How to Answer: What are Your Weaknesses?

One of the more challenging questions that may be asked of you during a flight attendant job interview is to share what your weaknesses are. Employees in the aviation sector are expected to have a wide range of qualities and skills, from customer service to emergency response, so it can be difficult to identify a true weakness.

We’ve already discussed how to respond to “What are Your Strengths?”. This time, we will focus on the opposite question. Your goal in sharing your weaknesses in a job interview is to focus on an area that you are working to improve or a skill that you are actively trying to acquire.

So what are you NOT good at? Don’t say you don’t have any weaknesses!

We are all human beings, we make errors and mistakes. We have flaws like everyone else. It’s normal and flight attendants are no different.

Rephrase “Weaknesses” with “Areas for Improvement”

One big tip to think about changing your perspective on this question is to also adjust the way you see the word “weakness”.

Some people immediately think about personal flaws when they hear the word “weakness”. If this is how you tend to see it, then it will be difficult for you to give a good answer.

Instead, try rephrasing “weaknesses” with “areas for improvement”. This means that you are constantly trying to better yourself, both professionally and personally. When flight attendant employers see this willingness to grow, they will be more likely to want to invest in your development.

Some examples of weaknesses that can be reframed as areas for improvement include:

• Being introverted → Working on being more outgoing
• Having anxiety → Managing anxiety so it doesn’t interfere with job performance
• Being impatient → Learning how to better handle stress and cope with difficult situations
• Being Hyperfocused on Details/Tasks → Learning to take a step back to see the “big picture”
• Being overly critical of self → Building self-confidence

Instead of focusing on your flaws as a dead-end, you are constantly trying to develop yourself professionally and personally. This is an attractive quality that flight attendant employers are looking for!

Note: While the above bullet points are good examples to share your weaknesses, it is important that you provide solutions to these flaws and how you are addressing them in order to improve yourself.

Also Read: How to Answer: Tell me About a Time You Took a Leadership Role

5 Sample Answers to “What are Your Weaknesses?”

Below are some examples of how you can answer the question, “What are your weaknesses?” when you go for a flight attendant interview:

• “I tend to be a perfectionist with my work. I have had to learn to take a step back, take a breath and remind myself that “good enough” is okay sometimes. This was especially difficult during my initial work in a restaurant and when everything had to be done perfectly. I’m happy to say that I’ve gotten much better at it since then!”
• I used to get nervous when speaking in front of groups. I’ve been taking public speaking classes and practicing my delivery with friends to help me become more confident. I’m happy to say that it’s helped a lot and I’m no longer as nervous as I used to be!”
• “I used to have a lot of difficulties managing stress and anxiety. I’ve since learned some coping mechanisms and I’m much better at managing my anxiety now. I’m also working on learning how to better handle difficult situations.”
• “I have trouble saying “no” when people ask for favors or request my help with something. I am working on setting boundaries so that I can better manage my time and energy.”
• “I tend to be highly critical of myself, so I often have difficulty moving on from mistakes or errors. I’m working on learning to let go and not be so hard on myself.”

When flight attendant interviewers ask you about your weaknesses, they are looking to see how you deal with difficult situations and if you have the ability to grow and develop professionally.

Also Read: How to Answer: Tell Me About Yourself

Why do airline companies ask this question?

The reason why flight attendant employers ask about your weaknesses is to see how you react under pressure. When you are working as a flight attendant, there will be times when things do not go according to plan and you will have to deal with difficult passengers or situations.

Your ability to handle these types of situations will be a big determining factor in whether or not you are successful in this role.

Additionally, flight attendant employers want to see if you have the ability to grow and develop professionally. As we mentioned earlier, it is important to show that you are constantly trying to improve yourself both professionally and personally.

This shows that you are willing to put in the work required to be a successful flight attendant and that you are invested in your own development.

Do NOT say these weaknesses!

Do not say any weakness that is directly related to the work of a cabin crew. Here are some samples of what not to say:

• I don’t like flying.
• I have a fear of heights.
• I get motion sickness.
• I don’t like working long hours.
• I can’t work under pressure.
• I get tired and weak easily.
• I am not good with customer service.
• I prefer working by myself and not with a team.

While it’s good to be honest about your flaws, these are qualities that are directly connected to the job of a cabin crew.

So just a word of advice, my dear. If you really have the above weaknesses, don’t apply for the position because this is not for you.

Remember, flight attendants need to be able to deal with difficult situations and handle the physical demands of the job. If you cannot do these things, then you will not be a good fit.

Also Read: How to Answer: Have You Worked with Someone You Didn’t Like?

Tips to Prepare Your Response for this Question

• Don’t say that you do not have any weaknesses.
• Do not mention that you lack a certain skill that is a requirment for the job of a cabin crew.
• Do not reveal too many weaknesses.
• Be honest and real.
• Provide the steps you’ve taken in order to fix and develop yourself.
• Think about what you want to say before the interview so you don’t get caught off guard.
• Practice your answer out loud so it sounds natural, not rehearsed.
• Use positive language to reframe your weakness as an area for development
• Emphasize that you are constantly trying to better yourself in all aspects of your life

Video: Cathay Pacific Crew Shares Tips when Talking about Your Weaknesses

Check out this video of a former Cathay Pacific cabin crew on how she shares tips about how to handle this question:

Video: Best Answers about What are Your Weaknesses as a Flight Attendant Applicant

Please check out this video clip from an Emirates crew which features a good insight into how to answer this question:

Video: What is Your Weakness Answer by a Flight Attendant Blogger

Here’s another interview job question answered by DayswithKath about the weaknesses:

Summary

Remember that it is okay to have weaknesses! We are all human beings and we all have flaws. The key is to focus on flight attendant skills that are not essential for the job, and present them in a way that highlights your dedication to self-improvement.

Once you’ve identified a few potential weaknesses, the key is to frame them in a positive light.

Remember, the goal is to show that you’re aware of your weaknesses and that you’re taking active steps to improve upon them. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a motivated individual who is always looking to grow and develop. Good luck!