Interviews are nerve-racking. But the more prepared you are, the less stressed you’ll be.

Below we’ve put together some common interview questions and given our tips and even sample answers to get you started. Prepare your own answers to these questions in advance. Write them out if that helps and rehearse them with a friend, family member or even to yourself in the mirror. It may feel silly at the time, but it will feel less silly when you’re rocking it in your interview!

Tell me about yourself.

Advice: Give a broad overview of your work/educational history and throw in something outside of the job that you’re passionate about to let them know you’re interesting, not just qualified.

Example Answer: I have always had a strong desire to help people, which is why I have spent the last five summers as a lifeguard. After completing my training at ABC Health Career Institute, where I recently graduated with honors, I successfully obtained my certification. Now, I'm excited to get started in this new career.

What made you interested in working here?

Advice: Be honest and show that you did your research.

Example Answer: I’ve heard great things from my friends who work here and I am really impressed with your technology advancements in the last few years. It seems to be an innovative environment with a great culture.

What’s your biggest strength?

Advice: Choose a strength that aligns with what they’re looking for in an ideal candidate. (Reference the job description!)

Example Answer: I’m really good at relating to people and making them feel comfortable. I think it’s important to earn a patient’s trust and that’s something I feel I do well.

What’s your biggest weakness?

Advice: Be cautious but honest and let them know how you’re trying to improve. Don’t answer this question with a cop out answer such as “I’m a bit of a perfectionist.”

Example Answer: I am uncomfortable with confrontation. Sometimes I have not done what I felt was best just so I could keep the peace. This can be a problem when patients need to hear something they don’t like, and I’ve learned that sometimes what they don’t want to hear is actually what’s best for them to hear.

Why did you leave your last position?

Advice: Now’s not the time to put your previous employer on blast. Stay as positive as possible, and shift the focus on the new opportunity.

Example Answer: They didn’t have the innovative environment I’m looking for, which is why I am so excited about this opportunity.

How do you stay up-to-date with healthcare advancements?

Advice: If you have an NHA certification, you can talk about your continuing education! One of the benefits to maintaining certification is that it helps make you more marketable as a job candidate. NHA certification holders have access to our library of continuing education content included as part of keeping their certification up-to-date.

Example Answer: I take continuing education courses from NHA every year, and I’m in the habit of reading industry articles and studies. I don’t believe education ever truly ends, especially in this field.

What are your career goals?

Advice: Don’t share your 30-year plan. Focus on the near future and incorporate the employer in those goals.

Example Answer: My objective is to get a job as a medical assistant. Ideally, I’d like to be at a technologically advanced company like this one so that I can continue to learn and grow in an innovative environment.

Remember, there are a lot of factors that come in to play when applying for a job but with a plan and some practice you can feel much more confident walking into that interview. Plus, we’re here to support you during this process. Check out our career resources page as you find your healthcare career path.