How to Answer: What would your former supervisor describe as your greatest weakness?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Orlando Health job interview.
4. What would your former supervisor describe as your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear what your former supervisor would say is your greatest weakness to see in what area you need to improve. Your supervisor may have told you in person or during a performance review that you should strengthen a specific skill, or they may have sent you to remedial training to improve in a particular area.
Written by Krista Wenz on July 10th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Choose a weakness that is not a core skill for this position. Be sure to have an action plan to improve this weakness if you haven't already. Perhaps you are watching TED talks to improve skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or 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 July 10th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"My former supervisor brought it to my attention that I seemed to have an issue with delegating. He asked if I had an issue relinquishing control, which is not the case at all. I just get so focused on what I am working on that I forget to ask for help when working on a team. He developed a system where he would call me out on the behavior since I'm often unaware of it. By bringing awareness to it when it happens, I find my propensity to delegate responsibilities has increased, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."
Written by Krista Wenz on July 10th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"My former supervisor pointed out that I often misspell or misuse some words in my reports and emails. English is my second language, so I understand that I will make mistakes. However, as a healthcare professional, I do not want to use words that are incorrect or misspelled as that looks unprofessional. I signed up for an English tutor for three months and have turned that weakness into a strength. I no longer misspell words or use words in the wrong context."
Written by Krista Wenz on July 10th, 2022