What Should A Medical Assistant Wear To A Job Interview
An interview should include business attire such as a suit or dress shirt, slacks orskirt, and a dress shirt. It is recommended that you wear a tie or jacket if available. It is important for a MA to wear a clean, fresh-pressed interview outfit. It is recommended to tuck in and fully cover dress shirts.
Describe The Biggest Mistake You Made In Your Last Job
Mistakes belong to every job, even if someones health is at stake. Its impossible to live, and to do our job, without ever making a mistake. Interviewers are aware of this fact.
They simply try to find out if you can admit making a mistake, if you look at it responsibly, and if you learned a lesson from the mistakes you made in the past . Everyone makes mistakes, but a great employee will learn from their mistake, and they will not repeat it again.
You shouldnt say that you do not remember any mistakes. Even if you made only small mistakes, pick one of them for your interview answer. Remember that your attitude matters the most for us.
Special Tip: Download the full list of questions in a one-page long .PDF document, print it and practice your answers to the questions:
Top 25 Frequently Asked Medical Assistant Interview Questions And Sample Answers
There are plenty of job opportunities available for medical assistants. The employment chances of a medical assistant with better qualifications, certifications, and other specialized skills are much higher. Employers tend to hire professionals based on their credentials and overall outlook. To get employed by your desired employer, you must ace the medical assistant interview questions.
The interview will help them determine your capabilities as a medical assistant and will also create your first impression. The medical assistant interview will act as a massive factor for employers to decide whether to invest in you or not. Our goal is to provide you the most frequently asked medical assistant interview questions and sample answers as well as other helpful insights to help you successfully master the medical assistant interview.
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Hunter Business Schools Career Services
Want to start a career in medical assisting after graduating from a technical school? The Career Services department at Hunter Business School does more than prepare medical assistant students for employment. Hunter Business School helps graduates with these skills.
- Job interviewing skills
- Cover and thank you letter writing
- Job internships
- Career counseling and support
Did learning about how to prepare for medical assistant job interview questions interest you? The Medical Assistant program at Hunter Business School prepares competent, entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive , psychomotor , and affective learning domains required for professional practice.
Medical Assistant students at Hunter Business School spend 160 hours in an externship in an actual medical work environment where they are supervised and taught in order to gain valuable on-the-job training. Contact us to learn more about the Medical Assistant program and how to start a rewarding career as a medical assistant.
Possible Questions You May Be Asked In A Medical Assisting Interview
During the course of a medical assisting job interview there are some standard questions that are asked once a hiring manager asks you to tell me a little about yourself. Here are a few to prepare you to have a successful medical assisting job interview.
Question #1: Are you familiar with electronic medical records ? Make sure to prepare yourself to talk about electronic medical records, as they play a big role in the job of a medical assistant.
Question #2: Are you familiar with medical coding? Much of the medical assistant position will involve medical coding patient records, insurance billing, and electronic medical records. Convey your confidence in medical coding to the hiring manager.
Question #3: How do you protect the rights and confidentiality of patients? Be sure to study HIPAA regulations so you can show the hiring manager that you are knowledgeable regarding HIPAA regulations and patient privacy.
Question #4: Would you describe yourself as a people person? A medical assistant works with doctors, colleagues, and patients on a day-to-day basis. Make the hiring manager understand that you like working with people and enjoy interacting with others.
Question #5: Do you have experience with venipuncture ? This is a key skill that many medical assistants need to perform in a medical setting. A school must include this in the program curriculum.
Question #8: Are you certified in CPR and/or first aid? Medical assistant programs should include CPR and first aid.
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Dos And Donts Of A Medical Assisting Job Interview
If youre ready to start an actual career and leave the dead-end jobs behind you, EBI Career College is the place to start. Part of what we do is helping you transition from training to your job search.
We can help you prepare for a job interview, so you are able to sell yourself as a valuable asset to any team. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind as you prepare for a Medical Assisting job interview.
DO: Dress appropriately.
When you look good, you feel confident. A nice suit, or at least a pressed shirt and tie for the guys, and an office-appropriate dress or blouse and slacks for the ladies.
DONT: Arrive late.
Be sure to arrive at your interview location 10 15 minutes early, just in case the company requires you to fill out paperwork.
DO: Research the company.
Learn as much as you can about the prospective medical facility in order to show you are as interested in working for them as they are work with you.
DONT: Slouch, use slang or display any other bad habits.
Remember you are trying to make a good first impression and your every move is being analyzed to determine if you have what it takes to fit in at the company. Manners are free.
DO: Bring copies of your resume and letters of recommendation.
Be sure to have several copies of your medical assisting resume with you, as it is custom for others to sit in on an interview as well as copies of references, letters of recommendation or your portfolio.
DONT: Worry about salary details.
Things To Take To An Interview
A MA should take a few simple things with them to each interview. An updated copy of their resume that is free of errors or typos should be taken to the interview. Taking a resume allows the MA to give the interviewer a copy if needed. It also allows the MA to review their resume, giving them a chance to refresh their memory regarding their work history, skills and experience. Reviewing the resume can be done in the waiting area or the car prior to the interview. A MA should take proof of any certifications or licenses, such as their AAMA license or CPR card. They should also take a pen and notebook so they can write down any necessary information. One should carry their interview supplies in a briefcase or professional looking bag. Black laptop travel bags make good substitutes for briefcases.
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What Questions Will We Ask You In An Interview
Typical medical assistant interview starts with a few personal questions. Interviewers try to learn something about your personality, motivation, goals, and they try to asses your communication skills. They will use some of the following questions :
Why did you choose this career?
Try to focus on your dreams, and strengths that make you a great candidate for the position. Do not talk about your salary, or education, as a reason for your job choice. Try to convince us that you really want to work as a medical assistant, that you did not choose this career just becasue you could not study anything better, or becasue you could not get a better job.
Show us that you consider your job a mission, that you understand the role medical assistants have in healthcarewhich is indeed an important one. Speak with enthusiasm about your profession, convince us that you really want to do this work
What do you consider your main duty in this job?
You can approach this question in two ways. You can either list the typical duties of a medical assistant : Scheduling appointments and greeting visitors of the office, composing dictated letters from the physician, either on a typewriting machine or on a computer, completion and submission of insurance forms, handling telephone and mail and email, patients charts typed up etc.
Is Medical Assisting Right For Me
When considering a career as a medical assistant, it is a good idea to take inventory of your strengths and weaknesses, skills and abilities, to ensure that this type of work would suit you. Are you detail oriented? Do you have a desire to work with patients and help other people? Do you have an interest in medicine, and do you desire to work in a doctors office or clinical environment? If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then a career as a medical assistant seems a viable option.
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How Do You Handle Patient Complaints
As a medical office assistant, you are likely to come across patients that may not agree with your treatment plan. The employer wants to see if you can take criticism courteously and professionally and how far you’re willing to go to ensure patient satisfaction. Depending on how you handle the situation, you may calm the situation and reach an understanding.
Example:“First, I listen to the patient and validate their concern. I then empathize with them to show them I understand their complaint. Finally, I take steps based on the complaint and become an active part of getting a solution.”
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What Do You See Yourself In Five Years From Now
Five years. That is a lot of time. We can be alive, we can be dead. We can be leading the clinic, and we can be sleeping on the street. Who knows what will happen in five years from now?
In this interview, however, you should simply say that you will be happy to have the same job. Position of a medical assistant does not offer many career growth options. Show us that you are aware of the fact, that you enjoy your job, that we can count on you in a long run.
Alternatively you can speak about personal goals, such as starting a family, earning a degree, living in a new house, improving your lifestyle, etc.
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Tell Me About Yourself
Advice: Give a broad overview of your work/educational history and throw in something outside of the job that youre passionate about to let them know youre interesting, not just qualified.
Example Answer: I have always had a strong desire to help people, which is why I have spent the last five summers as a lifeguard. After completing my training at ABC Health Career Institute, where I recently graduated with honors, I successfully obtained my certification. Now, I’m excited to get started in this new career.
Preparing For Your Medical Assistant Interview
- Research the company. Finding out as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with will help you answer questions and show that you are serious.
- Read the companys website to make sure you understand what they do.
- Read their recent press releases to see current events going on in the company.
- Check outside sources for news about the company and insights into their reputation. Glassdoor, for example, has company reviews and ratings.
- During your research, put together a list of questions to ask them during the interview.
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Jobs Available After Graduating From A Medical Assistant Program
Clinical Assistant assists in the administration of medications and minor procedures, obtains laboratory specimens, administers EKGs, and provides patient education.
Doctors Assistant supports the doctor with clinical and clerical duties to provide health care to patients.
Medical Assistant completes administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
Medical Office Assistant performs secretarial duties using knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory procedures. The medical office assistants duties include scheduling appointments, billing patients, adding data to medical charts, writing reports, and creating correspondence.
Putting It All Together
Going to any interview can be nerve-racking. Thatsjust the nature of the beast. But, by being prepared, you can make sure thatyou nail the medical assistant interview questions and stand out from thecrowd. Just work your strategy to create great answers and practice, practice,practice. Have your examples at the ready. And, remember, youre a greatcandidate. You just have to show them that you are.
Good luck!
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Why Do You Want To Work In Health Care
An employer might ask you this question to learn more about your interest in this field. While some people choose to work as a medical assistant for their entire career, many others use it as a career stepping stone. This question helps employers understand your intentions for wanting to work in this challenging yet rewarding environment. Before your interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to work in healthcare. Rather than discussing high wages or job security, try to provide an answer that is a bit more wholesome. Explain why you like working with patients.
Example:”I got into healthcare because I enjoy being around people. I love getting to hear each patient’s stories and learn a little bit about their lives as I check them in and get their vitals. Having a job where I get to talk to patients all day long is a good fit for me. I also have always loved science, especially biology and anatomy. As I pursue nursing school, I feel like this job would teach me a lot about patient care. I would love the opportunity to work alongside doctors and nurses.”
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How To Prepare For Medical Assistant Interview
Your appearance will leave an impact on your first impression. Therefore, a subtle formal dress code must be considered by the interviewee for the medical assistant interview.
- Male candidates must opt for simple shirts and trousers or suits, while female candidates must wear formal attire that includes garments like formal skirts, pants, and well-tailored shirts and blouses
- Avoid wearing strong perfume or cologne
- Well-groomed hair is a must
Additional Tips to Prepare for the MA Interview
- Bring along multiple copies of your resume and other required documents and transcripts.
- It is possible to get anxious and nervous about the interview, which usually indicates that you care for the job deeply. Nervousness is good as long as there is no insecurity, but it is essential to calm those nerves down while giving the interview as it can lead to a shift in your focus.
- The interviewee must clear his/her head and solely focus on the interview questions. They must practice active listening, i.e., listening as well as interpreting other persons questions and feedback. The answers must be quick and to-the-point, as unnecessary blabbering will not be acknowledged positively.
- While giving the interview, certain non-verbal signs of affirmation, such as nodding and smiling, must be used to create effective communication. Avoiding eye contact and showing disinterest through your body language are some things you must avoid while giving the interview.
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What Would You Do If A Doctor Asked You To Handle An Administrative Duty And A Nurse Requested Help With A Patient At The Same Time
Other medical facility professionals ask medical assistants to help them with various tasks. The employer asks this question to assess whether you can prioritize what is most important based on urgency, the time required to accomplish the task, and necessity.
Example:“If they asked me to perform conflicting tasks, the first thing I would do is determine which task is most important. Attending to a patient normally takes precedence over any administrative task. In this case, I would explain to the doctor that the nurse wanted me to help with a patient and that I’d complete the task they assigned to me as soon as we finished helping the patient.”
Do You Have Experience Recording Patients’ Histories Can You Also Do This Electronically
Gathering the patient’s information and their medical history is a critical responsibility of a medical office assistant since it influences the doctor’s medical decision. Your ability to collect this information manually and electronically is crucial for you to qualify for this role.
Example:“Collecting patients’ information and their medical history is a vital aspect of this job. I can gather this information both manually and electronically with accuracy. Once I am done recording this information, I review it with the patient to ensure that I missed nothing and that the information I recorded is accurate. After I have reviewed the data, I enter it into the hospital’s system and ensure it’s secure.”
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