How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Mayo Clinic job interview.
2. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear about your greatest weakness as a healthcare professional to see that you are self-aware and can identify an area that needs improvement. When you admit you have a deficiency in a particular aspect of your profession and take steps to improve, it shows the interviewer that you are motivated and inspired to grow professionally.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 15th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on a weakness related to your profession, but not one that is an essential job duty. For example, suppose you say your weakness is your verbal communication skills. In that case, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate since that skill is an essential part of being an excellent healthcare provider.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is my lack of experience in this field. I am improving this weakness by applying for this position. I just graduated college and received my bachelor's degree and only have experience from my practicals. My goal is to get chosen for the position to start gaining hands-on experience. I am a quick learner, and you will not be disappointed in my performance if hired for the position."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 15th, 2022