in this strategy are:
- Situation:This section provides an example of a challenging work experience you’ve overcome.
- Task:In this part of your response, you’ll detail the specific duties and responsibilities you were entrusted with carrying out as a professional.
- Action:This part describes the measures taken to address the problem.
- Result:The final component describes the actual consequence of the intervention.
Identifying Attributes for Improvement
When discussing your weaknesses with the recruiter, it is essential to be able to end on a positive note. It’s much less daunting to pick an area you’re actively working on improving, like education, training, or self-development activities.
Preparing Real-Life Examples
Picking a story from your life that’s still relevant can help the hiring manager see your opportunity in a new light. Challenges like these are common for many people throughout their careers. The likelihood that the recruiter will overlook a minor flaw in your application increases if you use an example they can identify personally or frequently encounter in their work.
Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Most people’s tone shifts while discussing a flaw instead of a strength. But, you may hamper your chances of progressing if your mood deteriorates while answering this question.
If you bring up your weakness, you should do so with some seriousness. Keep an optimistic tone once you begin talking about your goals for improvement and the steps you’re taking to hone that particular talent. The hiring manager will likely overlook the flaw and notice your enthusiasm for growth and development if you come across it this way.
Common Pitfalls in Answering and How to Avoid Them
Before we discuss common pitfalls and how to avoid them, check out this insightful video titled ‘What are your biggest weaknesses.’ It provides real-life examples of the typical mistakes candidates make while answering this tricky question, offering you a chance to learn from these scenarios before we delve into how you can navigate them effectively.
Avoid Mentioning Crucial Job Skills as Weaknesses
One of the most common errors is mentioning a skill essential to the job as a weakness. Our experience with clients shows that highlighting a gap in a critical skill can be a deal-breaker. For instance, if the role demands administrative proficiency, admitting a lack of tech-savviness could be detrimental. We’ve seen candidates lose opportunities by not aligning their self-assessment with job requirements.
Don’t Disguise a Strength as a Weakness
Many candidates attempt to frame a strength as a weakness, like claiming to be a perfectionist or overly diligent. However, our feedback from HR professionals indicates this tactic is transparent and often perceived as disingenuous. It’s important to choose a genuine area for improvement that doesn’t undermine your suitability for the role.
Maintain Consistent Eye Contact
Eye contact is crucial throughout the interview. We’ve observed a trend where candidates who maintain steady eye contact are perceived as more confident and trustworthy. It’s particularly important when discussing weaknesses. Avoiding eye contact during this part of the interview, especially if you’ve maintained it earlier, can be interpreted as dishonesty or discomfort. Continual eye contact reassures the interviewer of your sincerity.
20 Areas of Improvement Valued by Employers
In the journey of professional growth, being aware of key areas for improvement can significantly boost your career prospects. Below is a table listing 20 areas that employers highly value. Each area is accompanied by a brief description, offering insights into how enhancing these skills can make you a more attractive candidate and contribute positively to your workplace.
Table:
| Area of Improvement | Description/Example |
|---|---|
| Time Management | Enhancing efficiency in managing tasks and deadlines. |
| Technical Skills | Keeping up with relevant technologies and tools in your field. |
| Communication Skills | Improving clarity and effectiveness in verbal and written communication. |
| Teamwork | Collaborating effectively with diverse teams. |
| Problem-Solving | Developing innovative solutions to challenges. |
| Leadership | Taking initiative and leading projects or teams. |
| Adaptability | Flexibly adjusting to new situations and changes. |
| Emotional Intelligence | Understanding and managing your own emotions and empathizing with others. |
| Creativity | Generating new ideas and approaches. |
| Conflict Resolution | Handling disagreements constructively. |
| Customer Service | Enhancing client satisfaction and engagement. |
| Project Management | Efficiently organizing and overseeing projects. |
| Analytical Thinking | Evaluating data and information to make informed decisions. |
| Continuous Learning | Committing to ongoing personal and professional development. |
| Financial Literacy | Understanding basic financial concepts relevant to your role. |
| Networking | Building and maintaining professional relationships. |
| Organization | Keeping work and projects well-structured and orderly. |
| Public Speaking | Improving presentation and speaking skills. |
| Resilience | Bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive attitude. |
| Cultural Awareness | Understanding and respecting diverse cultures and perspectives. |
This table can serve as a reference point for personal development, helping you identify and focus on areas that align with your career goals and the expectations of potential employers.
FAQs on Crafting Your Response
Sharing what needs improvement can be a tricky question to answer, as it requires a balance between acknowledging weaknesses while demonstrating self-awareness and a willingness to improve. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to answer which areas need improvement.
How should I answer what areas you need improvement in an interview?
While striving to be as honest as possible, endeavor to show the strength that lies within your weakness. Discuss your commitment to professional development by sharing practical measures that you're taking to make improvements. However, when choosing a skill to discuss, avoid anything that relates directly to the job description.
How should I answer what areas need improvement in the performance review?
When responding to areas for improvement in a performance review, identify an area you are currently trying to improve. Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, talk about something you can do well or averagely but still desire to become even better.
There are various examples of areas that need improvement in a performance review; it could be communication, problem-solving, or time management. Here's an example of how you can frame your review:
In the past half a year, I've struggled to figure out how to handle issues independently. About seventy-five percent of the time, I need assistance from coworkers or supervisors. Within six months, I will use my initiative to solve half of the challenges I face using only the tools at my disposal, such as training manuals, to acquire more specific expertise in areas pertinent to my employment.
How should I answer what areas need improvement examples?
You can respond clearly and concisely by describing specific abilities or expertise you hope to acquire. Rather than stating that your goal is to increase your management skills, you may say that you want to develop your capacity for delegation.
Cynthia B. Okonkwo, CEO and human resources thought leader at Nnamtique, adds the following:
"Share the successes you've experienced due to the conscious efforts to make improvements. For example, sharing that you were once a procrastinator, who now lays out a plan of action to complete projects, is a great one."
What are some of the areas that employees need improvement in?
Employees can improve in various areas. Here are some areas that require improvement:
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Organization skills
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Writing
- Accepting feedback
- Giving constructive feedback
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
How do you find areas of improvement?
You can use any of the modalities below to determine your areas of improvement:
Read the job description of the position that you are holding currently and see whether you are filling in well as specified. If not, you can strategize on measures you can take to meet the job's requirements. Learn the company's goalsby reviewing its mission statement. Do your skills and duties align with it? You can enroll for an online course or practice other skills at work and get feedback from your colleagues.
Understand your own goalsby creating a list of professional objectives for the next one, three, five, and more years. Then, evaluate your strengths to determine if they will contribute to your objective. If not, decide which ones will assist you in accomplishing your objective and focus on those.
Get feedbackby talking to a reliable colleague, emailing a previous boss, or examining your evaluations to see if there are any patterns. Figure out your strong points and areas where you may use some work. A knowledgeable mentor can also guide you in determining your career objectives and provide actionable advice for reaching those objectives. You can expose and address potential flaws with their help.
Conclusion: Summary and Additional Resources
Navigating the “What areas need improvement?” question or the challenge of discussing your weaknesses in an interview can be tricky. But don’t worry, with the right approach, you can turn it into an opportunity to showcase your growth mindset and professionalism.
Start with thorough interview preparation. Think about an area for improvement that doesn’t directly impact the job role. Use a story to illustrate how you’ve turned feedback into positive change. Be honest in your response, and keep it clear and to the point. Whether you’re working on enhancing your leadership abilities, developing soft skills, mastering time management, or improving communication, your answer should reflect a genuine effort to grow.
Apply the tips and examples we’ve discussed, and infuse your answer with a bit of your personal touch. This way, you’ll not only answer the question but also demonstrate your honesty, self-awareness, and dedication to continuous improvement.
And if you’re looking for more advice on tackling other interview questions, MatchBuilt has got you covered. Check out our insights on “tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this job?“, “What makes you unique?“, “Why do you want to work here?“, “What is your biggest achievement?“, “Why should we hire you?“, and other common behavioral interview questions on our site.
