The typical advice for this is to describe a disadvantage that you can turn into a positive in some way. The point of the question is to see if you are aware of both your positive and your less positive aspects. People who aren’t tend to be less able to improve.

So a good response is something like “One of my disadvantages might be ______, but because of _____ I also have been able to ____ and I have a different perspective on things which can allow me to _____.

You have to fill in things that fit your situation, but basically the point is think of your disadvantages ahead of time and figure out how you can find the positive side of them. If you’re well prepared, it shouldn’t be an uncomfortable question.

A great weakness is to say that you have never worked for the company/ with this type of job before. Therefore you will need time to adjust and learn the ropes, perhaps a few weeks or longer and that you hope they will support you during this time. Also that you will do everything you can to get up to speed with the other employees and to reach your full potential. You could even give examples.

Another weakness you could talk about is something that is not important for the new job role.. For example, if the new job doesn't require you to do public speaking you could say- I used to be very quiet and people found it hard to hear me but I see the importance of this and have worked to improve this by doing.... and am now I am confident speaking clearly to groups of people and will continue to develop this so I can convey instructions clearly and create more impact... Or if you are going for a job that doesn't need you to create spreadsheets using Excel you could say- I used to have poor spreadsheet skills but I have learnt how to ....and now I can...and I will continue to...

<em>To summarise-</em> A skill that is not important for the job, how you used to be, what you have done to improve this, and how you will continue to improve this and why.

Tim is quite correct. Just reword it so that it sounds good. I know that I'm allergic to authority and I can never suffer fools gladly. But how will I say all that if asked? I am an independent thinker who doesn't necessarily agree with everyone but this has enabled me to do XYZ. The second one is simpler: I don't always have a lot of patience, but that's why it's usually easier for me to get things done.

I need to practice more the English. I’ am not full bilingual! This would be my answer.

It's a bad question. I can only think of two reasons to ask it. Perhaps they are deliberately trying to make the candidate feel uncomfortable to see how they react to stress. Or perhaps they want to hire smartypants types who have read books on "How To Ace the Job Interview" and have prepared an answer in advance.

The only way to answer it is insincerely--with a "humblebrag."

"My greatest weakness is that people say I am a perfectionist. I always deliver perfectly finished work on schedule. Sometimes that bothers people and I try to keep it under control, but, gee, I just can help myself. It gets a little boring for my boss, knowing that there will not ever be any surprises from me."