We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you'd like to talk about at this time?

How to Answer
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example

Working in the healthcare industry means you are in contact with vulnerable people, children, pharmaceutical drugs, drug-related equipment, confidential information, and other areas of sensitivity. If you have a criminal record, bad credit, or an issue with drugs, you must disclose this. Assure the interviewer that you are able and willing to pass a complete background check. If you have a criminal record, you can say something like: 'I have a misdemeanor on my record from 15 years ago. I am happy to continue the interview process and comply with your background checks if you allow for some exceptions.'

"I am happy to comply with any background check required. My criminal record is clean, but I did have poor credit eight years ago. I went through a nasty divorce, and our house went into foreclosure. I have been slowly building my credit up and recently qualified for a mortgage to purchase another home. I do not participate in drug use, and you can be assured that I will maintain a clean record if you hire me for this role."

"I am happy to comply with any background check required. My record is clean, and I have a strong credit history. I do not participate in drug use, either. You can be assured that if you hire me for this role, I will maintain a clean record."

"My credit is strong, and my criminal background is squeaky clean. As a physician assistant for the past nine years, I have been very careful to color within the lines in all aspects."

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How to Answer: We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you'd like to talk about at this time?

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

15. We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you'd like to talk about at this time?

How to Answer

Working in the healthcare industry means you are in contact with vulnerable people, children, pharmaceutical drugs, drug-related equipment, confidential information, and other areas of sensitivity. If you have a criminal record, bad credit, or an issue with drugs, you must disclose this. Assure the interviewer that you are able and willing to pass a complete background check. If you have a criminal record, you can say something like: 'I have a misdemeanor on my record from 15 years ago. I am happy to continue the interview process and comply with your background checks if you allow for some exceptions.'

Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I am happy to comply with any background check required. My criminal record is clean, but I did have poor credit eight years ago. I went through a nasty divorce, and our house went into foreclosure. I have been slowly building my credit up and recently qualified for a mortgage to purchase another home. I do not participate in drug use, and you can be assured that I will maintain a clean record if you hire me for this role."

Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023

Answer Example

"I am happy to comply with any background check required. My record is clean, and I have a strong credit history. I do not participate in drug use, either. You can be assured that if you hire me for this role, I will maintain a clean record."

Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023

Experienced Example

"My credit is strong, and my criminal background is squeaky clean. As a physician assistant for the past nine years, I have been very careful to color within the lines in all aspects."

Written by Krista Wenz on January 31st, 2023

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