How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a NHS job interview.
10. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear about your greatest weakness 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 interviewers that you are motivated and inspired to grow professionally.
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 interviewers may pass you over for another candidate since that skill is essential for all positions within the NHS.
Written by Krista Wenz on January 16th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I believe I could improve on some technical skills, including Excel and PowerPoint. Currently, I am at a beginner level in my experience; however, I would like to be at the intermediate to advanced skill level and become a subject matter expert so I can mentor others. I have enrolled in a weekend workshop next month that I'll attend one evening a week, and I'm committed to achieving this goal."
Written by Jaymie Payne on February 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"My weakness as a physician is a hesitancy to delegate. 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 as a physician. I will need to delegate tasks to my surgical team, so I have been working on making this weakness a strength. I am reading a book called Don't Do, Delegate by James Jenks and have been practising his exercises. My propensity to hold onto control has decreased since starting the book, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."
Written by Krista Wenz on January 16th, 2023