How to answer one of the most important (and likely) interview questions - Tell me about yourself

[Cle4Me]

For whatever reason, this is the question I have found the most difficult to answer. As many of us have experienced a lot in life, much of it impacting who we are, there are just so many ways to answer this question. Can anyone offer worthwhile advice (beyond be yourself or answer honestly). How did you go about answering it? Ideally, can anyone offer a solid example of how they wen;t about answering it?

 

Thank you.

[RainOnNeptune]

Keep it short and focus on academic/professional accomplishments. At the end you can throw in a few concise personal details, like hobbies/ interests or special skills you have. I'm a ___ where I have been for ___ time doing ___ ___ ___. This has been great because ___. Before that I was doing x relevant thing, and in my spare time I like ___, ___ and ___.

[UGoLong]

They have your essay, your transcripts, and your references. I would pick a theme that runs through your life and talk about some events that led you to where you are today. Or some of the things that you are proud of. Or major life experiences. How you got to where you are in life, etc.

 

Don't be flamboyant, long-winded, or shocking, but share something of interest. 

[Holly_Diana]

I agree with UGoLong. This is the moment to talk about yourself that isn't already reflected in your application and supplemental. This is the point where you will be able to set yourself apart from the rest and potentially make a lasting impression because this is what is unique to you. Everyone applying will have a similar application with grades, volunteering, etc. What is unique about you and your experiences up to this point? Hope this helps.

[andrewb]

First I like mentioning some non-application facts about yourself that are important to getting to know you. Let's say you're a competitive powerlifter, amateur astronomer, world class rose cultivator, or you teach skydiving lessons on the weekend- those are facts that will make people REMEMBER you, and not being forgotten is a big part of your battle. Far too many people neglect to ever mention this kind of biographical data- because they are worried that it's irrelevant or it will be seen as peacocking. Don't be flamboyant or melodramatic as UGoLong mentioned, but don't fall in the faux modesty trap. What you do with the time that belongs entirely to you reveals a huge part of your story.

 

Second, this is a great opportunity to shape the rest of the interview. Gently guide your interviewer to your strengths and your best stories about the qualities that will make you a PA. You don't necessarily have to bring up some off the wall trivia about yourself or secretly be a chess grandmaster to grab your interviewers' attention. You can give context and depth to something that otherwise would just be another bullet on your application. For example if you said "I love working with rural folks. I volunteer with this rural free clinic every summer, so I love to hear their stories and see how much of a difference just getting access to a provider can make. When I started working there I had to start journaling about what I saw and learned because I knew these were important experiences to remember on my path to becoming a PA." You just let me know you have stories to tell, that you're a reflective and thoughtful person, and that your volunteer experience meant more than checking a box.

 

It's your chance to make your interviewers' job a lot easier by pointing them in the direction of fruitful and interesting conversation. They will appreciate that!