Public Works Mock Interview
Master 30 Public Works interview questions covering infrastructure, citizen service, and municipal operations.
Question 24 of 30
Tell me about your greatest weakness.
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Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"A while back in a performance meeting, my boss suggested I slow down. This advice came from recognizing my merits for setting the pace of my peers and consistently driving a sense of urgency with our work. But it was also a detriment when speaking in front of groups of people. I'd move through the talking point too fast for others to follow, which then made me uncomfortable and nervous communicating. So, in the past, I haven't been great at speaking in front of groups of people, nor a great mentor when training new hires. So, I had to get into the practice of slowing down and meeting other people where they were. I am a stronger communicator now, being transparent about my growth opportunities, reminding our new hires that I move fast, and for them to ask me to slow down or repeat a section of training anytime they need clarification. I created a framework to follow for each situation, methods of reminding myself to keep at it."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
Your interviewer wants to learn more about your experience level and whether you take ownership of your own development. Typically, a person who is hesitant to share their weaknesses suggests they have something to hide, such as a fear of being caught or judged for a mistake they frequently make on the job, or something that would present them as a liability. This suggests not taking charge of their own development, repeating the same mistakes rather than learning from them. Whereas, someone who takes responsibility for their growth opportunities and admits to them shows courage, that they are aware of their growth opportunities, and continues to grow as a professional.
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
When discussing your weakness, or area for improvement, avoid volunteering anything that would present you as a liability, or that suggests you lack the skills necessary to perform according to the requirements of the job. Rather, focus on growth areas you are aware of and are already actively improving in. Showcase that you are open and receptive to feedback and proactively seek it out. As they state on the AWPA, Public Works employees should "encourage professional growth," and "demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement through self-assessment."
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