How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a MedStar Health job interview.
4. What is your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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 21st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing a weakness that won't prohibit you from being offered the job. If you say your greatest weakness is working with sick patients, the interviewer will feel you may not be the best candidate for the position.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 21st, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's truthful. My weakness is not delegating. I know what I want 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 21st, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"At this point in my career within healthcare services, my newness is my greatest weakness. To overcome this, I have committed to ten extra hours per week of study. I dive into various medical journals and spend a great deal of time educating myself beyond what my degree and internship have offered."