In a job interview, what do you answer to this question...?

Question

Tell me something about yourself that you could imkprove on?
I can't say that I have a temper, what would be appropriate?


(I'm applying for a nursing position)

Answer 1

Don't just answer with a fault (in my company we call these "areas of opportunity"). Always include what action you are taking to improve.
For Example: Sometimes I recognize that I have a short temper. When I feel myself getting angry, I try to walk away from the problem. When I'm angry with a patient and can't walk away, I try to count to ten, or imagine what they are going through as a patient. Often that calms me down.

I have a short temper. I practice on my wife. When I get mad about something at work, I explain my frustrations to her that evening. She usually takes up the opposing argument to help me think through the issue, instead of continuing to get angry or frustrated.
Often, the next day I am able to resolve the issue with my co-worker without getting irritated.

Answer 2

The key is that no matter what example you use, make sure you explain why it would be beneficial for you to improve on it, and what you are doing to try to improve on it.

(I've said it before in regards to this question, but don't use the trite examples everyone says to use - I pay too much attention to detail, I try to do too many things at one time, I take on too many projects at the same time, etc. Be real and be honest - It's likely that the interviewer has more experience doing interviews than you do, and has heard all the usual answers and will respect an honest person more. I know I always looked for that.)

Answer 3

There's a way to put a positive spin on anything. The politicians do it all the time, right? You don't have a hot temper, you're a "very passionate person"!

As for faults, say you're aware that you're not perfect, as nobody is, but you do work on self-improvement on a regular basis. Keep it general, so they won't red-flag any remarks to use against you in the future.

Answer 4

Say that you're an over achiever or a perfectionist and that you are working on being slightly more relaxed.Say that you sometimes overcommit yourself and find yourself stretched too thin.

Say you are very goal oriented and sometimes you are so focused on the future you forget to notice and appreciate what is in your present.

Say you'd like to exercise more, do more outdoor activities or maybe just take a meditation course.

Answer 5

Speak only of professional experience, education, etc. nothing about family, age, etc. Perhaps you could improve on being too attentive to details - that's often a fault that people use. Always take a negative and turn it around to be positive. Good Luck!

Answer 6

You're right... don't talk about your temper at all! Mention something very technical... perhaps some side effects for particular (maybe even obscure) prescriptive medications.

Answer 7

I am not a perfect person and there's lots I have to improve on. However, if given the chance to work with your organisation, I would also be most grateful for your guidance and counselling.

Answer 8

I would answer as follows:

Just like everyone else, I can improve on lots of things. I am very eager to learn and improve. I enjoy doing new things and take pride in doing a good job.

Answer 9

NO!!!!!

I would try to talk about something positive. for example, let's see...How about if you only have an LPN but you would want to go for an RN? Or maybe you would want to specialize. Do not give them anything negative. You are wonderful and that's why they need to hire you.

Answer 10

Self esteem.