How to Talk About Weaknesses in an Interview

 

Most recently serving as executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing, Devon Berry has over 20 years ofexperience as a nursing professional. He has also held leadership roles at Cedarville University, Wright State University, and University of Cincinnati.

 

Given his years in academia, Devon Berry is familiar with the job interview process. A common interview question is “what is your biggest weakness?” or “when is a time you failed at work?”. In asking these questions, the interviewer wants to know how you face obstacles, deal with failure, and problem solve. It’s an opportunity that can potentially go wrong, but with some forethought, can be a way to show your humanity and how you overcome challenges. Below are three things to keep in mind for how to talk about weaknesses in an interview.

 

Keep it Work-Related

The employer wants to see how you would fit in at the company, so keep your response relevant to what you have faced in the workplace, not at home. Ask yourself a few questions beforehand so you are prepared. What doesn’t come naturally to you? What have previous managers encouraged you to work on in the past?

 

Share How You are Working on It

If you haven’t overcome the weakness or problem, what are you doing about it? Even if it’s not a cut and dry scenario, it’s important to demonstrate how you are working to become better.

 

Avoid Canned Answers

Avoid weaknesses that don’t really have a solution or are a “good problem”, such as being a perfectionist or saying you work too hard. Not only are both answers overwrought, but neither have a solution that shows the hiring manager how you face obstacles.

3 Attention-Getting Resume Tips

 

DevonBerry, RN, PhD, is a nursing leader in Portland, Oregon, who has served in multiple academic nursing executive positions across the U.S. Most recently, Dr. Berry served as the Executive Associate Dean for the Oregon Health and Science University’s School of Nursing. He has also held director and senior consultant level positions at other universities including Cedarville University, Wright State University, and University of Cincinnati.

 

With over a decade of leadership experience, Devon Berry is no stranger to the hiring process. Nearly every employer requires prospective candidates to submit a resume. Though most are familiar with putting one together, the resume can be tricky because it’s a document you might update once a year—or only when you are looking for a job. Regardless, it should always be tailored to the position you are applying for and give employers a snapshot of your accomplishments that make a case for why you are the best fit for the job. While some industries have particular rules of what a resume should entail, there are three attention-getting resume tips that can help you stand out from the rest, no matter the job:

 

Keep it Straightforward

Unless you are applying for a design job, it’s best to stick to a classic resume look and let the content demonstrate how you stand out, not the layout of the resume itself. Keep it in reverse chronological order, with your most relevant and desirable experiences up top.

 

Focus on Achievements, Not Responsibilities

Achievements show the employer how good you were at your job, not just the duties you held. If your job isn’t easily quantifiable, you can be qualitative. For instance, if you were a receptionist, you could say “acted as a gatekeeper for a busy 20-person department, ensuring all callers received a warm welcome with quick, accurate answers to their questions.”

 

Be Concise

Try to keep everything to a page—the longer your resume, the less likely the hiring manager will see the parts you most want them to. If you list things like skills or volunteer work, make sure they are hard skills or things that are a big part of who you are—that you could expound on in person.

3 Best Parks in Portland, Oregon

 

Devon Berry is a nursing professional specializing in academic executive leadership. He has most recently served as executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. Devon Berry currently resides with his family in Portland, Oregon.

 

Portland has over 200 parks with a lush green landscape that work for a variety of scenarios--walking your dog, watching the sunset, going for a run, or a little bit of each. What makes a park special is subjective to its visitors. These are the three best parks in Portland, Oregon, but it’s worth exploring more for yourself—to enjoy and attach your own memories to.

 

Forest Park

Walk far enough west on NW Thurman street and you’ll run into the 5,200 acre Forest Park—one of the nation’s largest urban forests. Thurman is one of 18 access points into the park, which has over 80 miles of trails and is home to more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species. It’s the perfect ground for a trail run, hike, or mountain bike excursion with friends.

 

Oregon Park

Not the biggest or the smallest, this humble neighborhood park spans two to three blocks in Northeast Portland. There’s a small handful of wood and steel play structures, park benches, and a basketball court, making Oregon Park ideal for a stroll, shooting hoops, or playing with your kids and dogs. It’s mostly shaded and never crowded—in other words, perfectly Portland.

 

Council Crest

Sitting at 1073 feet above sea level in SW Portland, Council Crest park is thought to be the highest elevation point within city limits, boasting unobstructed views of Mount Hood. You’ll find a small handful of hiking trails and an expansive, grassy lawn great for a picnic or reading a book.