Medical Front Office
Mrs. Dasalla
INTERVIEWING FOR A POSITION
A personal interview is the most important part of the employment process because both the
practice interviewer and prospective medical assistant get a chance to evaluate one another.
Personal “chemistry,” or the way an interviewer and applicant relate to each other, plays a
subtle, yet crucial, role in any interview. Although, the interviewer is responsible for helping
the applicant relax, the medical assistant must be at his or her best. The employer will
dismiss an impressive resume and wonderfully written application letter if the interview does
not go well.
Appearance: When a prospective medical assistant walks through the door, an interviewer
immediately evaluates the person’s appearance. Any negative reactions will subconsciously
affect the interviewer’s opinion and the outcome of the interview.
You should look rested, alert, comfortable and business-like. Dress conservatively and
neatly. If you own a tailored suit, this is the time to wear it; if not, wear a jacket of tailored
clothes. Wear a white or light-colored blouse or shirt, a tie if you are a man, and clean,
polished shoes. You should eliminate clothes that are too tight, too baggy, too faddish, or
“too” anything from your business wardrobe.
Style your hair in a conservative, becoming manner. Long, flowing, or unkempt hair will
project a casual, non business-like image. Use makeup and jewelry sparingly. Any makeup or
jewelry should enhance your general appearance and not stand out as gaudy or heavy. Very
trendy or provocative styles announce that you are unsophisticated in the ways of
professional dress. Dress in a way that reinforces the message that you would be a valuable
addition to the practice staff.
To add a measure of polish to your image, carry an 8½” X 11” portfolio. The folder holds
extra copies of your resume, provides paper for taking notes, gives you something to do with
your hands, and projects a business-like feeling. Taking a briefcase to an interview, however,
is not recommended because it may appear pretentious. For women, matching your purse
with shoes, and portfolio color in black, navy, brown, or burgundy will give you an
especially polished, pulled-together appearance.
Conduct: An interviewer will pay close attention to your behavior during an interview
because it shows how you react under pressure. Showing a confident, natural manner will
help reduce any anxiety you feel. Be honest, and answer all questions thoroughly, but refrain
from talking too much or speaking too loudly. Shake hands when you meet the interviewer
and make confident eye contact without appearing bold. Your facial expression should be
pleasant and attentive.
An applicant who appears nervous, aloof, inattentive, or arrogant during an interview will
spoil any positive impressions that the resume generated. Although a certain amount of
nervousness may provide the edge that makes for a strong interview, try to control your
nervousness instead of letting it control you. Be mindful of nervous habits like running your
fingers through your hair, biting your nails, fiddling with jewelry, or swinging your foot.
These nervous reactions are unconscious, and they may be annoying to the interviewer. They
will certainly show that you are ill at ease and not in control.
You should sit so that you are facing the interviewer squarely, with your arms in a
relaxed, “open” posture. Hands should rest in your lap or on the arms of the chair.
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Knowledge of the employer: Before going for an interview, obtain as much information as
possible about the practice and about the position for which you are being interviewed. A
good place to seek information is to call the Physician Licensing Department in your state for
routine information, such as the year the physician started practicing and the number of years
at the current address, and related information. Another source of information is your local
chapter of the AAMA. Obtain the name of the president or another office from a local
hospital personnel office, or contact the national office of the AAMA at
http://www.aama.com and ask for the name of the president of your local chapter.
Asking the right questions: The purpose of the interview is to provide information that both
you and the employer can use to make a sound decision about employment. The employer
should cover basic facts, such as the responsibilities of the position, office hours, benefits,
salary. You are expected to have additional questions and to ask them with confidence.
However, you should be careful not to appear overly concerned about a high salary, the
number of days off, coffee breaks, and other matters that are too “me-oriented.”
If an employer asks you how much you want to be paid, it is best not to give an exact
number. A good answer to this question is, “I expect to be compensated according to my
background and experience.”
The interviewer will most likely address some of the following questions, if not you may
tactfully ask the questions that are appropriate to the size of the practice. Review the list and
add questions of your own that you would like answered before agreeing to assume a new
position.
• What are the responsibilities of the position?
• To whom will you report?
• What is the potential for career growth?
• Does the office promote from within?
• Is the practice growing?
• What does the employer envision for the practice in five years?
Interview questions to be prepared for:
• Why did you decide on a career as a medical assistant?
• What experience have you had that relates to the job you are applying for?
• Why did you leave you previous job(s)?
• What do you think you’re past employers and teachers would say about you?
• What two or three accomplishments in your life have given you the greatest satisfaction?
• What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?
• Are you able to take the initiative in doing work, or do you need supervision? (List examples)
• Which of your past jobs did you like the best and least?
• Would you be interested in and able to attend workshops or seminars to update your medical
knowledge and skills?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Will you be able to work overtime?
• Are you sympathetic to people who are ill? If so, how do you demonstrate this?
• Are you aware of the legal implications involved in a medical practice? Name some.
• How would you describe your personality?
• Do you have any plans to continue your education? What are they?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• Have you ever had to handle an emergency situation? Describe.
• Do you like working alone or with people?
• Do changes and interruptions upset you?
• How do you work under pressure? Give examples.
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Illegal questions:
Prospective employers are prohibited by law from asking certain questions. These include
questions about religion, marital status, age (unless required for the position), height, weight,
birthdate, birth place, club memberships, credit rating, ethnic background, physical or
emotional problems, home/automobile ownership, maiden name, native language, number of
dependent children, pregnancy and family planning, provision for child care, employment
and earnings of spouse.
You have some choice is asked about any of the above.
1) You can answer the question and ignore the fact that it is illegal.
2) You can let the interviewer know that it is illegal or say “I think the question is not
relevant to the requirements of the medical position.”
3) You can refuse to answer and contact the nearest Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission Office. This should be avoided unless the violation is demeaning and you
can prove it resulted in your not getting the position. Some employers are not familiar
with the code requirements and the second answer is probably the best answer.
Interview Guidelines:
In addition to being dressed appropriately and prepared intellectually and psychologically for
an interview the following suggestions should be strongly considered.
1. Arrive alone and on time.
2. Greet the interviewer by name.
3. Let the interviewer initiate a handshake and wait to be seated until the interviewer sits
down or directs you to be seated.
4. Listen carefully to each question and ask for clarification if the question is unclear to you.
5. Let the interviewer do much of the talking-50% of the time should be spent listening.
6. Do not answer questions about your personal life unless the answer will demonstrate an
ability to perform the job.
7. Be prepared for the question,” Tell me about yourself.”
8. Be discreet in referring to former employers and avoid negative comments.
9. Make responses short, but avoid one word answers.
10. Demonstrate interest in the position by asking questions about job specifications,
continuing education policies, medical benefits, and to whom you will be responsible.
11. Be prepared to reply to a question about salary expectations, having determined average
salary levels by reading newspaper advertisements and talking to people employed in
medical offices. Use the term “Negotiable’ or “Flexible” if you do not want to be
specific. In negotiating a salary you may want to accept a salary that is lower than you
want with the understanding that a review of your work and subsequent increase in pay is
forthcoming within a three-to-six-month period.
12. Body language such a leaning forward in a chair, nodding in agreement, smiling, and
making eye contact are proven methods of showing interest.
13. Be prepared to accept flexible working hours that is utilized by many offices with
multiple physicians and increased work schedules.
14. Think before giving an answer; then answer slowly but confidently.
15. If unable to respond to a question, be honest and say, “I am not able to answer your
question.” Occasionally, interviewers ask questions they know cannot be answered.
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MOCK INTERVIEW PREPARATION
LAST CLASS
MEDICAL FRONT OFFICE
Mrs. Dasalla
Guidelines:
Step 1: You will read through this entire packet and chapter 19 in your textbook to prepare for
your final assignment.
Step 2: You will come to class dressed appropriately for an interview. Please read these
carefully as I expect professional attire.
Step 3: You will bring in your resume. We will spend some time updating them before we begin.
Step 4: You and your interview partner will take turns being interviewer and interviewee. Please
follow the Interview Guidelines in this packet for guidance. Make sure that you and your partner
have decided upon your practice information such as, type of medical facility, job applying for
etc. Be prepared just as you would for a real interview.
Step 5: You will pay courtesy and respect to your fellow classmates as they are performing their
mock interviews by staying quiet.
Step 6: As an observer you will be able to offer helpful feedback and comments to your
classmates as well as receive helpful feedback and comments.
Step 7: Upon completion of all interviews you will prepare a follow-up letter.
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