Interview questions and answers for medical assistant

Being called for a medical assistant interview is both exciting and stressful. The process can be much easier, however, if you have a good idea of what to expect and are prepared to answer even the most difficult questions with poise and confidence. Here are some of the common medical assistant interview questions along with tips on answering to help you be well prepared for your big interview.

Remember, these are typical questions gathered from different medical assistant interviews. There will always be different questions, depending on your location and the type of position you’re applying for. Your mileage may vary.

How much experience do you have with patients?

• Be very honest and clear with your answer. If you have past experience on the job, state the number of years you have worked. If you are a recent graduate, detail how long you served in an externship as well as any relevant volunteer experience you have. Explain how you have interacted with patients and make sure to emphasize that you are completely comfortable working with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

How would your former employer describe you?

• In all likelihood, the interviewer will actually speak with your former employer so honesty is key. Answer as confidently and positively as possible and list all of the positive things your past employer would recognize about you. Do not make the mistake of simply saying you are responsible, organized, and dependable. Instead, include traits that are directly related to your work as a medical assistant, such as the ability to handle stressful situations and difficult patients, the way you kept meticulous records, and more.

Do you like being around people?

• People skills are a necessity for medical assistants. When answering this question, be sure to show that you enjoy interacting and working with others and that you also derive great enjoyment from helping others. This will show that you are a team player and that you would be a valuable team member.

Are You a ‘People’ Person?

• Although it may be phrased a little differently, the gist of this question is clear: Do you like being around people? If you don’t, being a medical assistant isn’t a good fit for you. After all, you’ll be working directly with patients throughout the day. It helps a lot if you sincerely like interacting with them. While answering this question, make sure to mention that you like helping people too. This will drive home the point that you are a talented medical assistant and would be a valuable part of the team.

Do you have good computer skills?

• It is becoming increasingly important for medical assistants to be knowledgeable about computers. If you are a long-time computer user with experience with different software applications, mention it. It is also a good idea to mention any other computer skills you have, such as a high typing rate, website creation, and more.

Describe a difficult experience with a patient and how you handled it.

• This is a question that cannot be properly answered without preparation. Have a story ready about an experience you have had. Do not make up a story, but be sure to play up the most positive aspects of the experience to show that you know how difficult some patients can be but that you are more than capable of handling any situation with professionalism, compassion, and efficiency.

What do you like least about being a medical assistant?

• Never, ever use this question as an opportunity to complain. A better approach is to state that you wish your responsibilities were not as limited so you could provide more assistance to the doctor. Be prepared to provide an example that supports your answer.

Have you assisted with any medical office procedures?

• Even if you are a fresh graduate, you likely have some experience as an extern. Prepare for this question in advance by thinking of all procedures in which you have assisted. When answering the question, give a detailed but succinct account of your experience and your contribution to the experience.

What is the most important part of counseling patients?

• In your job, you will likely be responsible for providing a great deal of patient counseling. Make sure your answer includes the need to listen to the patient, to allow the patient to ask questions, and to show empathy when dealing with patients and families while providing detailed, accurate information.