Is it ok to frame weakness around how you devoted too much time to work without taking breaks and that led to several health problems that now you are actively working on? And then outline measures you're taking to ensure it doesn't happen again and you're able to bring your best self to work (eg communicating it to project leads so they are aware you'll be on a break/physio appointment etc..), or would this make you sound like a liability? What if you end it by saying by taking these self-care measures you're now able to work more productively for longer
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Hey,
I think you should pick a different example.
Here's some pointers to help you think about areas for examples for genuine weaknesses:
- Communication style: are you assertive (clear, concise) or passive; does your style change when you are with senior/high power people
- Managing difficult situations & people: how do you do this today & how can you improve
- Something goes wrong or doesnt happen the way you wanted: how do you deal with it? What areas can you improve at
- How do you deal with lot of information/data or very vague information: what can you improve
The tip is to dig a bit deeper into your life, school, internships, work experience and analyse what can you improve. Come up with genuine examples (avoid I work super hard, I am perfectionist etc etc) and practice storytelling techniques for impactful delivery in interviews.
Hi there,
The story could work but I would recommend you rephrase it. Instead of saying that excessive work in your case leads to several health issues, simply mention you could allocate better your efforts to avoid possible burnout, as occasionally happened in the past. Then explain the concrete steps you are taking to make this better and how you noticed this is helping you to improve and become more productive.
Additionally, be sure you don’t give the impression you fully overcame the weakness. Otherwise they could say: “This is not a weakness you have anymore – what is a current one then that you have?”.
Best,
Francesco
Hey there,
Agree with Ken here. I would avoid talking about health issues at all costs. Part of the evaluation in personal fit is often that you demonstrate resilience, which includes the ability to manage your work-life balance proactively before more damage is being done.
You can tell a similar story, however, focusing on your tendency to overwork yourself but with the awareness that this is an issue for you and discuss ways on how you are working on it currently. Leave out any health issues you faced/ are facing.
Cheers,
Florian
Hi there,
The key with listing a weakness is having one that isn't a dealbreaker at the end of the day and can even been seen as advantageous in certain situations AND one that you know how to mitigate now.
I actually think this one works as it shows you're a hard worker, push hard, and are passionate.
Instead of saying you've outlined measures you're taking, rather emphasize that you've "beaten" this and havn't had an issue in x # of months/years as a result of x measures.
I don't think health and wellbeing requirements are weaknesses that an interviewer is looking for. I would reflect a little on some of the professional feedback you have received or professional skills that you are working on.
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