How to Answer: What are your weaknesses?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
3. What are your weaknesses?
How to Answer
During residency interviews, leaders from programs know that every graduating medical student will come with their own set of weaknesses. Think about some true, authentic weaknesses that you have and come up with a plan for attacking them once you match to a program. Your interviewers will respect an honest answer versus one that is perceived as disingenuous, so make sure to put some thought into this question. Also, make sure not to discuss a weakness that will be essential to your future as a resident and practicing physician.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"One personality weakness that I'm always trying to overcome is the fact that I'm introverted and naturally shy. At times, I can be hesitant to speak up in large groups and I've been working on small things to help with this discomfort. I know I'll be participating in things like tumor boards and family meetings as a resident and look forward to breaking free of this shell over the next three years. The only other perceived weakness that I would say I have is unfamiliarity with this region as I've never visited here and don't have family here. But I've done my research ahead of time and know my fiance and I will thrive here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022