my weaknesses

[docmayer]

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Hi guys I wanted to post my (honest) weaknesses, and would like your input as to whether or not they are "acceptable" at an interview.

I get anxious and overwhelmed when I have many tasks to complete. I have been successfully over-coming this weakness by prioritizing what needs to be done by asking myself the following questions: What needs to be completed first/last? What is most/least important? This tends to reassure me that things will get done in an organized and timely manner, reducing my anxiety.

Tend to be hard on myself if I don't achieve a given goal. I try to overcome this by looking at the positives of "failure". What can I do to improve? What did I learn from this experience?

I am confident in my decisions and rather not work in a group. Consequently, I tend to have high expectations of others and am disappointed if they are not met (ie certain group projects in university). I haven't really done anything to overcome this.

Thoughts? I just don't want to raise doubt or a red-flag. But I also don't want to be a phony and say "I'm too nice" or something stupid.

Thanks

 

[TXKnight]

Hi guys I wanted to post my (honest) weaknesses, and would like your input as to whether or not they are "acceptable" at an interview.

1---I get anxious and overwhelmed when I have many tasks to complete. I have been successfully over-coming this weakness by prioritizing what needs to be done by asking myself the following questions: What needs to be completed first/last? What is most/least important? This tends to reassure me that things will get done in an organized and timely manner, reducing my anxiety.

2--- Tend to be hard on myself if I don't achieve a given goal. I try to overcome this by looking at the positives of "failure". What can I do to improve? What did I learn from this experience?

I am confident in my decisions and3----- rather not work in a group. Consequently, I tend to have high expectations of others and am disappointed if they are not met (ie certain group projects in university). I haven't really done anything to overcome this.

Thoughts? I just don't want to raise doubt or a red-flag. But I also don't want to be a phony and say "I'm too nice" or something stupid.

Thanks

In the interview,
1- don't frame it like that, it sounds a greater weakness than it actually might be. You can spin it to make it sounds like pressure is good because it allows you to prioritize. Though don't sweat it.
2- I am like this as well. Sometimes it's hard to see any achievement because i am too hard on myself. However, this is not true. Now, projecting your "insecurity" (dont mean it in a bad way) and becoming easily frustrated with yourself and possibly others is an issue. It's a fine line to walk. Though this is not necessarily bad. you can frame it as something that allows you to perform better and aim higher. That is not bad.
3- This is kinda like a consequence of #2. From all these thigs you have mentioned I think this is the red flag. Dont mention this. You must be able to work in a team and sometimes you will need to deal with people who will test your patience.

my 0.02

 

[cliquesh]

I agree with the guy above for the most part. 2 is pretty solid. 1 needs rewording, but I know what you mean. 3 is a big no no. Medicine is all about team work and people want to hear you're a team player.

 

[MedicalMBA]

In an interview setting I would suggest just bringing one weakness up and expanding upon it. I feel like those questions are usually phrased as what is your greatest weakness.

That being said, I think you should stick with number two. That has the best potential to put a positive spin on a weakness, which is ideally what you should be doing. You don't really ever want to put yourself down during the interview, even in this type of scenario. Definitely nix number 1 and 3. 1 calls into question your ability to handle the pressures of medical school, even if you say you have figured out a way to "deal with it".
3 is a large red flag, especially in today's inter-professional team based healthcare.

Hope this helps! Always show yourself in the best possible light and you'll be good!

 

[docmayer]

Thanks guys. These were honest weaknesses so thank you for your input.

 

[sisko]

my biggest weaknesses are that I'm a perfectionist and that I just care too much about helping people

 

[DrWily]

my biggest weaknesses are that I'm a perfectionist and that I just care too much about helping people

That's a sure way to get into the rejected pile. 👍

 

[ModernAlchemist]

That's a sure way to get into the rejected pile. 👍

(My new hobby to distract me from app cycles is following you around with this picture after you school someone)

 

[DrWily]

(My new hobby to distract me from app cycles is following you around with this picture after you school someone)

Lol. I'm honored

 

[Ravizzle]

That's a sure way to get into the rejected pile. 👍

+1👍

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[sisko]

hmm did you guys think I was being serious? if so I've got an awesome bridge for sale which you should definitely buy! I can tell already, you bright chaps are just the kind of customers I love doing business with 😉

 

[DrWily]

hmm did you guys think I was being serious? if so I've got an awesome bridge for sale which you should definitely buy! I can tell already, you bright chaps are just the kind of customers I love doing business with 😉

No, definitely not serious. Just poking fun at the types of people who WOULD say that.

 

[MedPR]

my biggest weaknesses are that I'm a perfectionist and that I just care too much about helping people

Those weaknesses will serve you well in your janitorial career.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[dudeliness]

What about saying that your biggest weakness is that you have none?

 

[DrWily]

What about saying that your biggest weakness is that you have none?

That's a sure way to get into the rejected pile. 👍

👍

 

[Ravizzle]

What if you're weaknesses is that people just love you too much? Like ppl just start bowing in your presence and worship you?

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[MedPR]

What if you're weaknesses is that people just love you too much? Like ppl just start bowing in your presence and worship you?

Sent from my Galaxy S2

Then you'd be me.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[dudeliness]

Ok wily, what if the weakness was being too dedicated to accomplishing a task? Like you get started on a project and ignore all else until it's finished.

 

[DrWily]

Ok wily, what if the weakness was being too dedicated to accomplishing a task? Like you get started on a project and ignore all else until it's finished.

My advice is to come up with something real. None of this "imma take a weakness cleverly disguised as a positive" BS. Interviewers can see straight through that shiet.

As with any weakness, make sure you also put a positive spin on it like "I've been working on my weakness by doing this, and that helps me manage my weakness, and grow from it."

 

[DrWily]

Example is like time management. Who doesn't have time management issues? But I make lists of my priorities and slowly work from there. It helps me organize my thoughts so that I can be more clear about what I need to do first. This allows me to manage my time more effectively than if I didn't employ this technique. I am learning to manage my time better which allows me to be more productive.

 

[dudeliness]

Example is like time management. Who doesn't have time management issues? But I make lists of my priorities and slowly work from there. It helps me organize my thoughts so that I can be more clear about what I need to do first. This allows me to manage my time more effectively than if I didn't employ this technique. I am learning to manage my time better which allows me to be more productive.

Oh, I see. Good one.
No, really. I know it sounds mocking, but that's just the interwebz talking.

 

[sisko]

oh I have another good one...

my greatest weakness: excessive humility

 

[DrWily]

Ok wily, what if the weakness was being too dedicated to accomplishing a task? Like you get started on a project and ignore all else until it's finished.

So is this a legit question? I can't tell. Interwebz sarcasm has me jaded

 

[MedPR]

So is this a legit question? I can't tell. Interwebz sarcasm has me jaded

I've not known the dude to be sarcastic.

 

[dudeliness]

So is this a legit question? I can't tell. Interwebz sarcasm has me jaded

I was being serious.

 

[dudeliness]

I've not known the dude to be sarcastic.

Yes, maybe I'm too sincere. That could be a flaw, right? 😉

 

[MedPR]

Yes, maybe I'm too sincere. That could be a flaw, right? 😉

Sounds like a humblebrag 🙂 My weakness is that I hate people that are dumber than me.. so basically I hate everyone.

 

[dudeliness]

Sounds like a humblebrag 🙂 My weakness is that I hate people that are dumber than me.. so basically I hate everyone.

Oh, look at you mr humblebrag-pants!