The curveball comes when you’re asked about weaknesses in a job interview. ", I am not a quitter and do not like to give up. It’s an invitation to shine a spotlight on all the skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the job. Insisting on perfection is a handicap that you do not want as a future clinician. I've shadowed two surgical PAs, an Emergency Medicine PA, and a hospitalist PA and work with or scrub in with PAs almost every day. I grew up in very remote areas of Australia living with indigenous populations in medically underserved areas, have done volunteering in Africa in a medical capacity (although fairly minor responsibilities), have spent time in a leadership position in the Australian Army. 2. I’m not very good at gauging how long a … 101 PA School Admissions Essays: The Book! Another strength is the fact that I have worked in various settings in healthcare: in the field bringing people to the ER, in the ER itself, and then in the hospital setting after ER patients are admitted to the various floors. Get the best possible advice at TARGETjobs: we give you good and bad example answers and help you find an answer that will impress the employer you are applying to. Review these PA school interview questions to help you prepare for your PA school interview. A different way to think about it: weaknesses that are malignant personality traits are bad as they can't really be managed/corrected, don't mention them. What is the right weakness, you may ask? Always share what you are learning, or have learned, from your weakness. I do not know how else to write this without sounding cliche, but I am a "people person," and I genuinely love bringing positivity to others. By outlining a weakness, you have the opportunity to discuss how you adapt, learn, and grow, which will all be important factors as a PA student and as a PA. I've been glancing over some interview questions to get my thoughts flowing, but I'm sort of stuck on this one. Your answers are evaluated not just for their content, but for your confidence, insight, and self-awareness. Mastering Your PA School Interview: Tone Matters. In the past I found it hard to keep it in check. My discipline and motivation from swimming Division 1 and ensuring I keep my grades up for a good GPA. An excerpt from Medical School Interview: Winning Strategies from Admissions Faculty In 2011, the AAMC published a survey that evaluated the importance of 12 variables on medical school admissions decisions. Because of deep challenges in my life, ones that stretch even into the present, like having a disabled mother, I have developed stable resiliency in my life, and have a strong mental will to push and press forward in the face of adversity. ", 4 Kinds of Stories to Abandon in Your PA School Interview, QBIQ: "What Do You Like to Do in Your Spare Time? This common interview question can throw a candidate for a loop. How Much Money do Physician Assistants (PAs) Make? During Mock Interviews , we run through some of these questions and any others that may be specific to your application, and then discuss your answers to determine any flaws or weaknesses. The key to developing your best answer to this (and any other) interview question is to respond to the question asked directly and to cover all of the QBIQ in your reply. What NOT to Do When Discussing Your Weaknesses in an Interview 1) Don't malign yourself. The Physician Assistant Job or PA School Interview – Email Etiquette, The Physician Assistant Interview: Thank You and Follow-up (With Sample), The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative. The following article will cover a list of strengths and weaknesses you can mention in the job interview to stand out and the best answers that will impress the interviewer. Inevitably, you will be asked to describe a time when you have failed. Finishing school and applying for your first job as a physician assistant can be both exciting and scary. Definitely worth the money, thank you for all your help! The interview was rated the most important factor. ", I have a unique patient care experience. I am good at connecting with patients and making them feel comfortable and loyal. Now, I write down my top two long term goals every month, and every day, I write my top 2-3 tasks that I need to accomplish that day to get me closer to my goals. I have been working for developmentally disabled patients for three years now administering medication. I am so grateful for all the little things in my life and for coming this far. Interview questions about your strengths and weaknesses are very common. I wanted to be a teacher for a while. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and have been guilty of trying to nurture people when they are overdue for termination. It's 100% FREE and 100% Awesome! If you were a real perfectionist, it would mean that you couldn’t get through a patient visit in under an hour. How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement The Book! If your weakness is FOMO and you try to do too much then you're good. Let's find your TOP 3 WEAKNESSES together below! Choose a weakness that you’ve worked to improve. I am very happy with how my essay turned out. These variables included total MCAT scores, science and math GPA, and the interview. ", I have been fortunate enough to work as a PCT in an OR for over two years where I scrub in and hold retractors or laparoscopic cameras on procedures ranging from axillary dissection, to a mastectomy, or total hip replacements and the list goes on. I am a hard-working applicant and have spent much of my collegiate career working and pursuing a bachelors degree to put myself in a position to be ready to apply for PA programs at the age of 23. ", My greatest strength is my compassion and drive to help anyone get better. However, once you start preparing for the interview, you may begin to feel as if you'll never be fully ready for the big day. Some of these have come from the course of life, and I have not chosen them, but absorbed them and let these events positively shape me. Copyright ©2021 Be a Physician Assistant Consultants, All rights reserved. Interview Questions for PA School: Here are my top 100 interview questions that I have come up with from personal experience and research. Lack of confidence is a common weakness, especially among entry-level contributors. PA school interviews are multilayered. I never really had to study in high school, so during my freshman year of college I had a lot of trouble managing my time between my job and my classes.”. Choose a real weakness and talk about the steps you’re taking to address it. Tagged: PA school interview questions, PA school interview tips, interview questions, be a pa3, QBIQ. Carly was able to help me create my best essay by just editing the order and grammar without changing much of any of my written work. In terms of interview format, note that some PA interviews will include a Multiple Mini Interview, some will have traditional or panel type interviews or group interviews, and some programs may require CASPer, so be sure to check with each school to prepare effectively. I haven't chosen to step into the volunteering experiences I have accomplished, to get into PA school. I also have a very strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. Something that separates me: I worked as a morgue intern for six months recently and served as the medical director for its summer program. The night before your PA program interview is time to clear your mind of other stressors and psych yourself up in your own way for your next day’s performance. ", I have grown to be able to function independently, yet I love working in a team-based model. Now, to develop the best answer to this question, we should cover the QBIQ. 86. It does not seem genuine, and it bores an interview committee. outlining your PA school personal statement, My PA School Interview: The Journey of a Lifetime, How to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant School Application Essay, The Top 46 Physician Assistant Applicant Interview Questions. How to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant School Application Essay; The Top 46 Physician Assistant Applicant Interview Questions; Use this Interview Hack to Get The Physician Assistant Job of Your Dreams! ", I think that I am a well-rounded applicant with an above-average GPA and test scores as well as shadowing experience and interning abroad experience. When you interview for a teaching position, you may be asked to explain some of your strengths or weaknesses as they relate to your teaching abilities. Join us→. It truly comes from a deep passion I have to serve and help others. ", I am very outgoing and love to learn. about How Much Money do Physician Assistants (PAs) Make? Again my personal, volunteer and international life experiences have expanded my insight to focus on others, and step outside of myself. I ALWAYS attended my classes in college and had four years of perfect attendance in high school. The fatal flaw, the chink in the armor, the tragic foible, the blemish on your otherwise impeccable character. The job interview process is what stands between you and the PA position you've been working hard to get for many years. You’d never be satisfied that a patient coming in with a sore throat did not need a full body scan. Likewise, PA school interview questions can be dissected into several components. There are plenty of challenging questions that will be asked, and we have come up with the definitive guide to ensure that you are prepared to answer any physician assistant interview questions. 5 Best Ways to Give a Memorable PA School Interview. The Worst PA School Interview Question Ever! made an appointment to work with Duke Pasquini, two different PA school application essays. Managing your time poorly could be a huge problem for as a PA student. Focus on a weakness that you could turn into a strength or take action on to improve. Remind yourself, that the person you will be playing will in fact be easy, because you are simply playing yourself. I have the experience as a medical scribe, shadowing experience, and exposure to what it is like in the field. And most of all I love learning! “I’m the kind of person who has a lot of interests at once, and it took some time for me to learn how to set my priorities and focus on my goals. Get 60 days of PANCE and PANRE Multiple Choice Board Review Questions delivered daily to your inbox. How to Celebrate PA Week Every Week of the Year! ", I believe my greatest strengths include my motivation and willingness to learn. Don’t Make This Critical PA School Interview Mistake! My major was pathobiology (uncommon as far as I can tell) and I got a double minor in Molecular and Cell Biology and Human Development and Family Studies. Your email address will not be published. I also worked with a group of students to institute a student board at our Center for Mental Health Services, which is grossly underfunded and understaffed. How to Write “Physician Assistant” The Definitive PA Grammar Guide. 7 Essays in 7 Days: PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 1, “A PA Changed My Life”, PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 2, “I Want to Move Towards the Forefront of Patient Care”, PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 3, “She Smiled, Said “Gracias!” and Gave me a Big Hug”, PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 4, “I Have Gained so Much Experience by Working With Patients”, PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 5, “Then Reach, my Son, and Lift Your People up With You”, PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 6, “That First Day in Surgery was the First Day of the Rest of my Life”, PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 7, “I Want to Take People From Dying to Living, I Want to Get Them Down From the Cliff.”, Physician Assistant Personal Statement Workshop: “To say I was an accident-prone child is an understatement”, 9 Simple Steps to Avoid Silly Spelling and Grammar Goofs in Your PA School Personel Statement, 5 Tips to Get you Started on Your Personal Essay (and why you should do it now). So, what exactly do physician assistants do wrong in a job interview? One of the most common interview questions that most of us experienced or will experience at some point is “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”.. However, I am afraid to talk about it because it did not end well as my supervisor was mentally abusive, and I had to resign for this reason. I participated in philanthropy events with my sorority throughout college. I love understanding and helping others. Also, I bring a strong perspective on empathy. Claiming to be a perfectionist isn't a great answer. Most of my life, I was required to function and support my self by myself. Everything You Need to Know to Thrive in Your First Rotation, How to Improve Your PA School Application for Round Two, QBIQ: "What Do You Consider to Be Your Greatest Weakness? ", Interview Prep School: A Sneak Peek Inside the Program, How to Focus Your Interview Prep from the Start, How to Focus Your Prep for a PA School Video Interview, QBIQ: "What Are the Most Valuable Traits for a Physician Assistant to Possess? I have attended a US university on exchange. I participate in Meals on Wheels to keep seniors independent and healthy longer. ", One of my strengths is that I am a multinational student. Writing things down helps me to acknowledge my priorities, and from there, I can better manage how to spend my time. Among the possible interview questions, the greatest weakness interview question causes universal dread in most job candidates.In fact, the more qualified a candidate is, the higher the degree of dread. Problem is I feel that PA schools will see right through that and the biggest advice I've gotten is to be authentic in a PA school interview Actually use one of weakness I am tempted to do this option and then turn it into a positive but I'm afraid that one of my actual weakness … “One of my biggest weaknesses has been poor time management. I love science and medicine. Your service was able to help me figure out exactly what I needed to include, what did not belong and helped me display my experiences the best way possible to form a great essay. How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement. How to answer on of the most difficult medical school interview questions "Tell me about your biggest weakness". Preparing for your interview with a few thought-out answers can showcase you as an ideal candidate. I have worked both in a private setting and in the hospital (medical assistant, phlebotomy, clinical technician, PT aide). I've been a practicing PA for over 14 years and I help future PAs, like you, get ready for PA school & practice as a new PA. Save time & gain momentum along your path by getting the kind of everyday support that a future PA needs. I also just received a job as an ambulatory technician in pediatric cardiology. Finding the QBIQ starts with considering how each interview question relates to PA school or a PA career. You shouldn’t admit to being late to your shift regularly or spending time gossiping instead of looking after patients. The interview is a vital part of the hiring process for companies and businesses, even in the medical field. Prepare ahead and ace the interview. ", I think my greatest strength is my experience working in healthcare. I am committed and dedicated to becoming a physician assistant. You do not need a long list of weaknesses. ... Actually, it would be more accurate to say that disorganization is my biggest weakness. When I stepped into working for a non-profit and was a leader, everything I did involved a team, and I began to develop specific skills related to leadership (mostly communication). When it comes to job interview questions, the classic “What are your greatest strengths?” is a softball. physician assistant program application essays, personal statement editing service on the PA Life, The PA Life personal statement essay revision service, professional personal statement review service, Franklin Pierce Physician Assistant Program. This is also a common interview question for pharmacy and dental school, and other health-related professional school interviews. How would you take it if an insurance company did not cover your preferred medication? As with any inquiry about a weakness during an interview, you want to make sure to answer honestly and sincerely, but still, paint yourself in a positive light.It can be tricky to give a good response, but there are ways to respond effectively. If your weakness is that you're lazy, probably should think of something else. ", I am very personable and a great listener. Becoming a PA is my ultimate goal, which I believe I am suited for holistically. When you are applying for an administrative or office position, a typical job interview question is, "What is your greatest weakness?" The last thing you want to do is blow the interview. In discussing how you have worked on your weakness, you have the opportunity to demonstrate how these adaptive skills have readied you for the rigor of PA school or the pressure of a PA career. Even though “What’s your greatest weakness?” has become a cliche over time, it’s still frequently asked, and for good reason. The interview question was answered accurately; a true weakness was given. “One of my biggest weaknesses has been poor time management. Although your interviewer may ask you to share some of your weaknesses, she isn’t asking you to ruin your chances of getting the job. When asked “What do you look for in a coworker?” we can assume a program is also asking what we look for in a classmate. I was doing them long before. It is still a struggle, but I have learned strategies to help me manage my time in both the short term and long term.”. So, let’s now use an example to answer the interview question. I am a Palestinian American who is bilingual. I can't come up with a good way to answer this that's honest but doesn't make me seem unfit for a program. 101 PA School Applicants Answer: What’s Your Greatest Strength? Strategies for tackling the failure question What is your number one weakness? I promise that you have a more interesting weakness to discuss. Landing a PA school interview is a moment of pure excitement. Right; An ideal candidate won’t lie about their weaknesses. It can be a more important interview question than one asking you about your strengths. However, regardless of the type of interview, a prospective medical student needs to arrive on time and thoroughly research the school's mission and programs beforehand, Parkas says. "What is Your Greatest Weakness" - How will you answer this question? However, showing that you have experience working on managing your time, even if it doesn’t come naturally to you, can help a committee see how you could adapt in a PA program. The interview process for a registered nurse may be … Thinking about and incorporating the questions behind interview questions into your answers will result in stronger replies that better reflect your experience, personality, and suitability to be a PA. By practicing this technique with just a few questions, you can learn to use the QBIQ to your advantage during a PA school interview. 12 Secrets to Writing an Irresistible PA School Personal Statement, 7 Rules You Must Follow While Writing Your PA School Essay, You Have 625 Words and 2.5 Minutes to Get Into PA School: Use Them Wisely. However, many physician assistants do, and they don't understand how it happened. Use this Interview Hack to Get The Physician Assistant Job of Your Dreams! What additional questions (beyond the one asked) should you be answering to prove you are ready? Your kryptonite. ", My work ethic and work experience as a BLS EMT, FTO, critical care EMT, and critical care FTO (field training officer that trains new EMTs in the field). The interview process will require you answering questions about your nursing strengths and weaknesses. As a provider, you have to come to a conclusion promptly and implement a treatment plan. ", How to Perform a Powerful Debrief After Your PA School Interview, How to Make the Popular "Just Be You" Interview Advice Actually Work, How to Brave a Group Interview as an Introvert, QBIQ: "What Will You Do If You Don't Get into PA School this Cycle? How to Choose the Right Weakness. Preparing for this question requires a great deal of self-awareness and strategy. I never really had to study in high school, so during my freshman year of college I had a lot of trouble managing my time between my job and my classes.” I am a team player and value others input. Give a genuine weakness such as, meeting deadlines or public speaking and then talk about how you’ve recognised this weakness and worked to improve it. No matter how many times I have to re-apply (let's hope not), I will do whatever it takes because I see no other profession that suits me more than this! Tell me a little about yourself and why you'd like to be a PA. [00:00:07.59] Response by Interviewee: … However, I think it gives me a different perspective than some other applicants having been in several roles on the healthcare team. I used to be shy, but I realised that if I wanted to become a teaching assistant I needed to work on … It’s worth figuring out what that is. Naming a weakness without talking about how you’ve coped with it or worked to overcome it does not help you. What’s Your #1 Personal Statement Struggle? It’s a common medical school interview question, and it’s a tough one. You've probably heard this common medical school interview question. This experience has provided me the knowledge of what it means to be a physician assistant as wells as what the patient needs to get better. I think my extracurriculars separate me. I am confident gaining the skills and knowledge of a PA would propel me to impact and help others at a greater level than the skills I possess now or in any other facet. I tutor at a prison, led a research project, was on the executive board for a couple of clubs in college, worked at three different hospitals, etc.". This was a very valuable experience for me and allowed for a lot of growth and leadership. Do You Recognize These 7 Common Mistakes in Your Personal Statement? This shows your interviewer that you … Each elective on my transcript is there because I hand selected it to either supplement my knowledge or teach me something new - including a class which taught me the components of and how to conduct a medical interview. I can meet the academic requirements and interpersonal aspects of the career. ", The amount of healthcare experience along with the different experiences I was able to have as an EMT (volunteer, private ambulance, retirement community). First, you must start with a true weakness. A favourite interview question of many interviewers, 'What is your biggest weakness?' Getting prepared for your physician assistant job interview can be difficult if you don’t know what to expect or have never done it before. Answering an interview question goes beyond simply what you say. (Hopefully, this answered the question). "As a manager, I feel that my greatest weakness is in terminating employees at the first sign that they are not going to work out. In other words try and convince them your weakness is simply a strength that needs to be tamed. Most questions relate, in some way, to PA school or a PA career. What is your greatest limitation? ", Research experience and community service. Being honest about a weakness and showing the work you have done to improve can be powerful. List of Strengths & Weaknesses + Professional Answers. Additionally, this answer is overused and unoriginal. Affiliate Disclaimer 31 (NEW) CASPA PA School Personal Statement Examples, Why Choose PA Over NP? It will vary from person to person, but ideally, the right weakness is: One that is not a deal breaker. ", I am outgoing, a leader, everyone always reaches out to me for advice. Experiencing a lack of confidence can sometimes cause inefficiencies in your work. This post will help you prepare for this question. « The Interview That Got This Pre-PA Into 5 PA Schools, Podcast Episode 73: Ten FREE PANCE and PANRE Audio Board Review Questions ». 5 Things I’ve Learned Going Into My Fourth Physician Assistant Application Cycle, 7 Tips for Addressing Shortcomings in Your PA School Personal Statement, 300 PA School Interview Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer, PA School Mock Interviews: Prepare With a Live, Recorded Video Interview, The #1 Mistake PRE-PAs Make on Their Personal Statement, The Ultimate PA School Personal Statement Starter Kit, The Ultimate Guide to CASPA Character and Space Limits, Mock Physician Assistant School Interview With Taylor Hill Pre-PA, Mock PA School Interview With Pre-PA Lily Boyle, 10 Questions Every PA School Personal Statement Must Answer, 5 PA School Essays That Got These Pre-PAs Accepted Into PA School, 7 Questions to Ask Yourself While Writing Your PA School Personal Statement, The Interview That Got This Pre-PA Into 5 PA Schools.