If there’s one question most people dread in an interview it’s “describe your biggest weakness” No one wants to admit they have faults, and you certainly don’t want to jeopardize a chance at a job by appearing inept. So keep these five factors in mind when answering this tricky interview question.
Make Sure Your Answers are Credible
A medical assistant who hates needles or a nursing assistant who says they don’t like working with people will not be a great candidate. If either of these statements were actually true you wouldn’t be in the healthcare field.
Convey That you are Coach-able
Ideally, you can present an example that you’ve already overcome. Perhaps you initially found it intimidating to work in an electronic health record, but you sought extra help from your instructors while in school and this is no longer true.
Let Them Know You Don’t Mind being Corrected
This is a weakness you haven’t corrected yet, but with some help could be easily resolved. Perhaps it’s difficult for you to multi-task, but if you take the time to write yourself reminders and create task lists you are able to address multiple things at once.
This is not the Time for a Deep Confession
This is not the time to spill your deepest, darkest secrets. Keep your answers strictly professional and relatable to the position you are seeking.
Don’t be Overly Critical of Your Shortcomings
Your answer should never raise a giant red flag. Saying something like “I can never find a vein on the first few tries” is probably going to end an interview pretty quickly.
The bottom line is, no one is perfect and employers know this. They want to determine how you are going to fit into their organization and existing structure. Keep your answers clear, simple, and truthful and you should have no problem answering this one.
