How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Christiana Care Health System job interview.
5. What is your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know a weakness you have identified in the workplace and what steps you are taking to improve. When a person can identify a fault and take measures to make that weakness a strength, it shows you are motivated to be the best you can be in your profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 23rd, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Pick a weakness that is not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan to improve this weakness. Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
Written by Krista Wenz on June 23rd, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I believe I could improve some technical skills, including Excel and Word. Currently, I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after that course!"
Written by Krista Wenz on June 23rd, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I know this will come off as cliche, but I am being truthful. My weakness is with delegating. I know what I want to be done and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow. I cannot take on every step of a project; I need to be able to give the task or a portion of it to another team member or direct report, let go of the control and know it will be taken care of. I've spoken with my current manager about it, and we've developed a system where he can call me out on the behavior since I'm often unaware of it. By bringing awareness to it at the moment, I find my propensity to hold onto control has decreased, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 23rd, 2022