What are your weaknesses?

[medicrnohio]

This is the question everyone dreads at an interview...at least I do. I don't want to tell them something that will turn them off from hiring me entirely. I have 4 interviews this week and I need some ideas on how to answer this question in a positive way. So tell me...what are your weaknesses and how would you describe them to an interviewer? Thanks in advance for your help.

[Midwest4me]

medicrnohio said:

You wanted them so here the are (well not all of them)....

2. Short time periods at each position. I have kept most jobs for a year or two. I really don't know how to make this one positive.

I, too, have had several jobs lasting only 1-2 years at a time---call it "specialty experimentation", if you will....Here's a way to make #2 positive(in the event the interviewer asks about the reason behind short time periods--especially if the nsg jobs were in different areas of nsg): Something like: "These positions have broadened my knowledge base and experience in different specialties. It's my feeling that the variety has helped me be more well-rounded as a nurse."

Just my 2 cents' worth......:wink2:

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

Is there something that was a weakness at one point which you've improved? That might be a good way to answer the question about the weakness.

I wouldn't bring up the short time frames, but I would be prepared to answer questions about that. As someone else said, an answer along the lines of wanting to gain a wide variety of experience to be a more well-rounded nurse would be good. You don't want to sound like you can't get along with people or that you are chronically dissatisfied. You want positive reasons for your changes. Of course, if a facility closed, you had to move for family reasons, you got downsized, etc. those things are out of your control.

Good luck!

[barbyann]

I would give one skill weakness and one positive personal weakness.

Example:

I want you to know I haven't had much experience with IV starts, but this job will give me the chance to change all that!

I tend to be a follower and I am hoping this job will give me the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills.

Good Luck!

[medicrnohio, RN]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and ideas! I will let you know how the job interviews go.

[medicrnohio, RN]

The job interviews went well. I was offered and accepted a position in MICU. I start November 14th.

[RN007]

Congratulations!

Did they ask the question, and how did you answer, if they did?

I'll be interviewing soon as a graduate RN and am trying to learn all I can off this forum.

Again, good luck in your new job!

[Pat_Pat RN]

I had an interview last week and just before I went in, I thought of that question. I quick called a nurse friend who I knew would have the right answer for me.

She said that I tried to please everyone and in doing so spread myself too thin and sometimes can't get any of the jobs done. I *am* a jack of all trades and am called on to do any and everything (thus my user name) sweep the floor, mop the puke, ventilate, do compressions, call the doctor, etc...etc..etc.........

[SeanyRN]

[Pat_Pat RN]

SeanyRN said:

Was this directed to me?

[medicrnohio, RN]

RN007 said:

Congratulations!

Did they ask the question, and how did you answer, if they did?

I'll be interviewing soon as a graduate RN and am trying to learn all I can off this forum.

Again, good luck in your new job!

I had several interviews and each of them asked the dreaded weaknesses question. I discussed lack of experience with certain skills that are necessary for the ICU such as alines and vents. I also discussed my impatience but in a positive way.

As for the short time periods at a job...it really wasn't an issue. Some asked about it but none made an issue of it.