Job interviews are a chance to show why you’re the right person for the job. When an interviewer asks, “What do you need to improve?” they want to see if you know your strengths and where you can get better. They’re not trying to trick you; they just want to know you better.
Interviewers want to find out if you understand what you need to work on and if you’re good at working with others. They also want to know how the company might help you grow. With the proper preparation, you can answer this interview question confidently and leave a lasting impression.
What Interviewers Expect When They Inquire About Improvements
- Self-awareness: Knowing and admitting what you need to work on shows maturity and solid self-understanding. Recognizing areas for growth helps you advance both professionally and personally.
- Proactiveness: Employers want to see that you are already trying to improve in these areas. Showing that you learn quickly and work hard to grow makes a strong impression.
- Relevance: Honesty is good, but make sure your answer fits the role. For example, if you’re trying for a sales position, explaining a need to enhance your public speaking skills makes more sense than admitting trouble with tasks unrelated to your job.
How to Answer “What Do You Need to Improve?”
When creating your answer, consider these tips:
Tell a story to show your growth
Use a story when you answer so the interviewer can easily remember and understand you. That approach allows you to show real examples of how you’ve grown. Stories highlight how you’ve faced challenges and what you’ve learned from them. Plus, stories can create a stronger emotional connection with the interviewer.
Be honest but smart with your answer
Avoid vague answers like “I work too hard.” Pick a real area you’re working on. Sharing a genuine weakness shows honesty and a willingness to evolve. Everyone has room for improvement; the key is how you handle it. Being real about your weaknesses shows that you are continuously working to improve.
Here are common examples of areas needing improvement:
- Time management skills
- Juggling multiple tasks
- Presentation skills
- Communication skills
- Management skills
- Leadership skills
- Professional development
Talk positively about your improvements
Even though the question centers on what you need to work on, keep things positive. Show that you’re actively finding ways to improve. For example, instead of saying, “I struggle with time management,” try, “I’ve realized that I can sometimes get caught up in details, so I’ve been using task management tools and setting specific time limits to prioritize effectively.”
Explain how you’re fixing it
After identifying what you’d like to improve, explain what steps you are taking to grow. For instance, if you’re working on tech skills, mention a class you’ve enrolled in or a project you’ve taken on to practice these abilities.
Common Mistakes When Discussing Your Areas of Improvement
- Don’t be too negative: Admitting imperfections is fine, but avoid listing every shortcoming or being overly self-critical. Stay focused on one or two key areas.
- Avoid irrelevant weaknesses: If a weakness doesn’t relate to the job, it’s best not to mention it. Keep your example relevant so the interviewer sees how it matters to the role at hand.
- Don’t say you have no weaknesses: Claiming perfection can sound insincere or unrealistic. Everyone can find something they’d like to do better.
- Avoid being defensive: Be calm and sincere when describing a weakness. Show that you accept it and are actively improving rather than making excuses.
Sample Answers to “What Do You Need to Improve?”
Example #1 – Time management improvement
“Earlier in my career, I noticed I was taking on too many projects at once, which affected my ability to excel in all of them. To improve, I started using digital tools to better organize my tasks and manage my time, helping me prioritize effectively and boost my overall productivity.”
This answer shows the improvement area (time management), explains the solution (using digital tools), and shares the result (better productivity and prioritization). It highlights a proactive approach to addressing a challenge common to many professionals.
Example #2 – Public speaking improvement
“Public speaking felt intimidating, especially during formal presentations. To tackle this, I enrolled in a public speaking workshop and joined a local professional group where I could practice regularly. It’s still a work in progress, but each presentation has become easier.”
This response points out a specific skill to improve (public speaking), details the steps taken (workshops and practice groups), and describes noticeable progress. It demonstrates a commitment to personal growth, valuable in roles that may require strong communication skills.
Example #3 – Delegation skills
“In a previous role, I found myself overwhelmed by tasks because I hesitated to delegate. This limited my effectiveness. Recently, I’ve focused on improving my delegation abilities by asking for feedback from experienced colleagues and seeking opportunities to distribute tasks more effectively.”
This example demonstrates an understanding of teamwork and leadership, both of which are valuable to employers in any industry.
Example #4 – Technical skill enhancement
“As I advanced my career in tech, I recognized my coding skills needed sharpening. I signed up for advanced courses and participated in hackathons to apply what I learned in real-time scenarios.”
This answer identifies the area for improvement (coding skills), the steps taken (courses and hackathons), and suggests ongoing effort. It shows dedication to developing a specialized skill that can be critical in a technical role.
“What do you need to improve?” is not intended to trick you. Instead, it provides an opportunity to highlight self-awareness, a commitment to personal and professional growth, and a willingness to take proactive steps toward self-improvement. With careful thought and honest reflection, you can turn this question into a positive part of your interview experience, no matter where you are in your career journey.