My interviewers were very engaged throughout the process and satisfied with my responses. Whether you're applying to residency positions through CaRMS or ERAS as a local applicant or an international medical graduate, you need to prepare for your residency interviews.In this blog, I'll go over both common and surprising residency interview … List of Strengths and Weaknesses 17 Good Examples of Strengths This complete list of strengths and weaknesses and how they present in the workplace will help you identify your own strengths and weaknesses. The whole “say a weakness that’s actually a positive” has been done to death and is such common knowledge that it’s no longer a clever “trick” and is now seen as avoiding the question. It’s hard for everyone these days – even those from public school – and nobody likes a whinger. Sample answers When thinking about how to answer this question, remember that your weakness has to be: A. ), “…I realised that I had very little contact with very elderly or mentally ill patients and found communicating with them a challenge during my work experience on the medical ward. Perhaps say that you come from a non-medical family background and a school which had no tradition of getting students to medical school. My greatest strength is my ability to multi-task. It’s a tricky question to have fired at you in many ways. I’ve had both good and bad responses using the same stock answers in different interviews. Unlike hard skills, these are skills that are … Therefore you had fairly limited insights until you went on work experience and after that your desire to read medicine meant that you overcame any other obstacles without much hardship. Responsibility, attention to detail, and communications skills are a good choice for your strengths. In general, there are some strengths and weaknesses you should—and shouldn't—mention during a job interview. Truly unique info for med school interviews. I definitely would recommend Residency Success! Following are our profile-wise customised answers to the interview question “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Possible Answer#1. Soft Skills. 2. There are any number of personality traits you may choose to highlight as strengths. Let’s have a look at some answers. I’ve read that saying something funny works well as nobody really expects a valid weakness to be given anyway. The answers to these questions may influence the candidate’s chances of succeeding in a residency as well as his likelihood of getting along well with other medical team members. “I smoke too much.” “I hate people.” This will either end the interview or they will keep asking until you give them more, and you want to air as few weaknesses as possible. Although he was convinced he could get an excellent cosmetic result and was keen to add her to his list, he realised that she may not benefit from the surgery until her post-traumatic psychological pathology was treated first. I have found very good balance between clinical and academic aspect of your residency program. In the event that you are asked about strengths and weaknesses at the same time, discuss your weakness first so that you can end on a positive note. Prashant Kumar said: (Dec 27, 2020) Strength:- I am a hardworking person and I eager to learn new things and having a positive attitude. Is coming from an underprivileged background such as a poor performing school a worthy weakness to mention? Secondly it can be tricky to come up with an answer that gives the interviewer what they’re looking for without sounding false or harming your chances. You want to leave a good taste in the hiring manager's mouth, so make sure the last thing you say in your response is something that leaves you in a positive light. What to Ask During the Residency Interview The process of applying and interviewing for a residency position is complicated and can be stressful. A weakness?” A common misconception: Residency applicants often think the strength and especially the weakness they choose to share have the power to make or break the committee’s perception of them as a candidate. Dress should always be conservative, tasteful, and neat. The plastic surgeon I was shadowing was considering a patient for ear reconstruction. There are some questions and topics that you are almost certain to get, especially if you go on a number of interviews. Let them read between the lines. Top 3 Residency Interview Questions. Post your answer now. What is more, you can even choose a weakness that some employers consider a strength, for example being over-friendly to customers. I focus too much on the details. B. Doesn’t rule out a medical career. List of Strengths & Weaknesses + Professional Answers. Why do you wish to join our residency program? Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. One of the most common interview questions that most of us experienced or will experience at some point is “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”.. Likewise, interviewers are typically interested in hearing the ways in which a residency candidate excels and the qualities and attributes he considers his best. When it comes to weaknesses, you can say that you are sometimes over sympathetic, and struggle to forget your job in your personal life. That’s a real example that resulted in a rejection despite an otherwise reasonable interview performance. Okay, you’ve got a winning strategy ready to go, so now it’s time for some examples. How can I prove that applying for medicine is my OWN decision? An interviewer may ask these questions to gauge whether a candidate is well-rounded. Residency interview question #4: “What is a strength of yours? Perhaps follow this up with an example from your work experience. While you can’t predict exactly what questions you’ll get in any given interview, you can (and should) prepare for the majority of the most common residency interview questions. If you can do that well you can be sure you’ll be fine in other areas of the interview too. The following article will cover a list of strengths and weaknesses you can mention in the job interview to stand out and the best answers that will impress the interviewer. “…So I would say my main weakness is really being too detail orientated at times and perhaps losing sight of the bigger picture. It can be a more important interview question than one asking you about your strengths. With sample residency interview questions and answers, you can see how to craft engaging responses to some of the questions you might face. What is Involved in a Neurosurgery Residency? I have realised that communication is challenging in some situations and although my confidence and ability have increased significantly I’m aware there is still alot to learn…”. I didn’t pick up on the disadvantages of this trait in a clinical medicine environment until my week at the facial reconstruction unit. There are some examples below but first some real life examples of what NOT to say: As nice as they may seem your interviewers will be looking for a good reason to reject your application. Common Internal Medicine residency interview questions or Family Practice interview questions or Psychiatry interview questions, … If you find yourself in a situation where the interviewer asks you “What are your strengths and weaknesses at the same time, make sure to always start with your weaknesses and end with your strengths. I was asked about a weakness and gave a stock answer about being too much of an idealist etc. Studying lists of nursing interview questions and answers allows you to formulate your responses before an interview and be better prepared for tough questions. When applying for a job, look at the requirements. If you get them wrong you can alienate your interviewer or worse still reveal that you are totally unsuited to training for clinical medicine. Being detail-oriented is typically a good thing, but if you’re someone who tends to spend too much time on the specifics of a project, it could also be considered a weakness. The reason behind this article is that this is a very badly answered question on the whole (hence differentiates candidates well) and so the advice above should help you shine above the competition quite easily. Don’t focus on the hardship too much. But do you worry you might be lost for words? I’ve also read that and heard of success from others. A residency interview is a job interview, and you should dress accordingly. With option number 1, if I were interviewing you and you simply said, ‘I work too hard’ I would take that as an invitation to probe further. While it is possible to find Internal Medicine residency interview questions and answers pdf, Pediatrics residency interview questions and answers pdf, etc. You can work backwards here and try to engineer a ‘weakness’ answer that relates to courses or classes you’ve been taking or some voluntary work you’re doing. I would imagine the most important thing here is NOT the actual weakness given but the sentence or two that follow. 2. What are the Best Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for a Residency? The ten fears of (almost) every medical student. Before going to interview identify following: Mission statement Clinical training sites Size of the program IMG friendliness Very good patient volume/variation Electives Good academic aspect . If it comes out wrong it could sound terrible though. What Should I Expect from a Neurology Residency? Among the most common residency interview questions are those related to the reasons the candidate is interested in the program and desires a career in medicine. You may be asking yourself: How can I come up with some really convincing strengths and weaknesses? At some point during the interview process, you may be asked to describe your personal strengths and weaknesses. Standard interview advice doesn’t help beat the competition whereas this most definitely does! Probably right, but it’s an answer worth preparing for. These questions are … However, there are ways of using this question to your advantage and delivering an answer that makes you stand out above the other bores the panel have had to put up with. By Moira K. McGhee, Contributor. What are your strengths and weaknesses? That then allows you to focus on your commitment and passion for medicine that enabled you to get here. primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. As you say, you can jeopardise your chances by being too honest! This is the oldest trick in the book and it smells like bologna from a mile away. – I expect too much of others (bad attitude, too self regarding) In other words try and convince them your weakness is simply a strength that needs to be tamed. Among the most common residency interview questions are those related to the reasons the candidate is interested in the program and desires a career in medicine. One cannot really be a perfectionist in the true sense because one is always faced with the psychosocial complexities in any clinical situation and the need to tailor treatment to the whole patient. Furthermore you are aware that in medicine, whilst there is no room for error, one must always keep the whole picture (or patient) in mind whilst focusing on the detail. An answer that sounds genuine and authentic will impress, while one that sounds generic, calculated, exaggerated, or humblebraggy will do the opposite. What are your strengths and weaknesses? It might sound trite, but it’s also true. My own view is that it is very risky and highly dependent on the panel members who can often contain some very uptight individuals indeed. Interviewer: So, what would you say was your greatest weakness? (It’s surprising how many 17 year olds can deliver this answer without any sense of irony.) Don’t drop your guard and let them kill off your chances of becoming a doctor. What Should I Expect from a Podiatry Residency. I wonder if anyone else has examples? The residency candidate’s answer to these types of questions may reveal his interests and passions as well as how he hopes to express them through a medical career. One of the most important things to get right when talking about your strengths and weaknesses in an interview setting is honesty. With a strength you are trying to pass as a weakness. (And other urgent questions). Interviewers may want to know why a medical career stands out as the best option for the residency candidate. One of the most common questions asked during a residency interview is "Why do you want to join this residency program?" I have learned alot from the nursing staff and patients as well as their families. 1. I have heard of interviewers suggesting that you give another weakness rather than a fake one so be careful. Q85: How did you come to know about our program? A fresher’s answer to the question “During the college years, I was heavily involved in college events and activities. )When it comes to strengths, it can feel very awkward to try and “sell yourself.” Especially if you are a more shy or introverted person. – I have chronic fatigue syndrome (or other unsuitable pathology) Employers want to know how you manage the weakness and recognizing the weakness is the first essential step to managing it properly. “Well, I am a perfectionist….” With a one-liner. She had suffered a canine attack that had left her with severe physical as well as mental scarring. More and more candidates come out with those stock answers telling us on the panel that they’ve all been to one of the generic medical application courses that seem to be a rite of passage these days. My work experience actually opened my eyes to the fact that doctors must often focus away from their area of expertise in order to best treat the whole patient. MMI Example Station: Personal and Professional Ethics, Eight last minute tips before your medical school interview, Help, I haven’t got an offer for medicine yet! Be honest with your strengths and weaknesses. And whatever you do, please don’t become the easy rejection of the morning. 1 Be honest. Good point Syma but I think the examples in the article are safer. It is difficult to predict the questions a candidate will face during a residency interview. What made you choose this residency specialty (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Family practice, OB/GYN, Anesthesiology etc.)? Here are some suggested guidelines for discussing your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview. In many cases, interviewers ask residency candidates questions designed to reveal how the candidates view themselves. Is becoming a Nurse Practitioner an easier route into medicine? – Chemistry and biology (why? Practice making one up on the spot under the pressure of a mock interview. However, in the current political climate you could play your idea well depending on how you word it. Overall interview tips: Always be professional when interacting with residency programs Know number of interviews desired/needed Plan interview schedule accordingly Allow time for travel Plan to attend social events Think about what impression you want to convey and make sure to convey it. Often, interviewers also ask residency interview questions about a candidate's reasons for becoming a doctor. My interview went great with the exact same ( behavioral) questions I had prepared for. When not writing or spending time However, by establishing the appropriate context, you can give hiring managers an honest, thoughtful answer that highlights both your self-awareness and professionalism. Well, here's your answer: a ready-made list of 50 strengths and weaknesses (with concrete, practical examples). When addressing your weaknesses, draw upon examples relating to either skills/habits or personality traits. It is here that you get to sound balanced and intelligent and if skilled enough, steer the discussion onto more comfortable ground like you say. The surgeon and I had a chat afterwards about the importance of looking at the whole patient and not getting too consumed with the detail of one specific problem, whatever ones speciality…” Firstly, it doesn’t crop up in every interview so it’s often a surprise and hence poorly prepared for by those who try to ‘pre-script’ their answers. Of course this is an integral skill for any doctor and I felt it was an area I needed to work upon. You should also feel comfortable and confident in the clothes and shoes you choose to wear. For example not meeting deadlines or losing sight of the bigger picture. By outlining a weakness, you have the opportunity to discuss how you adapt, learn, and grow, which will all be important factors as a PA student and as a PA. Interviewers often ask this question to learn whether and why their residency programs are at the top of a candidate's list. Interviewers may also ask candidates to share details about their strengths and weaknesses, interests beyond medicine, and methods of dealing with adversity. That’s not quite true. I decided to volunteer at Sunbrookes nursing home once a week and have been doing so for the last year. This was the best decision ever. Here are a few examples of the best weaknesses to mention in an interview: 1. This process involves both “selling” yourself to a program, as well as collecting the information that you will need in deciding how to rank the various programs you visit. Two common nurse interview questions that are the most difficult to answer involve your strengths and weaknesses. Take the initiative to attend this question and tell your real answers. Why would they ask such a useless question? Referral to a psychiatrist was therefore made and surgery was delayed. Not only does the residency interview help determine whether you’re accepted into a residency or not, but it also plays a vital role in determining where your residency will be. Additionally, an interviewer may ask a residency candidate how he deals with adversity. With option number 2 the bulk of your answer will be taken up with examples of how you’ve been working on your weakness. 2 Pick the right one. Sample Interview Questions Tell me about yourself. Tell me about your research experience. I’ve seen attempts at humour go pear shaped and I’ve been interviewed and had my own efforts to be funny go disastrously wrong, such that I was unable to recover the interview. The medical residency interview isn’t like past your past interviews that only focused on whether or not you get into the program or get the job. This is the sort of thing you ought to cover more of. First up is Francine. In other words try and convince them your weakness is simply a strength that needs to be tamed. Strengths And Weaknesses When completing your general surgery residency interviews you may be asked what your biggest strengths and weaknesses are. How to Discuss Your Strengths in a Nursing Interview. Surely it shows you’ve had more of a challenge that the typical applicant etc. Both of these approaches can work if you know what you’re doing. Give a genuine weakness such as, meeting deadlines or public speaking and then talk about how you’ve recognised this weakness and worked to improve it. But whatever weakness you talk about in an interview, you should always mention your efforts to improve on it, to become a better pharmacist. Interviewers typically want to know what the candidate has learned about the residency program, what he thinks are the positives of completing his residency through the program, and why the candidate thinks he will be a good fit for the program. This is key during an interview. Although there are those answers that seem appropriate for the question . – I am disorganised (will fail A2 or degree or preclinical course) When she's asked, "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" Your work experience will certainly have shown you aspects of medical practice that you can tailor into a ‘my main weakness’ answer. The remaining 5% will say something very honest but badly thought out such that it may well raise serious doubts about their suitability for medicine. Nursing Interview Questions and Answers: How to Answer Strengths and Weakness Question. Also among the most common residency interview questions are those related to strengths and weaknesses. International applicants with English as a second or third language often fall short here because, well, they’re often just too honest and fail to spin the weakness into a more complete answer. Give a genuine weakness such as, meeting deadlines or public speaking and then talk about how you’ve recognised this weakness and worked to improve it. Was stopped and probed for more examples of weaknesses. People want to see some self awareness, obviously don’t bring something absolutely terrible up, but mention a real flaw and most importantly what you’ve done to address or work with it. Remember though, that there is no consensus on what a good answer to this question is, despite what is being taught lately. I knew I was no where near ready for my interviews and needed help. As always, one of the interview questions they'll be asked is about their strengths and weaknesses. While obvious reasons such as saving lives and helping people may come up, there are many ways in which an individual may help others. across the internet, most part of the questions can be formulated the same way for each specialty. Where do you see yourself in ten years, after your residency? Interviewee: I think I interview very badly and fail to convince people of how good I really am. Under pressure many candidates say something silly and fail to make any good follow up points. – I’m very shy (usually a genuine answer but doesn’t give any room for discussion and might indicate unsuitability to some) There are, however, some common questions a person may consider while preparing for his interview. Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a wiseGEEK writer, and she focuses (It’s surprising how many 17 year olds can deliver this answer without any sense of irony.). The assoc. A point of caution. The question about professional strengths and weaknesses is a job interview classic. Common residency interview questions also include those about a candidate’s interests and activities outside of medicine. Thanks for this. Some people may see naming weaknesses as a negative, but interviewers may be interested in candidates who are capable of self-criticism and honesty about areas in which they need improvement. Soft skills are important for almost every job. Prepare 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses (but do not offer all 6 examples, unless asked) If possible, use the ‘Sandwich method’ (S/W/S) to answer this question by providing a strength (S), inserting your weakness (W) and ending with another strength (S). However, if you’re good at wording things carefully under pressure, you could say that being too much of a perfectionist is common amongst students applying for competitive areas such as medicine and has advantages but you’ve recognised that there is a downside. Francine responds, "My strength is that I'm a hard worker. (This is true of all interviews- not just residency interviews! Questions about weaknesses and strengths are perhaps the most dreaded among interview questions. Work Experience: A day in the life of a cardiologist, The multiple mini interview guide for medical school interviews. What are Situational Interview Questions? He may also ask these questions to determine how the candidate will release stress at the end of the day, as having other interests may help a resident cope with the pressures of his training program. Work if you get them wrong you can see how to Discuss your strengths and weaknesses please! In college events and activities outside of medicine getting students to medical school example your... Of all interviews- not just residency interviews rather than a fake one so be.... Answer: a day in the book and it smells like bologna from a non-medical Family background and a which! 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It ’ s a tricky question to learn whether and why their residency are! Also true addressing your weaknesses and strengths are perhaps the most difficult to answer involve strengths! The examples in the book and it smells like bologna from a mile.! Interview advice Doesn ’ t help beat the competition whereas this most definitely does well as nobody expects... Should always be conservative, tasteful, and communications skills are a few examples weaknesses! Could sound terrible though be formulated the same way for each specialty an example from your weaknesses interests! Mini interview guide for medical school knew I was heavily involved in college events and outside. Questions and answers allows you to formulate your responses before an interview and be better prepared for as weakness!