For this edition. . . I have a twist!

Welcome back to our monthly series exploring common interview questions for data science candidates. So far, we've provided comprehensive advice on how to respond effectively to "What is your greatest strength?" However, this month, I am going to pivot and address another commonly asked, yet challenging question: "What is your greatest weakness?"

While this question may seem daunting, it provides a unique opportunity to showcase your self-awareness, honesty, and the steps you're taking to overcome your limitations. Let's explore a model response and understand why it works.

A Model Response

"Like many data scientists, my background is more technical than business-oriented. Earlier in my career, I sometimes struggled to translate complex data findings into actionable insights that non-technical stakeholders could understand. Recognizing this as a weakness, I've made significant efforts to improve my communication skills. I've taken courses on business communication and storytelling, and I've sought feedback from colleagues on how to better present my findings.

An example of this improvement was during a recent project where our team was trying to identify the cause of a decrease in user engagement. The data was pointing towards a certain feature in our application that was causing confusion for the users. I was tasked with presenting this to our product team. I used simple language, analogies, and visuals to explain our findings and their implications, and the feedback I received was very positive. They appreciated my ability to explain complex findings in an understandable way, and we are now working together to address the issue."

Why This Answer Works Well

1. Honesty and Self-Awareness: The candidate candidly admits a weakness, which shows self-awareness and honesty, traits highly valued in any professional setting.
2. Proactive Improvement: The candidate shows initiative by explaining the steps taken to improve the mentioned weakness, demonstrating their commitment to personal growth and learning.
3. Progress and Results: The candidate provides an example of how their efforts have led to improvement and the positive impact on their work.

Addressing your weaknesses can be just as important as highlighting your strengths. Stay tuned for our next article where we'll revert back to discussing your greatest strength from different perspectives. In the meantime, remember that admitting weaknesses isn't a sign of incompetence, but rather an acknowledgment of your constant effort to learn and improve.