A standard question lots of employers use in job interviews asks the candidate, "What is your greatest weakness?" Candidates often opt for the strength-as-weakness non-answer, such as "I'm a perfectionist," or relatedly, "I work too hard." Few if any answer honestly ("I'll cut corners if you let me," "I treat people beneath me like dirt," etc.). Those that do probably don't get the job.

  So here are my questions for employers out there. First, what is the purpose of asking job candidates to identify their greatest weakness? And second, what is the best kind of answer? I have enabled comments. As always, civil and respectful comments only.