Job Interview Questions: Job interview questions :S - medical receptionist../office assistant?

I just finished college and I am waaay too nervous about my first real job interview. I have 2 diplomas, one as a medical office assistant and one as a medical administrative assistant. I am basically applying for the receptionist job at doctor's office, preferably as the girl who calls people into the office (dressed in scrubs, not dressed up). I am just wondering what kind of interview questions to expect? And what to say if I get the tell me about yourself question, cause I know that gets asked alot. Thanks :)

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I teach medical front office and medical billing and coding. I was an office manager for five years and interviewed and trained many applicants. This is in no particular order, just how it came to mind.

This may sound strange but take a deep breath relax and just go in and have fun with it. Don't worry about saying something wrong. People who are worried about making mistakes tend to make more mistakes.

I don't ever start with the "tell me about yourself" question but rather begin by telling the applicant about the position. I watch for a smile, body language, attitude, etc. Lean forward in your seat, smile, nod and ask questions for clarification as needed. I have learned there are two things I can not teach--attitude and common sense. You either have the proper attitude of service and have compassion or you do not.

However, whenever they ask you to tell them about yourself tell them what got you interested in the medical front office--your Mom or aunt works in the field, a doctor helped you after you had an illness or accident (as long as it has completely resolved like a broken leg) or whatever. Tell them you enjoy helping people, you like to keep busy, you are interested in the business aspects of the practice and so forth. Talk about your skills with taking messages, doing appropriate follow up and that you strictly comply with HIPAA.

Know that you are unique in wanting to work in the front office. For every four back office medical assistants there is only one person who trains to be a front office assistant. Also emphasize that you have also been trained in medical billing if you have. Many of my medical billing and coding students got hired for a front office position because they already knew about the billing aspects of the practice.

If you worked somewhere else before like Starbucks, mention how you enjoyed helping the customers, anticipating their needs, getting to know them by name. Talk about your transferable skills such as handling money, doing inventory etc. I look for an applicant who is friendly, warm, professional, honest, punctual, has a good attitude and is a good team player. If they give you tests they will be as interested in your attitude towards them as how you do. Accuracy is even more important than speed.

DO NOT ASK ABOUT MONEY! That is up to them to bring up. It may not be brought up until the second interview. If they ask you how much you would like to earn ask them how much they would expect to pay. In general whomever names a figure first has the disadvantage. You may be surprised at how much they are willing to offer you.

If they push you for an amount give tell them that it really depends upon the entire compensation package and then give them a wide range of hourly salary. Say the lowest you want to go it $10 an hour. Give them a range of $12 an hour up to 15 or 16. You may have to start out with less than you like but in this economy folks are happy to have a job and realize that they are paying you to learn. Whatever they offer, get the offer in writing and then tell them you need to talk to your husband, think about it or whatever. Unless they offer something beyond your wildest dreams don't accept it until the next day unless they really push you. If you don't like the money you may wish to ask for a performance and wage review after three months. Get that in writing too.

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• This question is a great opportunity to sell yourself. You can find answer guidelines to "Tell me about yourself " and other common interview questions at the site below. Good Luck.