Every answer that I'm giving to these questions is completely true so sincerity won't be problem. I just want to make sure I'm not inadvertently eliminating myself from the running. Please help me… interviews are hard to come by-much less interviews for a job that I really really want like I want this one. Pleaes be as harsh as you need to. Thank you very very much.

Why do you want to work here? This position is one in which I have experience and knowledge, so there isn't a very steep learning curve. I like the fact that I can begin contributing immediately, and I'm impressed with the reviews on your website. I want to be part of an organization that shows that it genuinely cares for its clients.

What is a weakness of yours? It's been brought to my attention before that I have a tendency to get bogged down in small inconsequential details. Things that have no bearing on the finished product. I've taken steps to remedy this though; now I identify the necessary steps needed to complete a project and focus on those.

Why haven't you been working this year? Since I moved back to Long Beach, I've been very selective about the jobs that I apply for. I want it to be as good a fit for me as I am for it. So I've sent resumes out pretty sparingly, and that in combination with the economy has made it difficult to find a company that I want to work for long term.

What experience do you have that benefits us? One of my main responsibilities for about 3 years was verifying insurance coverage and benefits. I know effective dates, the difference between HMO's and PPO's, in network and out of network coverage, etc.

What is your work ethic? My work ethic is based on attendance, attitude, and results. They're all equally important to me and I hold myself to high standards as an employee.

Why should we hire you? I am familiar with medical insurance and so I won't require much training beyond what's specific to your company. I'm dependable, I have a great work ethic, and I'm not just looking for an interim job. There will be no question that if I'm hired here, I'm here to stay as long as we both feel that I'm doing an excellent job.

What did you like least about a previous job? Not being able to contribute as much as I wanted to. Since I had to stay in the front, I couldn't go looking for more work in my downtime so I asked my supervisor what I should work on, and he told me to play solitaire. I'm proud of my work ethic, and I didn't get a chance to show it off at that organization.

****What did you like best about a previous job? Being given the freedom to look for extra ways to shine.

****What have you learned from previous mistakes? I learned not to get bogged down in small details that don't affect the big picture.

What qualities do you look for in a boss? I can work and be successful under any type of management, but I've learned the most from bosses that make their expectations clear and offer constructive criticism.

Tell about a time that you resolved a dispute with a customer. There was a billing dispute with a responsible party. He'd been receiving bills for his wife's services, and informed us that she wasn't receiving the services and wouldn't pay. When I checked, I found out that the wrong patient was being billed for months because she had the same name as another patient whose family had agreed to pay for the services. I apologized, assured him that the mistake would cease immediately, and made notes on both patients in the database and on the hardcopy. I also let the private party biller know so that she would recognize the name and check more closely next time she was sending out bills for that facility.
There are tons of things I'd fix about this, so lets just focus on what "slaps me in the face" so to speak. (I think you should have someone look it over in person and read it out loud)
-Do not use "etc" in a resume.
-I would remove the word "pretty" before sparingly and restructure that sentence.
-Under the question "what have you learned from previous mistakes" you repeat yourself from the question above. Your answer needs to be more detailed. I would actually list some mistakes I made (in vague detail) and what I learned from each one.
-Your very first sentence about why you want to work there is not good. First off it sounds like you are trying too hard to be articulate, then you say something about not having a steep learning curve, to me that says you do not like to be challenged or learn new things. I would have already subconsciously decided not to hire you after the first sentence.
- what did you like least about your previous job? there is no reason to slam your ex boss. I know thats not what you're trying to do, but telling the interviewer that he told you to play solitaire has nothing to do with what you are trying to accomplish. I'd definitely take that part out.
The resume has a tone to it, like it's being submitted by someone young and maybe slightly inexperienced.
Good luck!!
I think your answers are all excellent. I wouldn't change anything. Good luck with the job.
As an employer here is what I "hear" from your answers.
1) Why do you want to work here? "This position is one in which I have experience and knowledge, so there isn't a very steep learning curve." When candidates say something like this it tells me they have a "know it all" attitude and are not interested in challenges or learning anything new. If you had given me this answer I would have made a mental note not to hire you. The rest of your answer is ok but be prepared to give examples of some of the reviews.
2) "What is a weakness of yours?" The first part of the answer is fine but the rest is too vague. Give the employer a specific example and how you remedied it otherwise the employer thinks… What sorts of details? What steps did you focus on?
3) "Why haven't you been working this year?" Your answer to this comes off as a bit too "snobby". You might consider rewording it to say something like "After moving back to Long Beach I have sent out resumes only where I feel I would be a good fit for the position and the company which resulted in few resumes being sent out up to this point." Everyone is having trouble finding jobs because of the economy so leave that part out.
4) "What experience do you have that benefits us?" Do not ever use "etc" on a resume or in an interview. Using it tells the employer that you are not capable of completing your thoughs in regards to your experience.
5) "What is your work ethic?" Your answer is fine and good. …but what about honesty? …and just how important are these qualities? How well have you demonstrated these qualities in the past? (tip: don't be vague, give examples)
6) "Why should we hire you?" This is basically the same question as question #1 on your list and you just repeated your answer. I suggest you reword it. Also be more specific with other parts of the answer like your work ethic, dependability, etc
7) "What did you like least about a previous job?" VERY bad answer. You just shot yourself in the foot. NEVER ever badmouth your boss. If I were interviewing you and heard that answer I would be thinking the following:
a) Will she badmouth me, her boss, or the company if she loses her job?
b) Is she always going to require her boss to give her work to do rather than taking initiative and seeking out work to do herself?
c) If her work ethic is so good why was she wasting company time playing games even if her boss told her to?
d) Come to think of it, since she says she didn't get a chance to show off her work ethic does that mean she was always late, frequently absent, poor attitude, dishonest?
"What did you like best about a previous job?" Your answer is too vague. Give specific examples. With the answer you gave I would be wondering exactly HOW managed to make yourself shine.
9) "What have you learned from previous mistakes?" Again…too vague. Use specific examples and what you learned from each.

Your last 2 answers are ok.
Your weakness needs to be negative but yet positive…for example…my weakness is that I work too much…because I put everything into a project that little to no mistakes. Something like that. Turn a weakness into a positive. That is my opinion. Good luck on ya interview sounds like you are going to ACE it!!~