Mock Interview
Mock Interview
Piloted with health pathways in the Inland Coalition region and recruited members from
area service clubs.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
What is the Mock Interview Project?
The Mock Interview Project provides a professional one-on-one opportunity for students
to practice their interview and résumé writing skills with a member of the business
community. The Inland Coalition has recruited members of various service clubs to
participate in this project. The mock interview questions are skill/behavioral centered
and are general interview type questions. The students are given immediate verbal and
written feedback from the business member regarding their interview performance,
résumé, and their professional dress. Mock Interviews take place during a time period
within the school day or during an after-school time if needed.
Work-based learning is a cornerstone of all health related programs. Health facilities offer
various volunteer and intern projects—all which include an interview. WBL activities
bring real life experiences to the students in or out of the classroom. The Mock Interview
Project brings a real life situation into the school setting by having members of local
service clubs become the interviewers and provide immediate feedback on the student
performance using a provided matrix.
Health recruiters state that poor performance in an interview is often the reason a
candidate is not hired.
Students do not have opportunities to practice in a “real setting”.
Immediate feedback is part of the process giving the student encouragement to
make improvements for future interviews.
Interview practice is foundation for leadership skills.
Allow students the opportunity to make mistakes in a safe environment.
Some students may need interview skills sooner than others.
3
Preparation for Mock Interview Project
Date Activity
Meet with Mock Interview Coordinator at least 4 weeks prior to
the Mock Interview Event.
Schedule the Mock interview event. During a class period, after
school, or during a club’s meeting time. Allow for at least 2 hours
for the Mock Interview event.
Have students prepare their résumé for the interview.
See sample résumé.
Have students complete a basic application. Although most
health facilities now require on-line applica- tions, students
must still know or be able to access basic information that is
part of a general application.
Prepare the students for the Mock Interviews by having them
select one of the health related entry level positions in the job
descriptions provided and follow the guideline Preparing for an
Interview.
Have student research health facilities and review the job
descriptions.
Prepare the students for the Mock Interview Day by reviewing
dress for success guidelines and what to have ready in their
portfolio (folder): résumé, completed application, questions for
interviewer, etc.
4
Student Resources
5
Preparing for an Interview
Before an interview, it is very important to learn about the organization. Some employers
will ask you what you know about their business at the interview!!! Having a general
knowledge about an organization will also help you to think of questions to ask at the
interview. So, as you are researching, if you think of something you would like to know
about the job or the organization, write it down on a list and refer back to that list before
your appointment.
You need be very knowledgeable about the career and position for which you are
applying. If you are not familiar with the career or position you are applying for, research
them in advance to make a good impression during your interview.
It is important to get past the starting line (the first 2 minutes!!!)……….. First
impressions
Make sure you arrive for the interview at least 15 minutes early.
Turn off your cell phone.
Introduce yourself and shake hands when you arrive.
Speak clearly; don’t use slang or bad English.
Address the interviewers by their names.
Your appearance is important, make sure you have neat, clean and conservative
clothes. Clean and brushed hair. Clean and suitable shoes. Minimal make-up and
jewelry.
Brush your teeth, use deodorant and clean your fingernails. Girls, if your nails are
painted, make sure the polish is fresh and a conservative color– no chipped polish.
Be organized, have your portfolio neat and tidy. Include your questions for the
employer in the back of your portfolio together with extra copies of your résumé.
Body language
• Maintain eye contact and smile.
• Occasionally nod your head in response to the interviewer.
• Answer questions briefly and positively. Don’t: Cross your arms, slouch in the
chair, or pick at your fingernails.
6
What to take to an interview
Your portfolio containing your résumé, qualifications, references, certificates, etc.
• A copy of your job application, résumé and cover letter.
• Pen and paper.
• List of questions you have about the job.
Interview format
• Usually an interview will follow these guidelines:
1. The interviewer will ask you some questions –see sample questions.
2. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions.
7
Possible Interview Questions
Personal
Tell me about yourself.
• What made you apply for this job?
• In what clubs or organizations are you a member?
• What have you learned from your hobbies, interests and outside activities?
• What qualifications do you have for this job?
Cooperation
• How do you feel about working with others and as part of a team?
• Do you follow instructions easily?
• When required, would you be willing to work overtime?
• How do you work under pressure?
Self confidence
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths, weaknesses, or faults?
• How do you think a teacher who knows you well would describe you?
• Why do you think you are suitable for this position?
• Why should we consider you for this job instead of other applicants?
Motivation/initiative
• How did you prepare for this interview?
• What is important to you in a job?
• Why would you like this job?
• If you didn’t understand an instruction, what would you do?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
• Describe your most rewarding experience in school.
• Do you have plans to continue your education in some way? What are they?
• Where would you like to be in 5 years?
• What are your long-range and short-range goals and objectives?
• When and why did you establish your goals, and how are you preparing
yourself to achieve them?
Other
• Would you like to ask any questions?
8
Possible Soft Skill Interview Questions
Communication Skills
• Have you ever had to get a point across to different types of people? What approach
did you take?
• Give me an example of how you would explain a complicated procedure to someone
who was new to the situation.
• Have you ever given instructions to someone, and then learned he/she did it wrong?
Why do you think that happened?
• Can you give me an example of a time you had to pitch a proposal to a group? How
did you do? Why do you think things went that way?
Interpersonal Skills
• Tell me about the teacher you ever had. What made him/her so great?
• Tell me about a partner that you found it the hardest to work with. What made
him/her so difficult to work with?
• Tell me in what areas you believe you could improve on?
• How would you motivate your group to do their best work?
Decision-Making Skills
• What was the toughest decision you had to make in the last year? What made it so
difficult?
• Describe a work-related problem you had to face recently. What procedures did
you use to deal with it?
• Are there any occasions when you feel you make up your mind too quickly? Too
slowly?
• Have you ever delayed a decision so you would have more time to think? Give me
an example.
Written Communication
• What are some of the most important documents you have written? What kinds of
problems did you have writing them? What kind of reception did they receive?
• What is the most difficult writing assignment you have undertaken recently? Why
was it so challenging? How did you handle it?
• Recall an important report you had to prepare. How did you go about planning and
organizing it?
• To what kind of audience do you address most of your written work? What level of
language do you use?
9
Possible Healthcare Related Interview Questions
Interest
• Approximately how old were you when you decided you wanted to go into
healthcare? Was there any defining moments that help you?
• What is it about this position that excites you and how is that conveyed to the
patient that you’ll take care of?
• Would people say that you are compassionate? Your family? Why, give some specific
reasons?
Problem Solving
• If you encountered a patient that was characteristically upset or difficult what
would you do?
• If you had a patient that was extremely ill and their family has just arrived at the
facility, how would you respond?
• A patient is in the facility for a fractured hip. They constantly like attention by
putting on the call light pretending to be in pain. Everyone on the hall is ignoring
them. You pass by the room and hear the patient crying, what is your response?
• How do you react to a sense of being overwhelmed with unfinished work ten
minutes past your shift deadline when you find a patient in need?
• What would you do if you saw your partner stealing from a patient?
• After an extremely demanding day with a patient that required a lot of attention,
their family member aggressively approaches you, and accuses you of negligence.
How would you handle this?
10
Possible Questions to the Interviewer (For Mock Interview only – job specific questions would be
asked during a REAL interview.)
What do you see as the pros and cons of this type of work?
What are the qualifications and educational requirements for this type of work?
What factors would make one fail or succeed in this type of work?
What do you see as the nature of the job market in this field?
What kinds of experience would you suggest that someone pursue to make them more
marketable in this field?
Are there specific employer directories, industry leaders, or employer research guides I
could further explore for targeting potential networking contacts?
Can you refer me to anyone else I might speak with to learn more about this occupation?
11
Dress for Success! Attire, Grooming, and Respect
You are a representative of_______________. Your behavior and appropriateness have great
impact on the community’s attitude toward all of us. Since most employers and customers
represent an adult population, job site dress standards may differ from “at home wear”.
The business community tends to dress conservatively and those standards are required
for all interviews. Follow these guidelines as well as the “Preparing for the Interview‟
page.
The following attire, grooming and behavior are considered appropriate for interviews
unless other standards are specified by employer:
Clean, wrinkle-free dress slacks: Nothing saggy, baggy or torn hemmed at bottom.
No holes.
No jeans, shorts, capri pants, short skirts, sweats or warm-up type clothes.
Shirts: Clean and wrinkle-free, with collar. No holes, tears, extreme patterns, writing
or pictures on clothing; no midriff showing, no low-cut or see through shirts.
Footwear: Wear clean, polished shoes. Men - Socks required. No sandals, flip flops or
open-toe shoes.
Jewelry: Nothing extreme (when in doubt, DON‟T); no lip, nose, eyebrow or tongue
rings, no multiple necklaces, earrings or rings.
Grooming: Hair must be clean with no extreme styles or colors. No tattoos or other
marks visible.
Must be clean shaven; nails must be clean, no extreme nail color or chipped nails
and no extreme lip color.
Remove hat during interview.
Turn off cell phone.
No gum chewing.
12
Tips for Writing a Great Resume
There’s no one right way to write a resume, but below are some tips for making a
great first impression in writing .
Key Term
1 . Stick to the basics
Look professional by using white or cream-colored paper and a simple font .
Colored paper is inappropriate . Avoid busy visuals like clip art and colored ink . Resume
Keep it brief; one page usually is enough .
A written summary
of a person’s
2 . Focus on accomplishments education,
Present yourself! Even if you haven’t had a paid job yet, describe previous experience or
skills and list any awards or leadership roles . Include clubs and activities . skills, and work
experience .
3 . Be specific
As you list previous positions or activities, include specifics such as names and dates . This
sets you apart from the crowd . Keep in mind, many companies have software that searches
keywords to preview your resume, so if it does not find specific words, it may eliminate you
as a candidate .
6 . Keep it professional
Leave hobbies, your height, weight, religion, family, or any other personal
information off your resume .
Choose a job you might be interested in and begin composing a draft of a resume that you can
submit along with the application, using the following page as a template:
13
Resume Template
First and Last Name
Mailing Address City, State
Zip Code Phone Number
Email Address
(Note: The address should be simple and should not contain inappropriate words .)
EDUCATION Dates
School name, highest grade/degree completed (City, State)
ACHIEVEMENTS
School awards
Club awards or accomplishments
Other significant achievements
REFERENCES
(Note: Do not include family members . Also, get permission in advance to use the person as a
reference .)
First and last name; relationship to you; phone number or email
First and last name; relationship to you; phone number or email
14
Mock interview “Employers” and Job descriptions:
Molina
Medical Assistant
Life Stream
Laboratory Clerk
15
Molina Health
Posting Title Medical Assistant
Category Admin-Clerical
State and City CA-Riverside
State California (CA)
Office Location MMG S Riverside
Employee Status 1-Staff Full Time
Auto req ID 10854BR
Positions Remaining 1
Job Description Job Summary
This position reports to the Clinic Administrator and assigned Clinic Supervisor. The Medical Assistant (MA) is responsible for performing
patient oriented procedures under the clinical supervision of a practitioner, Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Assistant or licensed vocational
nurses – in conjunction with their supervisor to ensure patients receive appropriate care. The MA contributes to patient satisfaction levels
and member growth at medical office location and complies with company policies, procedures and regulations.
Essential Functions
• Anticipates needs of provider and carries out provider orders within the MA scope of practice.
• Assists providers with procedures, (e.g. Pap Smears, minor surgical procedures).
• Demonstrates knowledge of all back office functions of the MA function (in accordance with practitioner orders and company protocol)
including intake and recording of health and immunization history; patient preparation for exam or procedure, administration of screening
tests, preparation, administration and recording of immunizations/medication, taking and recording of vital signs, venipuncture blood draws
and administration of injections.
• Demonstrates knowledge of all front office functions (in accordance with company policies and procedures) including receipt,
documentation and direction of incoming phone calls to the appropriate person in a timely and efficient manner; scheduling, documentation
and follow-up on patient appointments; preparation of forms and charts applicable to patient check-in or check-out; appropriate facilitation
of specialty referrals.
• Assures patient visit is complete from intake to check out explaining next steps and answering all questions (e.g. lab, x-ray, referral to
specialist process etc.).
• Maintains proficiency in all programs that the company is affiliated with regarding patient care and its required documentation and patient
support process.
• Available to assist other MA’s in completion of job tasks when required.
• Assures completion of patient visit charge data and medical record documentation by provider & staff on date of patient visit.
• Confers with Provider, Supervisor and Clinic Administrator to ensure that all documentation has been completed to accuracy of records.
• Completes and maintains all necessary related paperwork and logs related to weekly inventory.
• Assists clinic management in preparation of all Molina and Regulatory Facility Site Reviews (FSR) and audits.
• Attends to prescription refills, ensuring timely completion of call backs.
• Assists team in confirmation of appointment reminder calls on a daily basis.
• Process tickler file for orders and/or follow up log is maintained daily.
• Contributes to patient satisfaction at clinic site.
• Maintains a professional, ethical work performance and presents in a professional appearance at all times.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
• Good interpersonal and problem solving skills.
• Bilingual preferred. Completion of Skills Inventory Sheet.
• Must have the ability to satisfactorily speak, read, write and understand English for effective communication.
• Facilitates camaraderie and cohesiveness in workgroup.
• Embodies and promotes Molina values
• Treats all patients with kindness and empathy and demonstrates a genuine willingness to help.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to abide by Molina’s policies
• Maintain regular attendance based on agreed-upon schedule and adheres to all attendance and tardiness policies based on the company
Procedures for Absences & Tardiness
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective work relationships with coworkers, clients, members, providers and customers
Job Qualifications Required Education:
High School Diploma or GED. Completion of Medical Assistant course through a Federally accredited, State licensed vocational/technical
school.
Required Experience:
0-3 years experience as a Certified Medical Assistant in Primary Care.
Required Licensure/Certification:
Active Certified Medical Assistant; Active Certified CPR.
Preferred Education:
Preferred Experience:
1-3 years as Medical Assistant. Emphasis in family practice and/or Pediatrics. Managed care experience. Bilingual.
Preferred Licensure/Certification:
16
Loma Linda Health Clinics
Home Health Aide*
Division: Ancillary
Department: Home Health Care
Schedule: Unscheduled
Salary LL3301: $14.78 - $20.88 Hourly
Range: Rate of pay will be based on years of experience, education, and other factors as defined by policy.
Shift: AM/PM
Hours: This is a TEMPORARY position 10/12/14-1/12/15
Job Details: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
CPR/BLS
Driver's License
Home Health Aide (HHA)
Job Summary: This is a TEMPORARY position 10/12/14-1/12/15. This position will support LLUMC’s
strategic plan and the organization’s mission to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ,
while embracing the core values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Wholeness. The Home
Health Aide, performs basic age-specific (infant, toddler, preschooler, school age, adolescent, young adult,
middle adult, later adult) direct and indirect patient care activities in the home care environment under the
direction of a Registered Nurse (RN); assists clients with shopping, errands, and medical appointments as
needed; utilizes interpersonal skills to maximize customer service in a manner that supports the I CARE
initiative, excellence in customer service, patient/client safety, and professionalism; contributes to a work
environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient/client population;
performs other duties as assigned. Job Specifications: High school graduate or equivalent education required.
Successful completion of an approved Certified Nursing Assistant program and Certified Home Health Aide
program required. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, California Drivers License and automobile liability
insurance required. Home Care Experience preferred. Able to write legibly; speak in English (and Spanish
preferred) with professional quality. Ability to use computer, printer and software necessary to the position;
perform basic patient care activities using proper body mechanics and safety precautions. Must be able to lift
or carry up to 50 lbs.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability
17
Loma Linda Health Clinics
Diet Aide
Division: Infrastructure
Department: Clinical Service - Inpatient
Schedule: Unscheduled
Salary LL3287: $12.86 - $18.17 Hourly
Range: Rate of pay will be based on years of experience, education, and other factors as defined by policy.
Shift: AM/PM
Hours:
Job Details: Job Summary: This position will support LLUMC’s strategic plan and the organization’s mission to
continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ, while embracing the core values of Compassion,
Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Wholeness. The Diet Aide completes diet office responsibilities such as
processing of food requests, printing of meal tickets/reports, and answering unit phone calls according to
scheduled timeframe/guidelines. Obtains patient menu selections and food preference information and inputs
information into Computrition. Delivers between meal food requests/late trays to the unit. Works as a team
with Food Systems Operations, unit staff, dietitians and dietetic technicians to resolve patient food service
related issues. Performs other duties as needed. Job Specifications: High school diploma or equivalent
required. Minimum six months prior food service experience. Prior customer service experience preferred.
Able to write legibly; speak in English (Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer, printer,
and software programs necessary to the position. Ability to operate equipment and to coordinate body
movements to the job. Able to communicate with customers/patients/staff; demonstrate oral/writing skills and
excellent listening skills; working as a team player to achieve LLUMC and departmental goals; ability to have
others cooperate or follow a specific course of action; relate positively, effectively, and professionally with
others; be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; work calmly and respond
courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach and collaborate; accept direction. Excellent
interpersonal skills in dealing with co-workers, patients, and supervisors. Ability to think critically; perform
basic math functions; manage multiple assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; work well
under pressure; problem solve; recall information; pay close attention to detail; work independently with
minimal supervision. Hours, days, and location may vary according to assignment. Weekend duty may be part
of regular assignment.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability
18
Laboratory Clerk (Part-time)
Do you like to be challenged? Do you like to have fun? Want to help save lives? If the answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place. LifeStream is looking for
people who are adaptable, self-motivated, customer focused, passionate about saving lives and creative team players. If that sounds like you, why not bring your talents
and skills to LifeStream? We are growing in dynamic new ways and we recognize that the right people, offering their ideas and expertise, will enable us to continue our
success.
Imagine working for a company that provides a wide variety of career opportunities. Many of our positions at LifeStream offer career paths and advancement
opportunities. Chances are you have a good idea of where you want to go in life. At LifeStream, we’ve designed a culture that can help you get there. Chances are, it's
like no place you've ever worked.
Position Summary
Performs clerical checks and donation entries in compliance with State and Federal Regulations, AABB Standards, and internal Standard Operating Procedures.
Reviews donor history cards for completeness and acceptability and refers unacceptable ones to the appropriate department. Performs data entry of components quality
control, daily discards, laboratory deviations, production information, and other laboratory information.
High School Diploma or GED. Six months of laboratory experience in data entry and/or clerical functions desired.
MUST PASS PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK, DRUG SCREEN AND PHYSICAL EXAM.
As a LifeStream employee, you will receive one of the best total compensation packages offered in today’s work environment. At LifeStream, our compensation
package is unique to each employee, allowing them to make choices based on individual needs and interests. We’re proud that our total compensation includes
programs, services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding, encouraging wellness and healthy living, and promoting work-life balance. The
incredible range and collection of benefits include 100% paid medical and dental benefits (for employees) including great plan choices, paid life insurance, long term
care program, short term disability coverage, critical illness policies, a free employee assistance program, generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals, paid holidays, a
wellness program, a generous employer matching contribution to the 403(b) retirement plan and flexible spending accounts are just the beginning. LifeStream also
offers flexible hours in many departments and potential for telecommuting in many positions. As an employee you can qualify for the Employee Referral Bonus
program. Also LifeStream offers a Corporate University to help employees pursue higher education and personal development as well as providing tuition assistance for
your career-related approved studies. Employees also enjoy a great number of discount opportunities such as: child care, home owners insurance, vehicle insurance,
family legal plans, PC purchases, FTD purchases, long-term care and critical illness policies and admission to various entertainment and theme parks.
As an employer we are devoted to investing in you and supporting your work/life balance and personal needs.
San Bernardino
Days of Work
Wednesday-Saturday
Hours of Work
1600-2200
19
Mock Interview Application
Position Desired: ________________________________ Date of Application: _____________________
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name ___________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip ____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
Current Grade: 9th 10th 11th 12th GPA (see counselor): ________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Summarize special job-related skills and qualifications acquired from employment or other experience.
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
20
ACTIVITIES AND HONORS (Civic, Athletic, Academic, etc.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Are you employed now? Yes No If yes, may we contact your present employer? Yes No
Start with your present or last job. Include any job-related volunteer activities. You may exclude organizations
Which indicate race, color, religion, gender, national origin, handicap, or other protected status.
FROM_______ TO ________
FROM_______ TO ________
FROM_______ TO ________
REFERENCES: List the names of three persons not related to you whom you have known at least one year.
Name and Address Phone Business Years Acquainted
I certify that all the information submitted by me on this application is true and complete and I understand that if any
false information, omissions, or misrepresentations are discovered, my application may be rejected and, if I am
employed, my employment may be terminated at any time.
Needs
Excellent Acceptable Improvement
Performance
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
22
Mock Interviewer Information
23
HEALTH PATHWAYS
Mock Interviewers Needed
HELP PREPARE THE FUTURE HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Teacher/Student
Your Investment: Preparation
1-2 Times a year depending on
Students complete a health
your availability.
related application
1-3 Hours at a High School on a
selected day. Complete Resume
Inland Coalition will email you a Review Interview Guidelines
Mock Interview request. Peer Practice
Five Mock Interviewers needed for Student Randomly selects
each event.
entry-level Healthcare
Position
Research Company
Participate in Mock
Interviews
Listen to Feedback from
24
Other Information
WHY
Employers want a workforce who can
communicate effectively.
Your Commitment
Dress Professional
Interview student using questions provided
Provide honest, constructive feedback to student.
Excellent interview: You should Average interview: you could get Interviewing skills need
get a job offer! called back but it is not certain. significant improvement: You
would not get this job.
First Impressions
Your appearance is professional—you You look nice but you are not wearing Your attire is not professional—you
are wearing appropriate business appropriate business attire and/or wear jeans or shorts to this interview.
attire and are well groomed. grooming is unacceptable. You do not greet or shake hands
You greet your interviewer with a Your greeting is appropriate but you when you meet your interviewer.
firm handshake and confident forget to shake hands with your Your conversation is not energetic.
posture. interviewer.
Your conversation is enthusiastic and Your conversation is enthusiastic and
engaging. engaging.
Interview Content
You are very knowledgeable about You are knowledgeable about the You are not knowledgeable about the
the position you are interviewing for. position you are interviewing for. position you are interviewing for.
You display poise and confidence. You display adequate confidence in You are not confident in answering
You relate your skills to the job very your answers. questions about yourself.
well. You state your skills but do not You do not state the skills you have
adequately relate them to the job. to do this job.
Closing
You successfully convey your interest You convey some interest in You do not show any interest in this
in this position. position.
You ask appropriate questions of the
the position. You do not ask any questions.
You are not well prepared to ask You do not thank the interviewer.
interviewer.
You thank the interviewer. questions.
You thank the interviewer.
26
Mock Interview Evaluation Date________________
Please rate this experience on a scale of 1-5
1) Did not help at all 2) somewhat helpful 3) helpful 4) very helpful 5) we need more!
Other
Comments:____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Please print and sign your name if you give us permission to publish your comments.
27