Your Interview Survival Skills
How to Make It Through the Medical Assistant Interview
When the interviewer asks you "tell me about yourself" tell then why you chose medical assisting as a
profession, your educational and professional goals, and stay clear of the personal stuff.
Important!
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During The Interview
Let the interviewer know what you can do for them, not what they can do for you. Also, don't let the
"experienced only" keep you from applying for the job. Why? Because if none of the applicants have the EXACT
qualifications and years of experience they were asking for, then they will pick the next best qualified candidate
in line!!!! Think about it: why wouldn't they want to hire a person like you?
Interview Survival Skill # 1: Gain An Edge and Stay Ahead
Why do applicants with credentials score more job interviews and ultimately higher pay and promotions than their
non-certified counterparts? Because their resumes look rich and crisp while all the others look gray and grainy.
Having the right credentials (including certification in your field) will get employers instantly interested in
you, even if you do not yet have the years of experience they often request in their job announcements and
advertisements.
Interview Survival Skill # 2: Get Certified/Registered
Passing a comprehensive certification exam impacts professional success. It means your training and experience in a
specific field are sufficient to do the job, and do it well. Once you have passed the certification exam, you are
recognized by the sponsoring regulatory organization, or association as a professional with the appropriate
combination of knowledge and skills to proficiently and competently work in your field. Your credential is a valid
statement of your professionalism and excellence.
Interview Survival Skill # 3: Make Them Want You
Stay ahead of the curve by presenting yourself as a knowledgeable professional, and reliable member of the health
care/medical office team. But realize, that since "value" is subjective, you will need to support your claim with
objective, factual statements, and documentation.
Interview Survival Skill # 4: Don't Be Shy
Don't be shy! If you can show during the interview that you are their most qualified candidate it simplifies the
decision-makers selection process. But at the same time, be careful, tough, because the interviewers expect you to
prove your claim. So, before you talk about how you can add value to their office have the documentation that
supports your claim with you and readily available.
Interview Survival Skill # 5: Emphasize Your Qualities
Don't tell them you feel that you will be a great asset to their organization because your mother worked in a
similar field like you for 30 years. Instead, tell them about YOUR traits and qualities that you bring to the table
and matter most to them in THEIR office or work place environment...
Traits that matter…
• High standards
• Attention to detail
• Analytical skills
• Efficiency
• Dependability
• Integrity
• Persistence
• Enthusiasm
• Listening skills
• Communication skills
• Flexibility
• Teamwork
Interview Survival Skill # 6: Say I Mean Business!
You'll have to convince those present that your knowledge and skills provide genuine value and benefits to their
business. After substantiating your best qualities, show them that you mean what you say. Pull out your "secret
weapon" and hand over the following documentation to the decision makers in the room:
1. Resume (a detailed description of your achievements and experience
2. Diploma from an accredited medical assistant school (MA program)
3. Letter of Recommendation (previous employers, volunteer supervisors)
4. References (individuals in your community, businesses, or organizations)
5. Professional certification documents (credentials by means of exams)
Interview Survival Skill # 7: What If You Freeze?
Do your homework so you are confident. If you don't you are more apt to struggle internally and blank out. What if
you do freeze? Just remember to remain calm and act professional. Don't fidget, or worse, tell the interviewer "Oh,
my God, I am so nervous, I am drawing a blank". No one knows what you are thinking or feeling on the inside. The
easiest way out of drawing a blank is to ask your audience a question, such as: "What is the most important aspect
of the job to you", or "At this point, do you have any additional questions for me?". Then, don't focus on your
next words, rather focus on breathing, breathe, and again, breathe to allow your brain to "unlock."
Interview Survival Skill # 8: Eye Contact, Posture, and Attention!
Give good eye contact, speak
clearly, sit, or stand strait. Keep track of who you meet (get a business card, or write down their name, and
title). Afterward send a brief thank you note for the interview (you will be the only one to do so, and you will
make a great impression).
Follow these tips and do it well, and you'll be
golden!
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