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

 

[TxResident]

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

Try to spin things in a good light at the end of each weakness (if you're anxious and overwhelmed by tasks, mention that you're meticulous and you pay attention to detail, making sure all of your work is great.

I wouldn't particularly mention not working in a group, as I believe in medical school you're required to work in groups at times (I don't know this, I'm a premed, but from what I've read here and there I believe this to be the case).

 

[Dr Love]

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

These are terrible answers - all of them - as they are actual weaknesses. You want to say something which is a strength and sell it as a weakness. For example, I am very thorough when I read and therefore I have to study longer than most people. Or, I tend to be very focused on my tasks, and sometimes I have to step back and look at the big picture.

Phony will get you into med school, don't say you don't want to be a phony.

 

[spazz911]

These are terrible answers - all of them - as they are actual weaknesses. You want to say something which is a strength and sell it as a weakness. For example, I am very thorough when I read and therefore I have to study longer than most people. Or, I tend to be very focused on my tasks, and sometimes I have to step back and look at the big picture.

Phony will get you into med school, don't say you don't want to be a phony.

The interviewers have likely seen hundreds, maybe thousands, of applicants. They can tell a phony person from someone who is genuine. Don't be phony, but don't be overcritical and self-depreciating.

Dr Love has a point, but I don't think your answers are terrible. I actually think they are all very reasonable and very well thought out. Just present them in the best light. Just don't provide weaknesses that cannot be fixed or will dramatically impair you ability to become a great physician.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

Yeah please be honest. The "I'm a perfectionist!" line is fake and overused.

 

[tn4596]

Dr Love is right. Don't mention any of that. Always stay positive and sell yourself. Sure, interviewers see lots of phony perfectionist, but at least you will have the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Dr Love]

Trust me, I once thought you should be honest and genuine and that admissions committees would see that and reward you. Having successfully completed the admissions process, I see now what a huge mistake that was. Go with the overused phoney answers that are time-tested.