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Professional Development Malee Lor 1 | Page
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview Questions ....................................................................................................3-10
Memorandum ..............................................................................................................11
Confirmation Letter ...................................................................................................12
Thank you Letter ........................................................................................................13
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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Q: Why do you want to work in this industry?
A: Tell a story about how you first became interested in this type of work. Point out
similarities between the job you’re interviewing for and your most recent job. Make your
passion for your work a theme that you allude to throughout the interview.
My answer: I’ve always had a passion about helping others when sick, or injured, and being
around people who need my help, and so I thought this industry is just the perfect place for
me. The first time that I really wanted to grow up and be in the medical field was when I had
to go in for a few shots. I grew up hating shots and I thought of them as the worst things ever,
but my aunt had given them to me, and she told me that it was good for me. A few weeks
later, my friend had an allergic reaction, and pulled out this (at the time I didn’t know what it
was) huge syringe looking thing, and injected it right into her thigh. I was an experience that
I don’t think I’ll ever forget, and because of that I came to realize that I can save lives if I
wanted to.
2. Q: Why should we hire you?
A: This addresses the candidate’s motivation for adding “true value” (beyond what’s
expected) to the job. What specific qualities and transferable skills make you stand out from
the competition? Have you had a specific job experience that would make you more valuable
to the employer? Have you had multiple promotions? What makes you unique and
irreplaceable? What’s the most compelling item you can describe to prove your
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qualifications and interest? Is there something extra you offer besides the basic job
qualifications? *** GIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES TO SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER. ***
My answer: I should be given this position because not only do I perform these qualities, but
because I live it. I’ve always enjoyed helping others. It is what makes this job so important to
me, because I’ve seen how people can abuse their position and I know that I will not. I’ve
done many volunteer work with elders and it helps me see how just my attitude can change
another’s attitude, and that’s what we need more of in this industry
3. Q: What are your key skills?
A: Talk about your key skills and how you’ll use them in this job. Avoid clichés or
generalities. Offer specific evidence, drawing parallels from most recent job or school
projects to the job you’re interviewing for. Name a couple skills and tell how and when you
used them at school or in the workplace. *** PROVIDE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES FOR THIS
QUESTION. ***
My answer: I am a fast learner; I learn and pick up on things quickly. I chose MBC because it
was a program that would push me, and I have yet to fail a competency. In being a quick
learner, I am able to help my patients so much more than I will realize and I will also be able
to pick up tricks to preform procedures so much more efficient. Also, I am very cooperative.
I once had to work in a team, and we all had very different ethics, but over all we came down
to a compromise between the three of us and worked things out evenly. It was about a PSA
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video. We had great cooperation and we had great bond. Our ideas collided perfectly because
we were able to compromise with one another. This is what helped me most.
Interview Questions 4-5
4. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer.
S: A situation when I had to deal with a difficult customer was when the customer had
wanted to purchase something that would require some time to make.
A: I apologized immediately and informed the customer that we were doing our best to make
it speedily, talked to her and distracted her from thinking about the waiting period
R: Customer received what she wanted, and came back to buy a second one!
5. Tell me about a time you worked with a team.
S: A time when I worked in a team was when my class had PSA project.
A: My group and I first listed and brain stormed Ideas. We next listed our strengths so that
we could assign tasks for each individual for the best fitting parts. We made a schedule of
what tasks were to be done and we were kept well organized.
R: We finished the project within three days and we were all quite proud of the work that we
had each gotten finished
6. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake.
S: A time when I made a mistake was when I had given someone the wrong drink
A: I apologized to the girl who had come to check on her drink, when i realized i gave it to
the wrong person. I quickly made her a new one, with extra whip cream!
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R: She was very lenient and kind. She gladly accepted her new drink !
7. How do you handle high-pressure situations and deadlines?
S: My teacher did a lot of experiments in our English class, and one time he randomly
chose a few students to lead the class. In which, I had been chosen
A: On the spot, I lead a portion of my class through discussion and it turned out fairly well.
We discussed important topics, and got really deep into the topics
R: In smaller groups, I got a lot more people to talk, especially individuals who didn't
participate as much in discussion
8. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your supervisor.
S: I have not
A: but if I ever were to disagree with my supervisor, I would listen to what he/she has to
say
R: I respect my supervisors, and would not want to cross that line of respect
9. How do you manage your workload on a daily basis?
S: I have a planner that I refer back to daily
A: This helps me keep track of what I have done, and what I still need to do
R: I can cross out what I have done, I know what I need to do, and I manage my workload
well
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10. Tell me about a situation that made you frustrated.
S: A friend that I was helping out, she had left her station when she saw that I had come to
help her
A: I finished everything up, and fill in her place, and I ended up cleaning everything up
R: I was recognize for doing that, and awarded with respect, which is something much
more valuable
11. Where do you want to be in one year? Five years? (Hint: GROWTH AND
ADVANCEMENT WITHIN THE COMPANY YOU ARE INTERVIEWING WITH.)
S: In five years, I hope to have become a better Medical assistant than I am now
A: I will continue to learn and work hard for what I believe in.
R: I hope to become apart of this clinic’s famil.
12. Have you ever been fired? (Hint: Don’t just say “no.” Say why you haven’t been
fired. If you have, you have the option of saying “yes” or “no.” They can’t legally ask
an employer if you were fired. If you decide to say “yes,” make sure you say what
you’ve learned and why it won’t EVER happen again. I recommend saying “no.”)
S: No I have not
A: I am a hard worker, I like to respect my superiors, and I am an effective worker
R: I have no worries in being fired, because it wont happen
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13. What are your weaknesses? (Hint: Discuss a skill you needed to improve in one of
your classes and how you improved.)
S: A weakness that I had was needles.
A: As we continued to move forward with needles, and practicing with them, I became
more and more used to them. From giving shots, to receiving them
R: If you really set your mind to something, it is achievable, even if it does seems like a far
distance
14. Tell me about a conflict you had with a coworker.
S: I have not had conflict with a co worker
A: If I was to, I would see the conflict to the end. Have a chat with my co-worker, and try
to work things out.
R: I believe that respect is the key to a good working relationship, and if I have that, there
should be no problem
15. Are you most productive working alone or in a group? (Hint: BOTH and GIVE
EXAMPLES)
S: I am very productive both ways. When I worked a lone on a project, it was very
successful, and when I worked in a group, we were quite successful
A: Working individually allows me to think abstractly, and I get to see how far I can go
with myself. While working in groups allows me to compromise and resolve a lot more
problems, which makes me think critically
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R: Whether working in groups or individually, they both allow me to grow in the same, yet
different way. They both allow me to be productive in different ways
16. What do you do in your spare time? (Hint: Keep it PROFESSIONAL, not
PERSONAL.)
S: In my spare time, I like to look at old papers that we've already done
A: When I look at them, it’s as if I'm reviewing them. It refreshes my memory of things
that we've gone over.
R: This helps me keep my mind fresh on things so that I don't forget about them
17. Tell me about a time when you witnessed an unethical practice. (Hint: If you haven’t,
then say what you would do.)
S: I have yet to see an unethical practice
A: I would approach the person, and try to give the individual constructive criticism to
better help the person’s perspective
R: Offering help to others isn't something that is looked down upon, so it would be the best
solution for me
18. How many days of school/work did you miss? (They will ask placement this question.
Be prepared for this one! Back it up with positive things to say. Don’t focus on the
negative. I had to miss a couple days, but being at school and work is extremely
important to me…etc.)
S: A few
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A: Being at school is important to me, I don’t like to miss out on anything, so when I am
gone, I make sure that it is for a good reason
R: to ensure that I learn all that I can, I try my best to come everyday and work hard in
school.
19. What are your salary expectations? (Two parts: respond with the question discussed in
class, and provide a researched wage range for your position if they ask again for a
number.)
Response: What do you usually pay someone with my experience?
Researched Wage Range: Based on my research, medical assistants are paid $13.30. Is this
close to your range as well?
20. Tell me about what you learned in school.
I’ve learned so much in school, from performing competencies, to coding diagnostics. I’ve
worked with instruments and learned how to works machines such as the centrifuge or autoclave.
Not only that, but I’ve learned how to correctly take vitals and perform venipunctures and
administer shots with proper technique. I’ve also learned a lot about how to be a professional
individual and how to maintain a good appearance. I wouldn’t say that before I did not know
how to be professional, but it has helped buffer my skills.
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MEMORANDUM
To: Ms. Montgomery
From: Malee Lor Date: Friday, February 5, 2015
Subject: Mock Interview Confirmation
Thank you for your time. I have scheduled my mock interview. The details are below.
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2015 Time: 3:30 PM
Organization Name: Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center
Interviewer Full Name: Teresa Nordby
Position: Patient Care Supervisor
Address (Street, City, State, Zip): 14500 99th Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55369 Direct Phone Number: 763-898-1629
Email: [email protected]
I am looking forward to conducting my mock interview and receiving valuable feedback and information. If you have any questions, please contact me at (763)337-2890 or
[email protected]. Thank you for your help and the opportunity to improve my interview skills.
ML
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CONFIRMATION LETTER
Malee Lor 2300 Laport Drive
Mounds View, MN 55112 February 6, 2015
University of Minnesota Health
Fairview Maple Grove Cancer Center 14500 99th Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369
Dear Ms. Nordby:
I am confirming our appointment for the mock interview. Thank you for meeting with me and helping me improve my interview skills. I understand your time and expertise are valuable, and I
appreciate you sharing them with me.
The details of the mock interview are as follows:
Date: Friday, February 13, 2015
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center, 14500 99th Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55369
In addition to the mock interview, my instructor is requiring the completion of an evaluation form. It needs to include specific notes on my performance, communication, and responses.
This document is used for grading, coaching, and job placement purposes. I enclosed this form and will bring a copy with me as well. The form must be faxed, mailed, or e-mailed to my instructor at Minneapolis Business College. I also included my resume for your review.
Thank you again for your time. I am very grateful for your suggestions and input. If you have
any questions, please contact me at 763-337-2890 or email me at [email protected]. My instructor, Ms. Montgomery, can be reached at 612-791-8552 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Malee Lor
Enclosures (2)
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THANK YOU LETTER
Malee Lor 2300 Laport Drive
Mounds View, MN 55112
February 17, 2015 University of Minnesota Health
Maple Grove Cancer Center Teresa Nordby
14500 99th Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369
Dear Ms. Nordby:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and conduct the mock interview. It was a pleasure meeting you, learning more about the organization, and understanding the qualities
necessary to be a successful medical assistant.
This experience has given me more confidence in my interviewing abilities. Your feedback was appreciated, and I valued every comment you provided me.
Thank you for completing the evaluation form as well. It will be viewed by my instructor and our placement office to provide me with feedback and to help me improve my skills.
If you have any questions about the evaluation form, please contact my instructor at 612-791-8552 or [email protected]. The evaluation form must be received by Friday,
February 20.
I appreciate your willingness to help me learn, and I look forward to speaking with you again. Sincerely,
Malee Lor
