Recruiting pundits say that this question is put not to embarrass the candidate but to see in what areas a candidate feels he need to improve and what is his effort in that direction.
If you want to be professional, you should indentify your weaknesses along with your strengths and take steps to rectify the lapses you notice in you. Never say that you have no weaknesses, but tell the hiring managers about how you are upgrading your skills.
You must study the job description carefully. The post you applied for is not right for you, if one of your weaknesses is related to the position.
Be sure you to understand the job and its duties. Match your skills with the job needs. What is that strength you have may be considered by the recruiter your weakness? For example if you are seeking a sales job, your weakness could be "not quick to close". Sales people should be good listeners. You should say that you spend time to know the needs of the customer before giving them any advice.
Do your references stand by you?
If you are seeking a detail-oriented job, your weakness is that you are a perfectionist. Hiring managers want a man who is keen on observing every small thing.
Will your references stand by you? The question here is not how you think about it. Do they vouchsafe what you think about your skills? You should be careful in choosing the references. This is the way how the employers assess your strengths and weaknesses.
Be honest
What are your weaknesses? You know this is the most asked question. You need not be afraid of such a question. Remember that everybody has areas of weakness or areas that need to be improved. Employers are aware of this fact and ask the question for two reasons. First, they want to make sure that your weakness isn't a skill that is to be mastered in no time and second, they want to see how you would react under pressure, meaning how you would handle tough questions.
Remember that you should be honest and focused on your weakness that is not one of the foremost requirements of the job you are seeking. Don't hesitate to tell the recruiting mangers how you have taken steps to strengthen the weak areas and showcase your desire to learn constantly and grow.
