I'd hate to be asked that question, and would prefer an answer like yours to some answer made up so as not to sound like something bad.

...without knowing the purpose of the question." If pressed further with something like, "You need to answer the question." I might respond with, "I did answer the question." Or, "If you could highlight the reason behind the question or the area of expertise you'd like discussed, I could attempt to answer."

IMHO, it's a booby trap question that has numerous paths depending on how the candidate perceives the problem. Maybe they will betray some flaw or insecurity that could be useful to rule out the candidate. Some answers can show how candidates deal with stress or think on their feet. Some answers might reveal if you're problem solver, a salesman, a teacher...

"Well, I'm not sure I've encountered my greatest weakness yet. Oh, I know I have them. At one time I thought it might be that I would never (be able to / learn / accomplish / deal with) ____________, but I found a way to overcome it everytime I'm challenged."

Something like that. I think it should be business related, too. Anything you can do to turn that trite and dumb question (and it is) into a positive is key.

I think "My wife's lasagna," while being really funny, might also be a little snarky for some.

unless you've concluded the interviewer has a humor deficit.

sprung on me. I think I said I'm a perfectionist.

Great minds and all that

my conclusion is that most management folks really stink at interviews. They were told this is a good question and so they ask it never knowing why or what they hope to elicit.

Have never been asked that question, but have heard from others that have had it asked of them.

My guess is that they want some personal fault which you are working on. Overeating lasagna may just fit the bill

then follow it up with saying "you probably meant related to working?"

And then give an answer which can be turned around to be a benefit--like being a perfectionist--
which means you apply yourself to making sure the job gets done.

Good luck with the interview!

demonstrates a good sense of humor, which should be seen as a strength, imo.

Then following up with an actual answer and how one is taking steps to address the weakness demonstrates one's self-awareness.

I would probably say something like I tend to take on more than my share of the work instead of delegating it out. And then I'd give an example of how I have worked to delegate more so that I could focus more of my time and talent on what is truly my responsibility in a project.

It's the question I hate the most whenever I had an interview. I think the interviewer just wanted to know about how you see yourself. They wouldn't really take your anwer as it is. Your wife's lasagna answer will be great to break the ice. But of course you need to ensure that the interviewer can take that as a joke too.Then you can take the advice of saying that it is "being perfectionist". But ensure that you can aso give the impression of it.

The slick trick of this question is: 'greatest' is a positive, while 'weakness' is a negative. The two cannot compliment one another and are designed to drive the applicant toward personal thoughts over professional. Most people answer with the former.

The last time I was asked about my 'greatest weakness' I answered, "Knowing the difference between those two." It paused and raised an eyebrow of the interviewer. He then jotted a short note I didn't see. And I got the job.

Im not hardware tech savvy. I'm brilliant with problem solving but suck at computer crashes. I'd need help setting up my new computer at the firm. While "my" personal skills in IT are company standard, I'd welcome a pro's expertise.

Since most companies have their own IT hardware specialists the question is moot but you don't have to "know" that @ that particular firm.

Good luck!

is to respond with something positive.

http://www.job-hunt.org/job_interviews/answering-weaknesses-question.shtml

https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-best-way-to-answer-whats-your-biggest-weakness

i do a lot of interviews at work and, although i refuse to ask that question, that would impress me.

is a great ice breaker, and very clever, but follow it up by a genuine weakness that's not all that big, such as, 'I can get a little nervous when I have to make a speech or presentation, but I practice it at home and I'm much more confident than I used to be'.

That demonstrates recognition of the 'fault' and the achievement in overcoming it.

I answered that I wish I was more proficient in a certain more advanced computer program but I was working on learning it which I was. The computer program was not necessarily needed for the job that I was applying for but it wouldn't hurt to learn. The interviewer liked that I was eager to learn things.

If its just an interveiwer personel person they might feel you were making fun of them .

Knock em dead !

"I have difficulty tolerating coworkers who do not meet reasonable standards."

wait, that's no good

OK go with the lasagna