DownloadPersonal questions often come first, when you are most nervous. Because they sound simple, applicants tend not to prepare them, and then ramble. A little preparation turns them into an easy, confident start.
“Tell me about yourself”
This is not an invitation to recite your personal statement. It is a short introduction that gives the interviewer something to ask about. Aim for about a minute, in three parts:
- Now: who you are and what you are studying.
- What drives you: one or two things you care about, each with a quick example.
- Where you are heading: why you are in this room today.
“I am in Year 13 studying chemistry, biology and English. Outside school I have volunteered at a care home for two years, which is where I found out how much I enjoy talking with people who are often overlooked. I also run my school’s debating club, which has taught me to listen properly before arguing. Both of those pulled me towards medicine, which is why I am here.”
“What are your strengths?”
- Pick one or two, not five. Choose strengths that matter for the course: communication, resilience, teamwork, reliability, curiosity.
- Prove each one with a short example. A strength without evidence is just a claim.
- Link it to the job. Why will this help you as a doctor, dentist or student?
“What is your biggest weakness?”
Interviewers ask this to test honesty and self-awareness. Avoid fake weaknesses such as “I am a perfectionist” or “I work too hard”, which interviewers hear constantly. Instead:
- Name a real, moderate weakness, not one that would worry them about patient safety.
- Give an example of when it showed.
- Say what you are doing about it, and what has improved.
“I used to find it hard to ask for help. In my first month volunteering I struggled with a task for a long time rather than asking a staff member, and it delayed the residents’ lunch. Since then I have made a point of checking in early when I am unsure. I have realised it is safer, and that in a team asking is part of doing the job well.”
That weakness is strong for a medicine interview because recognising your limits and asking for help is exactly what a safe doctor does.
Questions to practise
Tell me about yourself.
Now, what drives you, why you are here. About a minute.
What is your greatest strength?
One strength, one example, linked to the job.
What is your biggest weakness?
Real, moderate, example, what you are doing about it.
How would your friends describe you?
Three words, one short example.
What do you do to relax?
A real answer. Looking after yourself is part of the job.
Frequently asked questions
How long should “Tell me about yourself” be?
About a minute. Give the interviewer a few threads to pull on rather than your whole personal statement.
What weakness should I say in a medicine interview?
A real, moderate weakness with an example and evidence of improvement, such as finding it hard to ask for help or to delegate. Avoid fake weaknesses like perfectionism.
Should I memorise my answers to personal questions?
Prepare the structure and examples, not a script. A memorised answer sounds flat and is hard to recover if you lose your place.