Strengths and weaknesses question — what I stopped saying and what actually worked

After saying "I'm a perfectionist" as a weakness approximately seven times across my career, I finally stopped.

Here's why it's a bad answer: interviewers have heard it thousands of times and it reads as either dishonest or unaware. Same with "I work too hard."

What actually worked for me:
I named a real weakness and showed what I'd done about it. "I used to struggle with presenting to large groups, I avoided it where possible. I joined Toastmasters 18 months ago and have since done 3 all-hands presentations. I still find it uncomfortable but I can do it well now."

This answer is specific, honest, demonstrates self-awareness, and shows growth. That's all they're looking for.

For strengths: Be specific, not generic. "I'm a good communicator" is meaningless. "I translate technical findings into business language, which I did for [specific example]" is a strength.