Mar 05, 2013 A very easy question, but if I would be the interviewer in an job-interview, what would you answer? Can you name your biggest personal strengths instantly? Why it’s Good to Know Your Biggest Personal Strengths. Knowing your personal strengths and weaknesses can help you a lot in choosing the right career or making good decisions.
In most interviews, the topic of strengths and weaknesses will be addressed. This is because your prospective employer wants to know your work style, how you interact or relate with others and most importantly your personality. Hence, it would be advisable to think through before answering this question so as to leave a good impression. Below is an approach that can be considered helpful in making your list of strengths and weaknesses. Identify the strengths that will contribute to a successful job performance.
In particular, one should identify the strengths that are needed for a positive outcome. In this regard, you should know your own strengths and weaknesses. Focus mostly on your strength and explain giving examples of how your strength is evident in your work performance. 4 Examples of strengths To make the list of strengths and weaknesses more specific for you, we list here some examples of strengths. Once you’re done, take three or five of those strengths and compare them to see which ones are up to the requirements of the job description, and make sure you can give accurate examples, stating why it is your strength when questioned further. Integrity This is a virtue that includes confidentiality, observing policies and procedures, being able to maintain value and ethics when under pressure or when faced with opposition. Self-discipline It includes avoiding distractions, self-motivation, setting goals, not procrastinating and controlling personal behavior.
Communication This includes both written and verbal communication skills. Examples of verbal include presentations, conflict management and active listening among many while written includes correspondence and reports. Problem solving Being able to analyze problems, to find cause and possible solutions, ability to identify and define problems, coming up with and implementing best solutions. Teamwork Communicating effectively with team members, listening and encouraging them, respect, contributing to team objectives and working effectively in a team. Initiative This is simply taking steps to make your job and the company better. Identifying needs and coming up with solutions, providing ideas for improvement, etc. Persistence/ Resilience Includes staying enthusiastic after a setback, overcoming obstacles to achieve, taking criticism positively, dealing with disappointment effectively and handling rejection.
Judgment/ Decision making It includes following through on decisions, coming up with viable alternatives, gathering the necessary information to make a sound decision after considering the pros and cons of each. Planning and organizational skills Includes multitasking, meeting the set deadlines, managing time, keeping up with calendars or schedules, setting and achieving objectives and goals.
Diligent/ Strong work ethic Includes working hard, maintaining good quality work, doing more than that which is required, taking on extra hours, finishing projects before or on time and working without supervision. 2 You may not have much experience so you have to show interest in the job you are applying for.
Be ready and focus on the qualities you have that would make you a viable candidate for the job. It would also be in your best interest to give the courses taken in detail in preparation of the job. For example if the job you’re applying for doesn’t involve a lot of calculations or statistics you can point out that mathematics is your major weakness. At this point, you can tell the interviewer that you have some knowledge in computers on how to automate calculations as a way of overcoming your weakness.
4 List of weaknesses Impatience Being impatient with co-workers on their standard of performance or that their pace is slower than your expectation. Over-talkative These people are always a distraction to others and are constantly being distracted.
They are not discreet and are almost never at their desks. Unassertive They agree on anything and with everyone despite what they feel on the topic and so they are constantly being used by others. They are not able to say No.
Stubborn/ Uncompromising They find it difficult to adapt to changes and are not flexible. They don’t accept new ideas and communication is often one way.
Procrastination Always rushing to complete tasks the last minute. Missing or postponing deadlines and always asking for help in finishing tasks.
Often exhibit low productivity. Reluctance to share/ Delegate tasks Such people don’t share tasks and they don’t have confidence in coworkers, they don’t utilize the resources and skills of others fully and are constantly checking up on coworkers.
Controlling/ Strong-willed Such people on achieving their goals are single-minded and they don’t accept direction easily. When it comes to the needs or feelings of others, they can be insensitive as they want to take charge. Being too sensitive This is more like thinking with your heart rather than your head. One gets too disappointed and takes things personally.
Being a debater An individual becomes too passionate with work and for any changes they require a reason. It can be good for a project or product, but it might not sit well with others. Lack of some skills No person has all the requisite skills for the job profile. There is no one person who has all the skills for the job.
Just show them your willingness and ability to learn.
Once you have completed your education to become an RN and received your license, you are most likely going to be looking for a job in the nursing profession. Whether you are new to nursing or simply looking for a new job within the field, you will be required to complete an interview. The interview is a vital part of the hiring process for companies and businesses, even in the medical field. The interview process will require you answering questions about your nursing strengths and weaknesses. The interview process for a registered nurse may be more intense than most other professions.
This is why it is important that you properly prepare yourself for any interview process as the interview will determine whether you are accepted into the position you desire or not. A nurse needs to know how to properly record their patient’s medical history, administer any treatments or medication appropriately, and be able to educate their patients and patients’ families about all treatment options and recover procedures. A nurse must also be able to operate any hospital machinery to perform tests as well as be able to offer appropriate emotional support and interaction. 1 Know the job requirements and be relevant! Understanding the job requirements is the best thing you can do to properly answer any interview questions about your strengths. You want your answer to reflect strengths and competencies that relate to the specific job for which you are applying.
Prior to the interview, it is a good idea to create a list of 3-5 strengths you have that relate to the specific position. Items such as your leadership skills, interpersonal relationship building skills, and optimistic approach are great strengths you can use to your advantage. 2 Think about the unique strengths. Technically and clinically astute Do you participate in nursing conferences and journal clubs?
Are you the first person your colleagues come to when they are having difficulty determining lab results or clinical findings? You may also find that you are easily and quickly able to learn new technology such as IV pumps. High ethics about service Are you reliable and willing to volunteer to help other staff members or patients? Maybe you are already the chair on a social committee, or you find that you are willing to take control to ensure that the sick colleague has your support.
Superb hand-eye coordination Do you have a keen eye, superb hand-eye coordination, an extremely steady hand, or a combination of all three? Being able to quickly decode a medication or quickly and effectively insert an IV are qualities of a great nurse. Easily build relationships Are you a person who easily builds friendly relationships with coworkers and patients? Do you have the keen ability to discover what you can do to best support and encourage a grieving loved one or a sick, depressed patient?
This ability makes you a great asset to any team. 3 Sample response I find that my communication skills are of great help to me in my career. I love speaking with parents and patients, which helps me build a strong relationship with them. Having this relationship is what helps me support and encourage parents and patients as they struggle with their child’s health. My organizational skills are a vital part of my ability to work well as a team member. Keeping my schedule organized allows me to effectively use my time to help all patients and co-workers. 1 Pick minor weaknesses There are certain weaknesses such as nervousness and the inability to handle pressure which can greatly dissuade your interviewer from recommending you from hire.
It is important that you overcome these weaknesses so that you can effectively perform your duties as a nurse. Before you attend the interview, determine which weaknesses will impede your ability to get the job and which will not. Weaknesses such as emotional involvement are great weaknesses to share with your interviewer as they do not impede your ability to perform the job.
2 Put emphasis on what you have done to improve the weakness When you are answering questions about your weaknesses, it is important that you also share how you are working on converting your weaknesses into nursing strengths. As an example, if you mention poor communication skills as your weakness, it is important that you counter that statement with ways you are working on improving your skills, such as attending training or practicing with coworkers. Always be sure that you use specific examples. Being vague conveys the message that you are not being truthful. It is important that you remain honest during your interview. If you keep your integrity intact, you will be able to show that you know your weaknesses and ways you can improve them. 3 Sample responses.
I was very shy and had difficulty speaking up for myself during the first month at my current job. I was being blamed for losing a patient’s chart one day, so I knew that I had to say something. I discussed the issue with the DON so that I could show her how I didn’t go into work until after the patient had been discharged. I was very nervous, but I knew that I did not lose the chart so I had to tell the truth. I have become better about speaking my mind thanks to this circumstance.
I have been diligently working on my time management skills. I have taken time to learn how to batch my duties and always have enough supplies on hand. I am becoming better prepared so that I can save time by anticipating what my patients might need.