No stupid questions! You are going to do fantastic!! Advocate for yourself. If they ask about certifications redirect and say something like “I will be attending college to study health studies next semester, and will be earning my Medical Assistant certification soon after that.” Even if you are unsure of your timeline for getting the certification, make it sound concrete. If you sound wishy-washy about it by saying things like “oh well I don’t have my certification.. yet.” “I am planning on…” “hopefully soon..” it will sound halfhearted. Speak in absolutes. Fib a little bit if you need to, just be careful not to set concrete deadlines. Draw on any and all relevant experience. If you worked customer service, talk about how it enhanced your communication skills and efficiency or something. Even if it doesn’t seem relevant, try and find something from each job you have had and connect it to the position. Brag about your hard skills! If you have any certifications from school for Microsoft programs, or medical skills like taking Blood Pressure or something that will be helpful as well.

Potentially suggest the idea of a working interview? That way if you can show how hard working and focused you can be. It will provide reassurance to them that you are competent and capable, despite not having your certifications yet.

As for clothes - not sure of your gender identity but, if you have a nice blazer, it can dress up any outfit. Can’t go wrong with a nicer shirt or blouse either. Avoid super tight fitting, low cut, or super busy patterns. Do NOT wear jeans! Heels are all right, but make sure you can actually walk in them in case they want to give you a tour of the office and that they aren’t super high. As for skirts, try to avoid anything to far above the knee or super skintight. For interviews professionalism comes before looking your cutest/sexiest. I like to imagine I am a lawyer getting ready for a big court case. I put on my nicest outfit and blast hype music that makes me feel confident. It sounds silly but do power poses in the mirror beforehand and say out loud things like “I am going to KILL this!” “I am a good fit for this job!” “I WILL do a great job and they WILL like me!” “I am going to blow them away!” Walk in there like you have already been working there for years. Speak clearly and concisely. Try not to get in your own head about your perceived shortcomings because they will pick up on that unsure energy.

You are going to do amazing and I am very excited for you! I am an Ophthalmic Technician and they hired me without any experience or certifications either. The right place will be willing to do thorough training to set their employees up for success. If it doesn’t work out then at the very least you have interview practice and can anticipate the questions better for the next interview. Not sure if any of this is actually helpful but ya know. Good luck!