How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness coming into this role?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an athenahealth job interview.
20. What is your greatest weakness coming into this role?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
I've had the opportunity to work closely with hiring managers on many recruitment efforts, and they ask questions like this to ensure that a candidate is aware of their shortcomings and ready to take action to improve. Athenahealth knows that any candidate they hire will need to be brought up to speed on their business and process, so they want to hear where you think you will need to focus the most if hired.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 15th, 2023
How to Answer
As you answer a question like this on your biggest weakness, make sure to pick a weakness that is not a core skill for this position at athenahealth. 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 if you emerge as the top candidate for this job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 15th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I believe I could improve on some technical skills in Excel and Word, as you mentioned that those programs are a part of this job. Currently, I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. If I'm fortunate enough to be offered this role at athenahealth, I wouldn't hesitate to enroll in an evening/weekend workshop to brush up on my skills."
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 15th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's truthful. My weakness is not 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 often I'm not aware 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 Michelle Krebs
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