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The Breakdown: Tell Me About Yourself

in Interview, pre-pa on 07/30/17

Getting into a PA program is tough. If you make it to the interview you should feel really proud of yourself! Getting an interview is quite the feat. But once you get there you want to make sure you are prepared. There are definitely a few questions that you can expect. They will be asked in one form or another. Today we are going to focus on a particularly tricky question. The dreaded, ambiguous, difficult question that you will hear in your interviews. It is so basic, but why is it so hard to articulate? I can guarantee that this question will follow you to every job interview as well, in one form or another. Are you ready for it?

Question : Tell me about yourself

 

 

 

What they want:

Admissions committees are evaluating everything about you. So even though this seems like a benign question, stay alert. Most programs are looking for confident  people that can think on their feet. They want people who can articulate their thoughts and are relatable. This question allows the ad com to evaluate your maturity, your depth, and your personality to see if you would fit with their student body. Its really important to be transparent and honest. This is the time to show your true personality, not list your stats.

What they don’t want:

Rehearsed, calculated responses. This is not the question to be super formal and guarded. Generic and boring is not a good first impression. Don’t use this time to tell them why you are a good candidate and would be perfect for their program. There will be other opportunities for that. This is about being you and giving them an opportunity to get to know you.

 

 

A good example:

I am a marathon runner, I love to run! It is something I do to relieve stress and it challenges me. So far I have been to 15 different states to run marathons. Once I am in PA school, I know I may have to cut back a little bit, but I hope to use some of my down time running. I also am really into bacteriology. Most people don’t quite understand my love of microbes! For the last 3 years I worked part time in a lab doing research and I find it very fascinating. I’ve always been a person who follows their interests to the fullest. I work really hard to do my best. Whether I am training for a marathon, or if I am working on an experiment in the lab, I kind of geek out. I am naturally inclined to  push until I succeed.

 

A bad example:

My name is Rachael and I am 35 years old. I live in Minnesota and I really think I would be a good fit for your program. I have a 4.0 science GPA and I have 2500 hours of direct patient care hours. I also have 500 hours of volunteering. I like to study and spend most of my free time in the library. I will be a really good PA and I am very passionate about the field. If you accept me into your program I will be very happy.

 

In the first example, we get to know the candidate. They shared some interesting hobbies and interests as well as some strong character traits. In the second example we got none of that. We got a list of stats and information that can be found in their application. They did not share any interesting facts about themselves and didn’t convince us that they have any traits needed to be a good PA. The second answer was flat. Don’t be afraid to be interesting! The admissions committees spent a lot of time choosing you to invite for an interview. So go ahead and let them get to know the wonderful, interesting, beautiful you!

If you are wanting more focused coaching, we do offer an Interview Bootcamp and personalized Mock Interviews. Email us with questions!

 

 

 

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What people are saying about PA Trek Coaching

I would like to share some excited news with you. I recently was accepted to 2 PA schools and still have another interview coming.

I was accepted to Marshall B. Ketchum in Fullerton, CA, and Touro University- California.  and another interview at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Ca.

I wanted to thank you for giving me the best coach ever. He is super supportive and always check if I was ok during the process. I am so happy and proud of myself that I even got in the first year. I know how competitive PA schools are, so I am just so thankful that I found you all.

Betty, accepted at Marshall B. Ketchum and Touro University, California Coaching Package

I took your advice and went into my interview with confidence. I just want to thank you so much for all your help!!! I am truly grateful for what you’ve done for me. 🙂 

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Robin Coaching Package

I don’t even know how to thank you for all your help!! I was accepted to my first choice program at the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Class of 2019! Not only that, but I was one of those they called right after the interview. I am absolutely excited (and scared)!

Thank you again for all your through assistance! I don’t think I could have done this without you!

Angela, accepted at Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program Coaching Package

I just got their acceptance email. Beyond excited and grateful. Thank you so much for everything. I would not have come this far without your help!

 

Aleena, accepted at UTGRV Mock Interview/Personal Statement Critique

My experience with PA Trek Coaching was great. The team really provided me with the guidance I was looking for, plus tons of extra information that really came in handy. Initially, I was struggling with my personal statement but my PA Trek coach encouraged me to look inside myself and dig deep. Without their help, I’m not sure if I would have been able to articulate my story in such a professional way. Additionally, the mock interview with my coach gave me a new perspective and insight on the entire process. I know the mock interview helped me gain confidence with my interviewing skills, which really paid off. Thank you, PA Trek Coaching! 

Liza Chapman, accepted at Emory University Coaching Package

I used personal statement review and interview bootcamp. These resources were INVALUABLE to me. I felt my confidence grow, and when it was time for my last interview at my top choice school, I killed it!

Lindsay Hickman, accepted at St. Catherine University, MPAS Personal Statment Critique/ Interview Bootcamp Personal Statement Critique and Interview Bootcamp

I just wanted to share that after my ONLY interview this cycle (aaand my first cycle applying), I was just accepted to Carroll University’s PA Program and will be starting this coming May!!!!!
I will be forever glad that I took advantage of  PA Trek! My coach gave me great advice and suggestions which I definitely took to heart and worked on the week following our mock, and knowing what I needed to work on gave me the confidence that I needed. I felt I truly rocked that interview and clearly I did something right. 🙂

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Mary, accepted at Carroll University Mock Interview

We took an hour for a mock interview at the end of September and I just wanted to give you an update on my interviews! So far, I have gone to four. I was accepted at South University (Savannah, GA) and Western Michigan University! Your mock interview helped me so much. At WMU, I had an impromptu essay about the state of health care in America / pros and cons of the current health system and I felt completely prepared – I wouldn’t have had too much to say if you hadn’t recommended I look into it further! Just wanted to let you know! Thanks so much for your time. It was well worth it.

Laura, accepted at South University and Western Michigan University Used our Mock Interview

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