Your Greatest Weakness

[arisunomori]

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I wondered if the "What's your greatest weakness?" interview question was just a myth, until I found it on Rush's Secondary Application... Trying to answer it intelligently has been more difficult than I thought. Do I go for the roundabout way of describing what is really a strength (that tends to come out sounding like I haven't really answered the question). Somehow flat out describing how much I really suck doesn't seem like a good answer either...

I wonder if anyone else has ideas about how to go about this one elegantly? Answering it in an interview is going to be even worse, so finding some good answers before being faced with this question in person seem like a good idea.

Thanks!!

 

[superunknown]

I've gotten that question in an interview, and I was totally not ready for it. But after a brief pause I had something to say that ended positively, and I think thats the key to answering the question.

My advice: make your answer something that you can give an example of how you've improved upon. Always end up-beat.

 

[superdevil]

I wondered if the "What's your greatest weakness?" interview question was just a myth, until I found it on Rush's Secondary Application... Trying to answer it intelligently has been more difficult than I thought. Do I go for the roundabout way of describing what is really a strength (that tends to come out sounding like I haven't really answered the question). Somehow flat out describing how much I really suck doesn't seem like a good answer either...

I wonder if anyone else has ideas about how to go about this one elegantly? Answering it in an interview is going to be even worse, so finding some good answers before being faced with this question in person seem like a good idea.

Thanks!!

i've had this question twice, i think (well, once for sure) in interviews. here is what i do: i admit a weakness that is a derivative of a strength (i.e., "sometimes i become too immersed in my work," etc.), then provide a specific instance of how i came to realize that i have that weakness, and then provide an instance that shows i'm improving in that area. this is a pretty constructive way to analyze yourself, and it was well-received by my interviewer.

 

[fever5]

I had this question on a job interview once...two choices, be honest, or tweak. Personally I think both ways are difficult to explain. If your answer is a very deep imperfection then you look stupid, if you come close to saying you have no weaknesses then you appear unrealistic or out of touch with reality (which I think would be the worst thing).

My approach now is to state a weakness which many people are afflicted with and say how I am trying to improve. I think interviewers don't really care what it is that you are weak on (unless you say you are an alcoholic or anarchist), as long as you
a) recognize it
b) try to improve on it.

Ex. "Occassionally I have problems being focused/disciplined when it comes to things like exercise, or studying for an uninteresting course. However bla bla blah I have reflected on this weakness and have taken the following bla bla bla strategies to improve these weaknesses...I realize addressesing these weaknesses may be an onerous task but bla blah blah I am optimistic I will succeed.

🙂 Modify to your hearts content.

 

[fever5]

Apparently I was a little slow on the post. Superdevil says essentially the same thing, although his approach is a little cleaner.

 

[kikkoman]

i've had this question twice, i think (well, once for sure) in interviews. here is what i do: i admit a weakness that is a derivative of a strength (i.e., "sometimes i become too immersed in my work," etc.), then provide a specific instance of how i came to realize that i have that weakness, and then provide an instance that shows i'm improving in that area. this is a pretty constructive way to analyze yourself, and it was well-received by my interviewer.

Yeah, I don't think that works, because you can end up coming across as kind of pompous. If you are going to admit to a weakness, admit to something that is actually a weakness. Pointing out how you are improving on it seems good though..... I dunno, if I were interviewing someone and he said his weakness was "working too hard" - I would toss the file...

 

[fever5]

.... If you are going to admit to a weakness, admit to something that is actually a weakness. I dunno, if I were interviewing someone and he said his weakness was "working too hard" - I would toss the file...

I agree the example seems a little unrealistic, but the strategy for answering the question doesn't get much better. Med interviewers want to see how you think, not what you are at the moment.

there are two types of answers on these interviews:
1) simple answers - that just address the question and nothing more
2) intelligent answers - address the question and expand on it with good explanations

 

[superdevil]

Yeah, I don't think that works, because you can end up coming across as kind of pompous. If you are going to admit to a weakness, admit to something that is actually a weakness. Pointing out how you are improving on it seems good though..... I dunno, if I were interviewing someone and he said his weakness was "working too hard" - I would toss the file...

wooow, i'm glad that you think that's pompous and you would toss that file. i'm also glad that my interviewer disagreed with you and i got accepted.

first the "working too hard" thing was just an example. second, if you're familiar with the rigorous lifestyle of a physician, you would understand the relevance of admitting that your work can consume you if you don't keep careful focus on your priorities. doctor get divorced/etc. all the time because of stuff like this. hello???

 

[constructor]

wooow, i'm glad that you think that's pompous and you would toss that file. i'm also glad that my interviewer disagreed with you and i got accepted.

first the "working too hard" thing was just an example. second, if you're familiar with the rigorous lifestyle of a physician, you would understand the relevance of admitting that your work can consume you if you don't keep careful focus on your priorities. doctor get divorced/etc. all the time because of stuff like this. hello???

if it's an example, then that's fine. but if you actually say that during an interview, you're not really stating a weakness that is unique to you when i'm sure there are plenty that you could have come up with (as can everyone else if they think about it for a little while). i would always be honest with the interviewer and give a real weakness that might make me seem human but also not compromise my ability to do the job i'm interviewing for.

your answer is a typical copout answer which everyone gives and i don't think that's the reason you got accepted. i'd say that 80% of the people i know who got asked that question gave your response. actually, a lot of them came up with better examples than the one you mention of a doctor having long hours and having to balance family life, but i still sense the superficiality of the answer and i'm sure the interviewers do, too. fortunately, they know it's tough so they won't hold it against you unless you really **** it up. it's one of those questions where few people come up with a great answer and most people just have to try not to raise any flags.

 

[superdevil]

i would always be honest with the interviewer and give a real weakness that might make me seem human but also not compromise my ability to do the job i'm interviewing for.

how did my example not meet your requirement? it really happens, you know...

Originally Posted by constructor
your answer is a typical copout answer which everyone gives and i don't think that's the reason you got accepted. i'd say that 80% of the people i know who got asked that question gave your response. actually, a lot of them came up with better examples than the one you mention of a doctor having long hours and having to balance family life, but i still sense the superficiality of the answer and i'm sure the interviewers do, too.

i'm glad you "sense the superficiality of the answer." it was just an example, after all.

of course that's not the reason i was accepted, i didn't actually say that. apparently my post was too "superficial" for your massive intellect and wonderfully condescending reply.

 

[patzan]

My anterior talofibular ligament.

 

[VPDcurt]

Yeah, I don't think that works, because you can end up coming across as kind of pompous. If you are going to admit to a weakness, admit to something that is actually a weakness. Pointing out how you are improving on it seems good though..... I dunno, if I were interviewing someone and he said his weakness was "working too hard" - I would toss the file...

Yeah I agree.

PS - You are much better than La Choy

 

[Shades McCool]

My biggest weakness is that I am never satisfied with the status quo.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

if i admit that perhaps my greatest weakness is getting too involved (emotionally, not sexually or romantically...so don't even say that) with my patients, is that a red flag leading to disaster? i mean it is the truth but is it something i should never mention?

 

[NubianPrincess]

i'm too sexy for med school
so sexy, yeah 👍

 

[superdevil]

i'm too sexy for med school
so sexy, yeah 👍

hmmm...maybe i should have tried this... 👍

 

[UCLAstudent]

Mine is cheesecake. 😉

 

[constructor]

how did my example not meet your requirement? it really happens, you know...


i'm glad you "sense the superficiality of the answer." it was just an example, after all.

of course that's not the reason i was accepted, i didn't actually say that. apparently my post was too "superficial" for your massive intellect and wonderfully condescending reply.

do you realize that every physician has to deal with the situation you described and that every one of them makes huge sacrifices because of their unusual work commitment? how, then, is the inability or partial inability to deal with that a weakness? you're right that it does happen. i never said it doesn't happen; i'm just saying that it's not a very original answer that honestly reflects on your real weaknesses. you're just saying you can't do something that no one else can do anyway. it's like a mechanical engineer at ferrari saying "boy, my biggest weakness is that we haven't yet built a car that goes faster than the speed of light..." if i were interviewing him, i would not only reject him, but i'd also beat his ass for being a jackass.

 

[kikkoman]

Yeah I agree.

PS - You are much better than La Choy

La Choy = ass juice in a can.

 

[superdevil]

do you realize that every physician has to deal with the situation you described and that every one of them makes huge sacrifices because of their unusual work commitment? how, then, is the inability or partial inability to deal with that a weakness? you're right that it does happen. i never said it doesn't happen; i'm just saying that it's not a very original answer that honestly reflects on your real weaknesses. you're just saying you can't do something that no one else can do anyway. it's like a mechanical engineer at ferrari saying "boy, my biggest weakness is that we haven't yet built a car that goes faster than the speed of light..." if i were interviewing him, i would not only reject him, but i'd also beat his ass for being a jackass.

DUDE...

yes, i realize every physician has that problem. no, it was not very original. for the last time: i didn't actually say that. it was just a silly example to try to help the OP. my example wouldn't win a pulitzer prize! no ****!

why must you continue to harp on my example?! damn! last time i try to help someone on SDN...(well, not really, but jesus, now i have a headache from explaining the same thing over and over and over).

oh, and nice touch re: the ass-beating on the engineer. 😉

 

[kikkoman]

DUDE...

i didn't actually say that. it was just a silly example to try to help the OP. my example wouldn't win a pulitzer prize! no ****!

why must you continue to harp on my example?! damn! last time i try to help someone on SDN...(well, not really, but jesus, now i have a headache from explaining the same thing over and over and over).

Relax - jeez - I'm sure that it is a common answer. I just get turned off by the "slickness" (obviously not the right word) of the packaging, and it's a theme that, unfortunately, is fundamental to the interviewing style of some.

 

[superdevil]

Relax - jeez - I'm sure that it is a common answer. I just get turned off by the "slickness" (obviously not the right word) of the packaging, and it's a theme that, unfortunately, is fundamental to the interviewing style of some.

i know, and i agree with you. its just hard to relax after reading the 5th or 6th ripping of an example i made up as i was typing my f*cking post.

but i'm cool 😉 😎

 

[constructor]

sorry... i'm scared, please don't hurt me. 😳

 

[superdevil]

sorry... i'm scared, please don't hurt me. 😳

i just did my court-ordered breathing exercises...all is well 🙂

 

[arisunomori]

Thanks for your help!

If I were to answer honestly, I would say that my greatest weakness is losing things-- I'm on my third calculator of the year already, and not being able to find my keys every other day is frustrating and annoying. I've known that I have this is a problem for a very long time, and have been working on it, but still don't seem to be progressing in the right direction there.
This doesn't really fit with the application theme, and makes me look pretty irresponsible, and so am trying to think of something else. I agree that the "work too hard" "become too absorbed in what I'm focused on" "become too involved in my goal" is sort of overdone. Even the "give too much of myself" example is sort of cheezy.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks!

 

[NubianPrincess]

Thanks for your help!

If I were to answer honestly, I would say that my greatest weakness is losing things-- I'm on my third calculator of the year already, and not being able to find my keys every other day is frustrating and annoying.
Thanks!

Nurse, where the hell did I leave that scapel? Aww **** you didn't stich her up yet, did ya 😱

Just kidding 😉 😛

 

[dandelion]

This thread has some good suggestions:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=98083&highlight=weakness

If you do a search, you'll find a couple of threads that address this question. Hope that helps.

 

[mdsadler]

i completely agree. i was actually on a few hiring committees for several job positions and everytime we asked the weakness question and got back the lame answer that they were "perfectionists" we would gag. this is a cop out answer and if it were really completely true it would be a strength. these answers don't really do anything positive when it comes to interviews. try something like that posted above where you point out a genuine flaw (one that isn't too serious) and then counterbalance with a strength that overcomes the flaw.

Yeah, I don't think that works, because you can end up coming across as kind of pompous. If you are going to admit to a weakness, admit to something that is actually a weakness. Pointing out how you are improving on it seems good though..... I dunno, if I were interviewing someone and he said his weakness was "working too hard" - I would toss the file...

 

[jammin06]

i don't know if this is a common answer, but i feel like this would be the answer i would give if i was asked that question today.


Well, I work in the ER in houston, tx. and therefore, tehre's a significant spanish speaking population. having realized how important the spanish language is, and how little i know about it, i can honestly say that my lack of knowledge in spanish may be my greatest weakness.


Ok, so taht's a rough estimate of what i'd say. The reason i would be hesitant to give that answer is because....there's prolly a lot of other stuff that I'm weak at, but haven't been able to pinpoint. I can honsetly give examples about how the language barrier has been a problem for me. What approcoach should I take on thsi situation?

 

[Psycho Doctor]

i don't know if this is a common answer, but i feel like this would be the answer i would give if i was asked that question today.


Well, I work in the ER in houston, tx. and therefore, tehre's a significant spanish speaking population. having realized how important the spanish language is, and how little i know about it, i can honestly say that my lack of knowledge in spanish may be my greatest weakness.


Ok, so taht's a rough estimate of what i'd say. The reason i would be hesitant to give that answer is because....there's prolly a lot of other stuff that I'm weak at, but haven't been able to pinpoint. I can honsetly give examples about how the language barrier has been a problem for me. What approcoach should I take on thsi situation?

I think that's a good and fair response, genuine but yet not damaging.

Please someone comment on mine which i posted below but no one commented on, so here it is again. i'd really like to know:

if i admit that perhaps my greatest weakness is getting too involved (emotionally, not sexually or romantically...so don't even say that) with my patients, is that a red flag leading to disaster? i mean it is the truth but is it something i should never mention?

 

[redruby]

Psycho, I don't think you should talk about getting too involved with patients- it falls into the category of one of those things that's really more positive than negative, i.e. " I care too much..." You've gotta have other weaknesses, right?




If I recall, the Rush secondary asks for academic and nonacademic weaknesses. So I talked about sucking at Physics and being a huge procrastinator (I wrote my entire Rush secondary in one night... the night before it was due!)

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Psycho, I don't think you should talk about getting too involved with patients- it falls into the category of one of those things that's really more positive than negative, i.e. " I care too much..." You've gotta have other weaknesses, right?




If I recall, the Rush secondary asks for academic and nonacademic weaknesses. So I talked about sucking at Physics and being a huge procrastinator (I wrote my entire Rush secondary in one night... the night before it was due!)

actually i didn't think that was a positive weakness..i thought it was a definite no-no that would get me into big trouble and get me rejected. But ok, i appreciate your advice. And yea i'm a terrible procratinator so i guess i could use that.

 

[pinkey]

Mine is cheesecake. 😉

Freaking brilliant!!!

 

[BobA]

Freaking brilliant!!!

I agree! My weakness is Ben & Jerry's "Chubby Hubby" ice cream.

I mean, any interviewer who asks this has to realize that it is a BS question.

In one of the videos on the Duke website the Ad Com guy says that the answer to this question is not important. What is important is that you show some poise and introspection.

If asked, I'm thinking of simply saying
"I think that it would be inappropriate for me to give you the true answer to that question, because it is too personal. But I can say that one of my general weaknesses is that I sometimes don't always stick to the regimen I set up for myself. But I know that doing so has it's own natural rewards, so I'm trying to improve. I just stuck to a running training regimen, and ran a half-marathon. The training alone felt great."


What do people think of this? Would I look too much like a dissenting-type?

 

[junebuguf]

I would be somewhat offput by your refusal to discuss your true weakness, personal as it may be. Your answer seems plausible enough, and just self-derogatory to pass as credible self-criticism. But you need to come up with a better example than running. I still think your general criticism is very good.

 

[drlove2007]

I don't think you should say that. it seems kinda harsh. The first portion that is.

I agree! My weakness is Ben & Jerry's "Chubby Hubby" ice cream.

I mean, any interviewer who asks this has to realize that it is a BS question.

In one of the videos on the Duke website the Ad Com guy says that the answer to this question is not important. What is important is that you show some poise and introspection.

If asked, I'm thinking of simply saying
"I think that it would be inappropriate for me to give you the true answer to that question, because it is too personal. But I can say that one of my general weaknesses is that I sometimes don't always stick to the regimen I set up for myself. But I know that doing so has it's own natural rewards, so I'm trying to improve. I just stuck to a running training regimen, and ran a half-marathon. The training alone felt great."


What do people think of this? Would I look too much like a dissenting-type?

 

[QofQuimica]

I've been thinking about my answer to this question after reading all of yours. I guess that I would have to say that MY biggest weakness is being too self-absorbed, kind of absent-minded professorish. Sometimes I don't realize how I am coming across to others; they interpret my noninteraction to mean that I don't like them! I do care about other people, and I do want to help other people, but I'm not particularly social, and a few people have told me that they thought I was stuck up or snobby at first before they got to know me, or that I seemed aloof and unapproachable, but now that they know me they realize that I'm not like that. Hearing this really shocked me, because a lot of times I didn't feel that way at all. (A few times I guess I did. )

Anyway, I have to really make an effort to remember to do the "little things" that make social interaction smoother, like make small talk, look at people when I'm talking to them, smile, etc. I think that this is something that I have improved with partly due to so much teaching and partly due to having matured more, yet it doesn't come naturally for me like it does with some people. (I've never been one of the "cool kids".) But I do think it's very important for a doctor to make his/her patients feel comfortable, so I am working on being better at doing that.

 

[Cosmodion]

Mine is cheesecake. 😉

Perfect thing to say, at least to warm the subject up! 👍