Preparing for the World of Work

CHAPTER

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58Preparing for the

World of Work



58-2

58.1 Carry out professionalism in all applied training scenarios.

58.2 Summarize the necessary steps for obtaining professional certification.

58.3 Describe an appropriate strategy for finding a position.

Learning Outcomes



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58.4 Explain key factors for a successful interview.

58.5 Describe ways of becoming a successful employee.

Learning Outcomes



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Introduction

• Maximizing applied training experience

• Certification

• Searching for a position– Resume– Cover letter – Thank-you letter

• Developing a plan

• Interviewing techniques



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Training in Action

• Applied training experience– Opportunity to gain on-the-job

experience

– Minimum of 160 hours

– Mandatory requirement• ABHES• CAAHEP



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The Applied Training Process

• Partnership

• Applied training coordinator– Arranges experiences

– Ensures that the site will provide a thorough educational experience

– Acts as liaison

• Requirement – affiliation agreement



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The Applied Training Process (cont.)

• Screening – Interviews students– Drug screening– Background check

• Time sheets and progress reports – Progress reports submitted weekly

– Student is monitored a clinical preceptor

Clinical Training Time Sheet

Medical Assistant Program

Complete the log daily and fax the log each week to the school no later than 5 p.m. Friday.

For each day attended, please include a brief description of the duties performed.

The Timesheet must be signed and dated by both the student and the Clinical Site Supervisor.



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Expectations of Applied Training Candidates

• Professionalism – Accept constructive criticism

– Do not question how procedures are done

– Demonstrate compassion and empathy

– Use proper verbal skills and grammar

– Turn cell phones and pagers off during working hours



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Expectations of Applied Training Candidates (cont.)

• Attendance– Report each day assigned to a

schedule

– Be dependable and punctual

– Adhere to policies regarding breaks and lunch



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• Professional appearance

– Uniform and shoes

– Name tag or badge

– No artificial nails,

visible tattoos, or

facial piercings

– Hair and make-up

– Avoid colognes, perfumes, and scented hair products



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• You represent– The school you attend

– The profession of medical assisting

– Yourself



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• Initiative and willingness to learn

– Accept all assignments

– Ask for additional work

– Look for additional experiences

• Make a good impression

– Be assertive and confident

– Step out of comfort zone



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Apply Your Knowledge

What are the expectations of a candidate for an externship?

ANSWER: Candidates are expected conduct themselves in a professional manner, to be dependable and punctual, to dress and appear as a medical professional, to exhibit initiative and a willingness to learn, and to make a good impression.



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Obtaining Professional Certification

• Certification– Preferred by many employers – Hiring advantage – Career advancement

• Credentialing agencies– The American Association of Medical

Assistants (AAMA)– American Medical Technologists



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Certification Qualifications

• AAMA – Graduation from an accredited program

– Test• 30 days prior to graduation

• Within 12 months after graduation



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Certification Qualifications

• AMT– Graduation from an accredited program

– Formal US Armed Forces medical services training

– 5 years work experience



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Applying for the Exam

1. Request an application

2. Gather required documents

3. Review all exam policies and procedures.

4. Complete and submit the application

5. Schedule an exam time



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Preparing To Take The Exam

• Test format– CMA(AMAA) ~

computer-based

– RMA ~ either computer-based or paper

• General content areas– Medical administrative

– Clinical

– Laboratory

– Medical terminology

– Anatomy and physiology

– Medical ethics and law

– Human behavior



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Preparing To Take The Exam (cont.)

• Study tips – Start early

– Study some every day

– Create a study schedule

– Study in a quiet place

– Make flash cards

– Use mnemonic devices



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Preparing To Take The Exam (cont.)

• Be well rested

• Arrive on time

• Bring all necessary documents

• Tell yourself that you are prepared



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What two certification requirements do the AAMA and AMT have in common?

ANSWER: Both have requirements of graduation from an accredited program (with some additional choices for the AMT). Both require successful completion of a test.

Hurray!Hurray!



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Preparing to Find a Position

• Career services department

– Job placement

– Counselors • Resume

• Interviewing skills

• Positions available



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Seeking Employment

• Internet and classified ads– Classified ads and employment

websites

– Medical practice network sites

– Internet websites sites for job seekers

– Explore job possibilities



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Seeking Employment

• Employment services– Temporary agencies– Application, test, résumé

• Networking – Word-of-mouth– Organizations– Classmates



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Creating a Resume

• Components

– Personal information

– Professional objective

– Employment experience

– Educational background



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Creating a Resume (cont.)

• Components– Awards and honors

– Campus and community activities

– Professional memberships and activities

– Summary of skills



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• Functional resume – Highlights specialty

areas

– Changing careers, reentering job marker

• Chronological resume – List most recent first,

– Stayed in same field, growth and development



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• Targeted resume – Academic-type resume

– No relevant job experience

– Stress achievements and community and volunteer work



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Writing the Resume

• Direct, functional style

• Focus on words that imply action– Keep the reader’s interest– Highlight your accomplishments

• Choose words that display strengths and demonstrate initiative



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Writing the Resumes (cont.)

• Tips– Organize information

– List educational institutions

– Choose format that best describes you

– Use a computer and save work



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Writing the Resumes (cont.)

• Tips

– Proofread for spelling and grammar

– Use high-quality paper

– Be truthful and honest



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Writing a Cover Letter

• An introduction to resume – Markets your resume as well as your skills and

abilities

– Motivates the employer to consider you

• Direct and to the point

• One page in length



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Writing a Cover Letter

• Address to specific person

• Research the facility

• Descriptions of your qualifications should reflect words used in the advertisement



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Sending a Resume

• Use correct address, zip code, and name of facility

• Fax – verify number

• E-mail – log-in name

• Post on a career job search site on the Internet



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Obtaining a Reference

• Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference

• Generally 3 to 5 – Employment

– Academic

– Character



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Preparing a Portfolio

• Collection of employment documentation– Resume – Reference list– Awards– Transcripts– Diploma/certificates

• Professional appearance



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1. What do you include on a functional resume?

2. Name two things that you know about the cover letter.

ANSWER: You should highlight specialty areas of your accomplishments and strengths.

ANSWER: The cover letter:1. Markets your resume as well as your skills

and abilities2. Direct and to the point3. One page in length

Correct!



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Interviewing

• Make sure prospective employers can reach you

• Plan what to wear and how to present yourself professionally



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Interview Planning and Strategies

• Practice interviewing

• Anticipate question types – plan answers

• Learn about the company

• Dress appropriately



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Interview Planning and Strategies (cont.)

• Be punctual

• Be professional

• Know the interviewer’s title and how to pronounce his or her name

• Exhibit appropriate behavior



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• Maintain comfortable eye contact

• Relate your experience to the job

• Be honest

• Focus on how you can benefit the company



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• Be poised and relaxed

• Close on a positive note

• Follow-up with a thank-you

• Complete an application



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• Comply with other aspects of the application process

• Do not excessively contact the interviewer after the interview



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Interview Questions

• Anticipate questions you may be asked

• Inappropriate questions

– Not related to skills or abilities

– Do not need to answer

– Be polite and professional

when declining to answer



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Reasons for Not Being Hired

• Poor appearance

• Acting like a know-it-all

• Poor communication

• Lack of planning

• Lack of confidence or poise



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Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.)

• No enthusiasm for the job

• Not active in extracurricular school programs

• Being interested only in salary offer

• Poor school record

• No interest for the job



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• Objectionable content on social networking sites

• Only interested in salary

• Inappropriate voicemail greeting

• Unwilling to begin in entry-level position



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• Making excuses for unfavorable record

• No tact

• No maturity

• No curiosity about the job

• Critical of past employers



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Salary Negotiations

• Salary ranges – Geographic location

– Medical specialty

– Experience

– Credentialing

– Job description



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Salary Negotiations

• Determine income needed– Prepare a budget

– Negotiating benchmark

• Employer should bring up salary



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During an interview, the interviewer asks you your age and if you are married and have children. How should you answer these questions?

ANSWER: These are inappropriate questions. You should be polite and professional in declining to answer the questions. You may state that you do not believe the information is needed to evaluate your qualifications for the job.



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On the Job

• Learn to be an effective employee– Identify skills of daily duties

– Stay competitive and marketable

– Integrate constructive criticism

• Job description – expectations and duties



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On the Job (cont.)

• Employee evaluations– After probationary period and annually

– Describes performance

– Evaluates strengths and weaknesses

– Placed in official employment record



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On the Job (cont.)

• Continuing education– Set annual education

goals

– Required to maintain certification

– Stay current in healthcare topics



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What is the purpose of your job description?

ANSWER: Your job description lists and describes the expectations for your position and the duties you are expected to perform. It is used as the standard by which you are evaluated.

Outstanding!



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In Summary

58.1 Students’ weekly progress sheets should reveal new goals each week and progress on previous weeks’ goals.

Their assessment and the preceptor’s assessments should be similar and show professionalism, willingness to learn, and continual progress throughout the applied training.

58.2 When seeking national certification, students should determine if they are eligible to take the certification exam, gather necessary documents, apply for the exam, and study and prepare to take the exam.



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In Summary (cont.)

58.3 Students should be able to list classified advertisements available in local papers, employment websites, networking and employment agencies where employment assistance is available, and provide a workable, professional résumé that can be used to begin the employment search.

58.4 Students should be able to list key factors, such as: portraying confidence; smiling; looking the interviewer in the eye; having questions ready for the interviewer about the position; and practicing answers to common interviewing questions. If possible, participation in a mock interview should be considered.



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In Summary (cont.)

58.5 The keys to becoming a successful employee include: using the job description to provide benchmarks as performance standards; using employee evaluations to improve performance; and continuing self-education throughout your career.



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End of Chapter 58

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

~ Aristotle

Preparing for the World of Work

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