AMA 112 Credentials and Employment

1. AMA 112 Credentials and Employment

2. Externship • Responsibilities - dependability - professionalism - well groomed • Guidelines for Success - procedural performance – have all entry level skills - preparedness – transportation, family considerations, finances - attendance – be punctual, dependable, reliable - appearance – clean, neat, minimal jewelry and makeup, hair up, no perfume - attitude – team player, adaptability, flexibility, admit errors, anticipate tasks and do them, do not make derogatory remarks or be a know-it- all, be enthusiastic

3. Employment Goals • Study your strengths and weaknesses • Know where you want to work • Know where you want to be in 2-5 years • Be able to sell yourself • Use self-analysis and work on weaknesses and strengths

4. Finding a Job • Internet • Employment Agencies • School Placement Offices • Medical Facilities • Private Offices • Temp Agencies • Networking

5. Applying for a Job • Follow directions on all applications • Be distinctive from all other applicants • Resume • Cover letter • Portfolio

6. Resume • One page: functional or chronological • Use action words • Key info such as address, telephone number etc… • Skills and strengths • Education • Affiliations and Volunteer work • Experience • References – be sure to ask them permission • Black ink, good paper, regular type, nice layout • Be honest

7. Cover Letter • Brief • Meaningful • Mention the job itself • State your goal if pertains to job • Address to correct person • Correct formatting and good quality paper • 1st paragraph state position, 2nd paragraph stress your skills, 3rd paragraph request interview

8. Employment Applications • Read completely first • Follow instructions exactly • Answer all questions, leave no blanks, put N/A if necessary • Put ‘negotiable’ in wage line • Reason for leaving previous job; be positive “to explore new career direction” • Type or print legibly • Use black ink • Attach resume and cover letter to application if necessary

9. Portfolio • Pens • Notepad • Social Security Card • Immunization Record • Copies of your resume • Letters of reference • References and contact info • Job application filled out for reference • Certificates • Special training info • Awards

10. Achieved Assisted Attained Conducted Created Developed Directed Established Implemented Maintained Operated Organized Participated Performed Planned Prepared Solved Systemized Action Words

11. Interviews • Practice • Stand out, be special Possess: • Technical skills • Confidentiality • Human relations skills • Communications skills • Find out about the facility you are applying to, think of questions to ask and write them down • Anticipate questions that will be asked of you and prepare answers • Dress appropriately • Do not be late • Send a follow-up thank you letter

12. Common Interview Questions • Tell me about yourself. • What are your strengths/weaknesses? • Why do you want the position? • What are your short/long term goals? • Why did you leave your previous position? • What salary rate are you looking for? • How do you handle pressure? • Do you work better alone or as part of a team? • How do you handle conflict? • What did you like best/least about your previous job?

13. Certification & Recertification • Be a lifelong learner – stay abreast of new technologies, procedures, medications, legal issues, etc… • Take the CMA exam – this proves you have a high standard and level of education recognized nationally • Recertify – keep up your credential; attend seminars, chapter meetings, CMA Magazine CEU’s, or retake the exam