How to Answer: How would those close to you describe your communication style?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a PA School MMI job interview.
2. How would those close to you describe your communication style?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Physician assistants are relied upon to be great communicators with patients, colleagues, physicians, and other members of the care team. Knowing that your communication skills are also vital to your academic and clinical rotation success during PA school, your interviewer at this MMI station needs to get a feel for what type of communicator you will be if accepted into their program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 13th, 2023
Tips
You'll have around eight minutes to respond to a question like this, so elaborating on your answer will be very important. Before your PA school MMI interview, think of some great examples where your communication has benefitted a team or group effort, and come prepared to discuss how.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 13th, 2023
How to Answer
From the perspective of your friends, family, student colleagues, and coworkers, discuss how they would describe your communication skills and style. If you have received direct feedback from others about why your communication style is beneficial, that would be great to discuss with your interviewer at this station. Citing some examples of times when your communication has helped you or others out in tough situations will leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 13th, 2023
Answer Example
"If you were to talk to my family, friends, and current student colleagues, I know they would say that I am a more reserved communicator who likes to think things out before speaking up. I'm a calculated communicator who doesn't like to add fluff. All my close friends and family know I'm introverted, which has pros and cons. But I know who I am and use this to my advantage. I know that my patients will appreciate my quiet nature. They would also say I am a great listener because I take in all information before making informed decisions. This past year, I was part of a group project with three others in my program. Two were bull-headed extroverts who constantly talked over each other and battled for whose ideas we should use. During our email and in-person communications, I took everything in, then spoke up and summarized all of their thoughts and gave my best suggestion moving forward. My student colleagues loved my ideas because it was a great compromise and a solid path to success. I'm confident that this same style of communication will be beneficial in a multidisciplinary team setting as a physician assistant."
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 13th, 2023