Evaluate the following interchange between an HIM Director and prospective employee. Critique the questions asked by the HIM Director and identify any that are inappropriate to ask during the interview process and explain why.

HIM Director: Welcome, Ms. Martin. Im Sheila Reynolds, HIM Director. I see from your resume that you just completed the HIT program at Wentworth College. Tell me about your favorite class.

Ms. Martin: I really enjoyed the three coding classes that I took. I found them to be challenging but fun. Those classes had me utilizing my anatomy and physiology knowledge as well.

HIM Director: Indeed. As I reviewed your resume, I noticed there is a 10 year time lapse between your last job and returning to college. Can you explain that? Were you taking time to start a family?

Ms. Martin: Yes, now that my children are older, I am more comfortable getting back into the work force.

HIM Director: There are times throughout the year when our staff must put in overtime. Do you have after school childcare lined up?

HIM Director: Can you tell me what your greatest strength is?

Ms. Martin: I would say that I am a very conscientious person. I like to do a good job at whatever I do and work hard to learn when I have made a mistake.

HIM Director: Then what would be your greatest weakness?

Ms. Martin: I would have to say that I am impatient, however, the advantage to that is that I like to get things done quickly.

HIM Director: How are you with multi-tasking?

Ms. Martin: I worked part-time while going to school and raising my kids. I had to multitask every day in order to keep everyone on schedule. I never was late for work, or turned in a late assignment.

HIM Director: Didnt your husband help out?

Ms. Martin: We are divorced.

HIM Director: Okay, well, tell me how you would handle a physician who comes into the department yelling about having to re-dictate several operative reports.

Ms. Martin: First, I would ask him to step into an office for a private discussion. Then I would listen to his complaints. I would tell him that I would investigate his concerns about the transcription system and explain that in the meantime, we really will have to ask him to dictate the reports again.

HIM Director: Thank you, Ms. Martin. I have a few more interviews and will be in touch by the end of the week with my decision.

Ms. Martin: Thank you, Ms. Reynolds. I appreciate the opportunity to interview for the coding position and look forward to hearing from you soon. Goodbye.