Use these questions to identify a candidate’s technical knowledge and abilities
Use these questions to determine how a candidate handled situations in the past
Use these questions to assess a candidate’s personal traits and cognitive skills
Why this matters:
Medical assistants are often required to be certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED, and will need to get re-certified regularly. If a candidate doesn’t currently have all their valid certifications, keep this in mind, as it may mean they’re unable to start the job right away.
What to listen for:
- A great answer will show that the candidate is committed to keeping their certifications up-to-date and knows how long their current certifications are valid.
- Answers should also indicate that they take review courses whenever necessary.
Why this matters:
An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient’s chart that is updated in real-time, so they play an important part in keeping medical staff in the know. They can also be more secure than a paper chart that anyone could see. Many medical settings require employees to use EHR software, so some familiarity with them is a plus.
What to listen for:
- Candidates may list commercial software like Epic and eClinicalWorks, or their previous employer may have had a proprietary program.
- Regardless of the exact program, the ideal answer will show they’re comfortable using this software—or are willing to learn.
Why this matters:
Most medical assistants are responsible for a range of administrative tasks. They play a vital role in keeping the front office running smoothly, so you want to know that your candidate can take care of these tasks without dropping the ball on their other work. It may not be the most exciting part of the job, but it’s still important.
What to listen for:
- Answers should mention tasks like answering phones, handling medical billing and coding, using Electronic Health Records, checking vital signs, and assisting patients and visitors.
- Look for signs that they’re organized and efficient.
Why this matters:
Tensions can sometimes run high in medical settings, and it’s not uncommon for patients to get upset. In extreme cases, this may pose a risk to staff, other patients, or the patient themselves. Medical assistants have a responsibility to help de-escalate tense situations to maintain order and keep patients safe.
What to listen for:
- The candidate’s answer should demonstrate that they handled a difficult situation with professionalism and empathy—and a focus on safety.
- Candidates may mention strategies like speaking in a soothing tone or using phrases like “I understand.”
Why this matters:
To work in a demanding environment like a medical center, medical assistants must be equipped to handle stress. It’s okay if a candidate admits they sometimes feel overwhelmed, so long as they don’t crack under the pressure. The most important thing is that they didn’t let it affect the service they delivered to patients.
What to listen for:
- Strong answers may mention stress-reducing strategies like breathing exercises.
- Look for signs that the candidate knows when to ask for help and when to power through.
Why this matters:
Accountability is key in healthcare, so it’s good to know whether a candidate can own up to their mistakes and learn from them. The nature of the mistake itself is not as important as what happened afterward. Top medical assistants are always working to enhance their skills and improve patient care, so they should recognize what they can do differently next time.
What to listen for:
- Look for signs that they recognize the importance of avoiding mistakes—after all, lives are at stake—and work hard not to make the same mistake again.
- A severe and dangerous mistake may be a red flag if they can’t clearly explain what went wrong and what they learned from it.
Why this matters:
Medical assistants interact with patients on a daily basis, many of whom are worried about an ailment or nervous about a procedure, so it’s important for them to have strong interpersonal skills. The patient experience should be important to them, so strong candidates will go out of their way to make their patients feel comfortable.
What to listen for:
- Strong answers may include mentions of a friendly demeanor, good listening skills, and an ability to make others laugh.
- If the candidate seems comfortable and relaxed talking to you, they will probably act the same way around patients.
Why this matters:
This question can help you test a candidate’s teamwork skills. Medical settings tend to be highly collaborative environments. To do their job effectively, medical assistants need to interact with many other members of staff, including doctors, nurses, specialists, technicians, and other medical assistants.
What to listen for:
- Listen for signs that your candidate thrives in a team setting and understands the importance of working together to achieve a common goal—optimal patient care.
- If they say they prefer to work alone, they may not be a good fit for a collaborative culture.
Why this matters:
This questions tests for passion and a continuous learning mindset. A medical assistant who is truly passionate about their job will continually strive to improve their skills and knowledge, both to advance their career and to do better for their patients.
What to listen for:
- Listen for references to professionals organizations they belong to, certification classes they’ve taken, and journals they read.
- They may also note that they’re not currently doing these things but intend to start, especially if they’re new to the profession.
Read our additional hiring guides.
