I’m Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits.

When you’re interviewing for a job, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be asked about your strengths and weaknesses. It’s an intelligent question that covers a lot of important information. How you answer can reveal if you’re qualified for the position and whether you’re honest and self-aware.

Look at it as an opportunity to demonstrate why you’re a top candidate for the job. Express your personality and describe what you can contribute to your potential new employer. Are you ready to talk about your strengths and weaknesses? Use these tips to develop a concise and compelling case that will convince the hiring manager that you are a great match:

Discussing your weaknesses during a job interview 

1. Be prepared.You’ll make a more favorable impression if you rehearse your response rather than trying to invent something on the spot. Write out some talking points and keywords that you want to use.

2. Stay relevant. Pick weaknesses that are clearly related to a work setting and the position you’re seeking. Review the job description and customize your answers as much as possible.

3.  Focus on growth. While you’re discussing possible flaws, you can still end on a high note. Let the interviewer know what you’ve learned from past experience and what you’re doing to strengthen your capabilities and performance.

4. Avoid deal breakers. Avoid meaningless clichés like saying you’re a perfectionist and think twice about saying anything that will remove you from consideration. For example, struggling to meet deadlines is challenging to overlook if you want to be a tax accountant.

5. Tell a story. Use illustrations about your strengths and weaknesses. Follow the usual guidelines for compelling stories, including sticking to the point and proceeding in a logical order.

6. Do your research. If you’re having trouble evaluating yourself, ask your friends and coworkers. You can also find many resources online with lots of sample strengths and weaknesses.

Discussing your strengths during a job interview 

1. Sound confident. Much of the advice for talking about weaknesses apply to strengths, too, with some additional considerations—work at sounding assured without coming across as arrogant or underestimating yourself.

2. Stand out. Maximize this opportunity to let the interviewer know what unique qualities you bring to the table. Focus on skills and traits that closely match the job description and work carefully on your presentation.

3. Be truthful. Resist any temptation to exaggerate. Ensure you can back up your claims and deliver on what you’re promising if you get hired.

4. Be specific. While you can find sample language online, you’ll need to tailor your strengths to your own situation. Clarify what leadership abilities you possess and what sets you apart. Tell stories that prove your accomplishments and past positions.

5. Bring a list. While you’ll probably want to discuss only two or three specific strengths in any interview, it helps to have a few backup options as well. You may discover information during the interview that makes one of your stories more or less persuasive.

6. Look ahead. Spell out how you can use your new workplace talents if the organization decides to bring you on board. Your interviewer wants to know what positive impact you can have on them.

7. Show enthusiasm: attitude matters as much as hard and soft skills. While you’re delivering your message, pay attention to how you’re saying it. Let your interest and excitement show.

Walk into your next interview prepared to discuss your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll be more likely to receive a job offer, and you’ll have a sound basis for evaluating whether the position will be satisfying for you.

Has your job search left you feeling pessimistic about finding the right job? Check out our blog here on how you can boost your optimism to help attract your dream job.

__

I am Dr. Hassan, Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own independent practice so that they can achieve financial independence and live without limits. Please go to businessofrehab.com/contractnegotiations  to pick up the free guide to help you negotiate the contract after you kill it during your job interview.

__

Attention, Physiatrists! Stop leaving money on the table. Sign up for the free video series: How To Build A Profitable Practice in 90 Days or Less: http://www.sixtytosuccess.com

Inline image