Employers ask medical assistant candidates these general questions to learn more about their personality and interest in this role:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this role?
- What do you know about this company?
- How would your previous employer describe you?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What are your professional goals?
- What skills does a quality medical assistant have?
- Tell me a little about yourself. ...
- How much experience do you have as a medical assistant? ...
- What are some of your strengths? ...
- What are some of your weaknesses? ...
- Tell me about your computer skills.
What are the qualifications to be a medical assistant?
- The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel In Ophthalmology: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
- The American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants: Podiatric Medical Assistant, Certified
- The American Medical Technologists: Registered Medical Assistant credential
- The American Association of Medical Assistants: Certified Medical Assistant credential
How to write an effective medical assistant resume?
Medical Assistant Resume Sample—25+ Examples and Writing Tips
- Use a Professional Medical Assistant Resume Template. Research has shown that an average job opening gets 250 resumes. ...
- Write a Good Medical Assistant Resume Objective or Summary. A medical assistant resume objective or a summary is a concise, succinct paragraph just below your contact info.
- Create a Proper Medical Assistant Job Description. ...
What to wear to a medical assistant job interview?
What to Wear for a Medical Assistant Interview
- Health Care Interview Attire for Women. Meds News explains that medical assistants are supposed to look and act the part of qualified health care professionals.
- Health Care Interview Attire for Men. ...
- Avoid a Wardrobe Faux Pas. ...
- Medical Assistant Interview Questions. ...
How to succeed at the medical interview?
for the medical interview, although the failure rate for the most competitive interviews is far higher than that of postgraduate exams. The interview is a highly competitive process that may favour certain personality types, but the key to success lies in thorough preparation. An interviewer’s perspective
What are good interview questions for a medical assistant?
8 Common Interview Questions for Medical AssistantsTell Me a Little About Yourself. ... What Are Your Strengths? ... What Are Your Weaknesses? ... How Much Experience Do You Have? ... Tell Me About a Difficult Situation You Have Been in at Work and How You Handled It. ... Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? ... Why Do You Want to Work Here?More items...•
How do I prepare for a medical assistant interview?
Preparing for your Medical Assistant InterviewResearch the company. ... Compare the job requirements with your skills and experience. ... Prepare answers to common interview questions. ... Plan what you'll bring with you. ... Plan what you'll wear. ... Be mindful of nonverbal communication. ... Follow up with your own questions.
What are the top 5 skills a medical assistant would need?
The most successful medical assistants have the following set of technical skills needed to offer quality patient care.Vital signs measurement.Injections.Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)Electrocardiogram (EKG)Phlebotomy.Patient preparation.Life support.Medical terminology.
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers medical field?
12 common healthcare interview questions and how to answer them"Tell me about yourself." ... "Why did you choose to apply?" ... "What is your biggest strength?" ... "What is your biggest weakness?" ... "How do you see the future of healthcare?" ... "How do you stay informed on current events and advancements in healthcare?"More items...•
What is your strongest skill as a medical assistant?
A medical assistant's strongest skill should be compassion. More than the sympathy we feel for those who struggle, compassion is the willingness to take action to meet others' needs and ease their pain. It's empathy in motion.
Why should we hire you as medical assistant?
Recommended Response: I have the skills and training to be an excellent Medical Assistant; I learn quickly and really want this job; I'm hard working and dependable; I work well with people and I am dedicated to being one of the best in my field.
What is the most important role of a medical assistant?
Update Patient Medical Records One of your most important tasks as a medical assistant is keeping patient medical records current. You'll enter a patient's weight and blood pressure and their pre-exam interview responses into a computer database.
What are the 3 categories of desired qualities of a medical assistant?
What Qualities Make a Good Medical Assistant?Quality #1: Good Communication Skills. ... Quality #2: Empathy. ... Quality #3: Compassion. ... Quality #4: Critical Thinking Skills. ... Quality #5: Flexibility. ... Quality #6: Time Management Skills. ... Quality #7: Team Spirit. ... Quality #8: Dependability.More items...•
What do employers look for in a medical assistant?
Successful medical assistants are well-organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, empathetic and active listeners. They are also good problem solvers and are master multitaskers. Medical assistants are also team players who can collaborate with a group of medical professionals to provide the best care to patients.
How do you handle difficult patients?
7 Tips for Handling Difficult PatientsDon't Get Defensive. ... Watch Your Body Language. ... Let Them Tell Their Story and Listen Quietly. ... Acknowledge the Situation. ... Set Boundaries. ... Administer Patient Satisfaction Surveys. ... Be Proactive.
What is your weakness best answer?
Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.
What is your weakness best answer healthcare?
What's your biggest weakness? Advice: Be cautious but honest and let them know how you're trying to improve. Don't answer this question with a cop out answer such as “I'm a bit of a perfectionist.” Example Answer: I am uncomfortable with confrontation.
How do you answer tell me about yourself in a medical assistant interview?
Example: “I feel that my training, internship experience, and communication skills make me a strong candidate for this position. I am confident in all of the responsibilities in the job descriptions, and my personal skills will allow me to make patients comfortable during their visit.”
What do employers look for in a medical assistant?
Successful medical assistants are well-organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, empathetic and active listeners. They are also good problem solvers and are master multitaskers. Medical assistants are also team players who can collaborate with a group of medical professionals to provide the best care to patients.
Should I wear scrubs to a medical assistant interview?
Choose a dark color like deep blue, gray or black, and wear a tie that's not too flashy. Even if you plan to wear scrubs on the job, you should never under any circumstances wear them to the interview – it's better to be overdressed than underdressed.
How do you answer how should we hire you?
How to Answer Why Should We Hire YouShow that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. ... Highlight that you'll fit in and be a great addition to the team. ... Describe how hiring you will make their life easier and help them achieve more.More items...•
What is a medical assistant?
They provide a variety of both administrative and clinical duties and do so under the supervision of nurses and other medical practitioners.
What are some good skills to have as a medical assistant?
NOTE: Go over your job description in detail to find out what skills the medical office, hospital, clinic, etc you’re interviewing for is specifically looking for.
How to answer questions in an interview?
In order to answer the questions you’re going to face perfectly, you want to tailor your answers to the hospital, medical office, clinic etc you’re interviewing for. Be sure to go over the job description in detail and find out what skills and qualities they are specifically looking for and then highlight those skills in your answers!
Why do you ask questions?
Asking questions lets you show that you are genuinely interested in the job. Plus, you can find out details you don’t already know, some of which help you decide if this is really the best place for you. Remember, you’re interviewing them, too. You need to make sure it’s a good fit.
How to make a value proposition for a hiring manager?
You need to speak to those needs and desires. Craft a value proposition the hiring manager can’t ignore by showing that you are the solution to their problem. Give them clear examples and stories that show you walk the walk.
What is HIPAA in healthcare?
The medical community is dominated by more regulations than you can shake a stick at, with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) being a biggie. Providers want to avoid lawsuits and keep their reputations intact, so they want to know that a new hire will help and not hinder that goal.
What does a star mean in a story?
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result . It’s essentially a storytelling approach. You set a scene, discuss the duties you had, outline the actions you took, and close with the outcome. Easy peasy.
Why do you ask a question about medical assistants?
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.
What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is someone who provides support to health care professionals in a clinical setting. When hiring for this position, employers are looking for someone with a basic medical background and a willingness to learn. They need an individual who can carefully follow directions and provide excellent patient care.
Why is asking about an average work week important?
Asking about an average work week instead of an average workday sets you apart and gives you extra information such as their schedule, flow, if there are staff meetings, etc.
How to bring a resume to a panel interview?
Print and bring several copies of your resume, a copy of the job description, and a list of your references. It’s much easier to have these things handy in a folder or a binder than it is to be fumbling for contact info on your phone. If you have a panel interview or know that you will be meeting with more than one person, make sure you have a hard copy of your resume for each person and one copy for yourself. Bring a pen and a notebook so you can take notes.
How to learn about a company?
Visit the ABOUT section of the company website. If you spend some time looking, you can learn about their company culture, vision, mission statement, and values. Check out the company’s social media pages.
What does asking this show?
Asking this shows that you are seriously considering accepting the potential job offer.
Why do you want to get business cards with everyone's email address?
You want to obtain business cards with everyone’s email address so you can promptly send a thank you message after the interview.
How to dress for an interview?
Prepare your interview outfit before the day of the interview. Make sure it fits, is clean, and is ready to go for the big day. You want to look and feel confident, comfortable, and well-groomed.
What to include in a resume for a job?
Mention your experience, your training, and any externships.
How can you, as a medical assistant, make sure you’re following HIPAA regulations that ensure patients’ privacy?
It is important that medical assistants understand HIPAA regulations and how it applies to the work they do. This question will ensure they have a full grasp of the importance of HIPAA and how to follow said regulations in their day-to-day work.
What does good bedside manner mean to you?
The concept of bedside manner, or the way someone interacts with patients during medical care, is extremely important for anyone working in a medical environment. Having medical work done can be stressful and even upsetting for many patients, and it is the medical professional's responsibility to put them at ease and demonstrate tact when providing care. The candidate's response to this question can demonstrate their understanding of appropriate patient relationships and help the interviewer determine who has the soft skills to succeed as a medical assistant.
What is EHR software?
A lot of companies prefer to employ prospects who have experience with electronic health records (EHR) software. Ask candidates to name the names of the software applications they’ve trained on, as well as ask if they are familiar with the software you use in your company.
What to look for in a medical assistant?
What to look for: Medical assistant experience. Communication skills.
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.
How to convince interviewer to hire medical assistant?
Find out what the company stands for. Check online for the mission and vision statement. Educate yourself about the various departments of the company, if they have more than one. Think about how medical assistants fit into the grand scheme of the company and how the work that you would do if hired would help the company achieve its mission. Remember that your goal is to convince the interviewer that you will be an asset to the company.
How to be a good interviewer?
Have your hair freshly cut, brushed, styled, and whatever else needs to be done to look neatly groomed. Trim your nails and avoid bright colors of nail polish. Take a shower before you go, and make sure your socks and underwear are clean. Wear deodorant with antiperspirant as you are likely to sweat a bit more because of being nervous, and this is not the time to have a big sweat ring on your underarm, or body odor. Avoid cologne, though. You never know when an interviewer will be sensitive to scents, and anyway, cologne and other scents are usually not permitted on the job.
What to bring to a job interview?
Bring along multiple copies of your resume and other required documents and transcripts.
What to do when a patient is uncomfortable during a visit?
If I have caused any discomfort during their visit, I will apologize and try to solve their problem by taking appropriate steps.
How to tell a friend you are working late?
Tell them if you are comfortable working late hours. Also, discuss their work schedule preferences and mention any restrictions you have.
What is front desk?
Front desk duties include answering phone calls and emails and scheduling appointments. State your experience of doing these tasks.
What is bedside manner?
Bedside manner refers to how you interact with patients in your daily work. Remember, your job will be to calm patients who will mostly be stressed and upset. Show the interviewer that you understand the right patient relationships and reveal some soft skills that allow you to be good at your job.
What is the role of a medical assistant?
Some of the roles a medical assistant plays in the workplace include: taking vital signs, recording medical histories, gathering personal information, administering medication if allowed, assisting physicians, explaining procedures, prepping patients for different tests, and handling primary wound care.
How to tell an interviewer that you are a successful person?
Tell the interviewer a strategy that has always allowed you to succeed. This can either be a plan or the way you handle your roles . As for the right mindset, mention a belief or way of thinking that guides you as you work .
Why do interviewers ask questions?
Whatever the reason is, ensure that you offer a solid reason to convince the interviewer that you are a good fit.
How to show you are a problem solver in an interview?
This is a chance to show the interviewer that you are a problem solver. Look at all the challenges you faced in your former role and mention the most daring you managed to deal with. You will also get to sell yourself since everyone wants an employee who can solve the challenges that come with the job.
What to mention in a medical assistant interview?
It would be best to mention anything outstanding in your career that qualifies you for this particular role. These may include some of your achievements, training, workplaces, or roles in this field. Also, point out if you do not have any tangible experience.
What is the best strategy for a clinical assistant?
Given that this job combines both administrative and clinical duties, the best strategy that anyone can adopt is multitasking. It ensures that you can handle everything on your plate and meet the set deadlines. One should also be in a suitable mental space to deal with different patients and family members.
Why do employers ask you to rate your skills?
This can be a trick question, since you obviously don’t want to give an answer that can jeopardize your chance of being hired . Be sure to answer this question by noting your strengths as well as the area you’d like to improve.
How to make your weaknesses seem like a benefit?
By noting your strengths and your willingness to learn, you can make your weaknesses seem like a benefit.
How to describe how you love working with patients?
Answer: Answer honestly, but keep it light. For instance, you may describe how you love working with patients on a personal level but it is difficult to see them in pain or suffering. Or, how you love the challenge of a fast-paced environment but have difficulty un-winding after work.
Is medical assistant a competitive job?
Though medical assisting is a popular and fast growing career, employment opportunities can be competitive. Employers want to ensure they are hiring the best, most qualified medical assistant for the job. As such, job interviews can be tough. Interviewing for a medical assisting job can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure what to expect.
Who is Elizabeth Otto?
Elizabeth Otto is a freelance writer specializing in medical and health articles. Otto has worked as a certified medical assistant in specialty practice since 1994 and is also a nationally registered emergency medical technician.
1. Assess Hard Skills
The first step of the process is to list the daily tasks that your medical assistant will perform and delve into each of those tasks, says Judy Whelehan, area director of Adecco Medical & Science.
2. Ask Practice-Specific Questions
Different practices have different needs. A lone wolf practitioner needs a multitasking front and back office whiz, while a 10-lane pediatrics office handling hundreds of patients a day needs several medical assistants who handle stress well.
3. Determine Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
Next, consider your office’s philosophy, company culture, and communication styles. Then ask your potential new medical assistant interview questions to explore those areas.
Hire and Retain Top Medical Assistants for Your Practice
Asking the right medical assistant interview questions by focusing on hard skills, soft skills, and cultural fit doesn’t mean you’ll never have to do another interview again; but it can help. Ready to take your candidate search to a higher level? Get started on finding the right fit today by posting your job for free on Monster.
General Questions
Questions About Experience and Background
- Employers ask these questions to see if you have enough relevant experience for their position: 1. How much health care experience do you have? 2. Are you comfortable answering phones and greeting guests? 3. Tell me about any phlebotomy training you might have. 4. What experience do you have taking patients' vitals? 5. Are your CPR, emergency treatment and AED certifications cu…
In-Depth Questions
- Employers ask in-depth questions to learn your strategies for success if you were to work for them: 1. If you were to get this job, would you be able to follow the HIPAA guidelines? 2. How do you stay motivated during long shifts? 3. What steps do you use to stay calm when working with a difficult patient? 4. How would you ensure a patient is complying with our procedures? 5. What d…
Jobs Similar to Medical Assistants
- If you're interested in the medical industry, there are many positions that you can consider. Here's a list of 10 jobs that are similar to medical assistants: 1. Physician 2. Nurse 3. Nurse practitioner 4. Physician's assistant 5. Hospital administrator 6. Nurse administrator 7. Hospital receptionist 8. Medical biller 9. Medical technologist 10. Hospital security officer