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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I am a newly licensed and certified physician assistant. I am seeking opportunities that will allow me to continue learning and working as part of a team. I have obtained a Master's of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Augsburg University. Aside from a PA licensure, I have current active certifications in ACLS and BLS. Outside of practicing my passion for being a healthcare provider, I enjoy traveling and shopping.
Kevin's Feedback
This answer is a good start! I like to teach the 'Past, Present, Future' framework when it comes to the common 'Tell me about yourself' question. This framework will help you to build a more robust response. Here is a guide if you're interested: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/How To Answer: Tell Me About Yourself/
My great grandmother, who I had the opportunity to know in the early years of my life, was a WWII nurse. She had some training when she volunteered to join, and she was a fighter who lived to a 103 years old. She was something of a hero to me, and that’s what sparked my interest in medicine. Following this dream, I pursued a Master’s of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Augsburg University. I recently became a licensed and certified physician assistant. Aside from a PA licensure, I have current active certifications in ACLS and BLS. I remember when my grammy said once you take that first step on your journey, you’ll soon discover the real destination is the journey and the road never ends. So I want to seek opportunities that will allow me to continue learning and working as part of a team. Beyond my passion for practicing as a healthcare provider, I love to read on all things related to my profession. When I am not performing research from the questions I have after reading any new developments in my field; I enjoy traveling and shopping. Traveling I also inherited from my grammy. My passion for shopping I inherited from my father.
