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Physician Assistant Mock Interview

Question 18 of 40 for our Physician Assistant Mock Interview

Physician Assistant was updated by on November 9th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 18 of 40

Tell me about yourself.

Healthcare institutions looking to hire physician assistants often end up with pools of very highly qualified candidates from a clinical perspective. The decision can sometimes come down to the PA that is the best cultural fit for the organization and personality fit for the team. In asking you to describe yourself, you are getting an opportunity to discuss your motivation for pursuing a career in healthcare as a physician assistant, your path up to this interview, and some bits and pieces about yourself that make you both a good fit for the organization and the department you are interviewing with. Talk openly about these things to sell yourself as the top PA for the position.

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How to Answer: Tell me about yourself.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Physician Assistant job interview.

  • 18. Tell me about yourself.

      How to Answer

      Healthcare institutions looking to hire physician assistants often end up with pools of very highly qualified candidates from a clinical perspective. The decision can sometimes come down to the PA that is the best cultural fit for the organization and personality fit for the team. In asking you to describe yourself, you are getting an opportunity to discuss your motivation for pursuing a career in healthcare as a physician assistant, your path up to this interview, and some bits and pieces about yourself that make you both a good fit for the organization and the department you are interviewing with. Talk openly about these things to sell yourself as the top PA for the position.

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Entry Level Example

      "From an early age, I always gravitated towards the sciences like biology and chemistry. I decided on a healthcare career after some volunteer experiences at a nursing home during high school. Unsure of my exact direction entering college, I took some opportunities to shadow a couple of physician assistants during college and knew this was a career I could thrive in. If I'm fortunate enough to be hired for this role, you'd be getting a nurturing and skilled PA with a competitive side, as I'm a competitive golfer and water skier."

      Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023

      Answer Example

      "I have wanted to become a physician assistant for a long time, mostly because I come from a family of nurses and doctors. I was always moved by the stories my mom and my aunt told of being able to help and heal people. I am very relational and empathetic, and I love to help people feel welcome and comfortable. I enjoy working as part of a team and in a fast-paced environment. I'm looking forward to gaining further experience and bringing my unique skillset and experience to this hospital. In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants downtown and playing tennis with my spouse. We are looking forward to raising a family here as well."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Experienced Example

      "I am a passionate, excited team player who loves to learn on the fly and take the lead when possible, and I have a proven track record of success as a PA in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. I'm loyal and have shown that through my decade-long career at one employer. I have risen through their ranks and am ready to take on the next challenge. Outside work, I love to travel and do DIY projects in my home."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I love medicine as we are constantly learning new things about diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of ailments. I love challenges and am looking for avenues to grow and learn in the field of medicine. This passion is what made me want to come back after a hiatus."

      Stephanie's Feedback

      Your passion for medicine is very evident, which is wonderful. However, since this question is a bit broad ("Tell me about yourself,") I suggest adding a bit more about your professional background and the skills and positive characteristics that you'd bring to a workplace setting. I have created an example in the "Revised Answer" section to show what this might look like.
      "I'm a hard-working physician assistant who is passionate about the evolving field of medicine. I love learning new things about diagnoses, assessment, and treatment of ailments. I am energized by challenges, and I am seeking a new avenue to grow and learn within the field of medicine. My passion for this career field is what made me want to return to work after a hiatus. My colleagues and former supervisors would describe me as being inquisitive, relational, and an active problem-solver. I bring my best self to work every day."
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