Preparing for the World of Work

1. 58 Preparing for the World of Work

2. Learning Outcomes 58.1Carry out professionalism in all applied training scenarios. 58.2 Summarize the necessary steps for obtaining professional certification. 58.3Describe an appropriate strategy for finding a position.

3. Learning Outcomes 58.4Explain key factors for a successful interview. 58.5Describe ways of becoming a successful employee.

4. Maximizing applied training experience Certification Searching for a position Resume Cover letter Thank-you letter Developing a plan Interviewing techniques Introduction

5. Training in Action • Applied training experience • Opportunity to gain on-the-job experience • Minimum of 160 hours • Mandatory requirement • ABHES • CAAHEP

6. 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

7. The Applied Training Process (cont.) Clinical Training Time Sheet Medical Assistant Program • Screening • Interviews students • Drug screening • Background check • Time sheets and progress reports • Progress reports submitted weekly • Student is monitored a clinical preceptor 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. Expectations of Applied Training Candidates (cont.) • 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

11. Expectations of Applied Training Candidates (cont.) • You represent • The school you attend • The profession of medical assisting • Yourself

12. Expectations of Applied Training Candidates (cont.) • 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

13. 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. Very Good!

14. Obtaining Professional Certification • Certification • Preferred by many employers • Hiring advantage • Career advancement • Credentialing agencies • The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) • American Medical Technologists

15. Certification Qualifications • AAMA • Graduation from an accredited program • Test • 30 days prior to graduation • Within 12 months after graduation

16. Certification Qualifications • AMT • Graduation from an accredited program • Formal US Armed Forces medical services training • 5 years work experience

17. Applying for the Exam • Request an application • Gather required documents • Review all exam policies and procedures. • Complete and submit the application • Schedule an exam time

18. 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

19. 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

20. Preparing To Take The Exam (cont.) • Be well rested • Arrive on time • Bring all necessary documents • Tell yourself that you are prepared

21. Apply Your Knowledge 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!

22. Preparing to Find a Position • Career services department • Job placement • Counselors • Resume • Interviewing skills • Positions available

23. Seeking Employment • Internet and classified ads • Classified ads and employment websites • Medical practice network sites • Internet websites sites for job seekers • Explore job possibilities

24. Seeking Employment • Employment services • Temporary agencies • Application, test, résumé • Networking • Word-of-mouth • Organizations • Classmates

25. Creating a Resume • Components • Personal information • Professional objective • Employment experience • Educational background

26. Creating a Resume (cont.) • Components • Awards and honors • Campus and community activities • Professional memberships and activities • Summary of skills

27. Creating a Resume (cont.) • Functional resume • Highlights specialty areas • Changing careers, reentering job marker • Chronological resume • List most recent first, • Stayed in same field, growth and development

28. Creating a Resume (cont.) • Targeted resume • Academic-type resume • No relevant job experience • Stress achievements and community and volunteer work

29. 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

30. Writing the Resumes (cont.) • Tips • Organize information • List educational institutions • Choose format that best describes you • Use a computer and save work

31. Writing the Resumes (cont.) • Tips • Proofread for spelling and grammar • Use high-quality paper • Be truthful and honest

32. 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

33. Writing a Cover Letter • Address to specific person • Research the facility • Descriptions of your qualifications should reflect words used in the advertisement

34. 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

35. Obtaining a Reference • Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference • Generally 3 to 5 • Employment • Academic • Character

36. Preparing a Portfolio • Collection of employment documentation • Resume • Reference list • Awards • Transcripts • Diploma/certificates • Professional appearance

37. Apply Your Knowledge What do you include on a functional resume? ANSWER: You should highlight specialty areas of your accomplishments and strengths. Name two things that you know about the cover letter. ANSWER: The cover letter: Markets your resume as well as your skills and abilities Direct and to the point One page in length Correct!

38. Interviewing • Make sure prospective employers can reach you • Plan what to wear and how to present yourself professionally

39. Interview Planning and Strategies • Practice interviewing • Anticipate question types – plan answers • Learn about the company • Dress appropriately

40. 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

41. Interview Planning and Strategies(cont.) • Maintain comfortable eye contact • Relate your experience to the job • Be honest • Focus on how you can benefit the company

42. Interview Planning and Strategies(cont.) • Be poised and relaxed • Close on a positive note • Follow-up with a thank-you • Complete an application

43. Interview Planning and Strategies(cont.) • Comply with other aspects of the application process • Do not excessively contact the interviewer after the interview

44. 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

45. Reasons for Not Being Hired • Poor appearance • Acting like a know-it-all • Poor communication • Lack of planning • Lack of confidence or poise

46. 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

47. Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.) • Objectionable content on social networking sites • Only interested in salary • Inappropriate voicemail greeting • Unwilling to begin in entry-level position

48. Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.) • Making excuses for unfavorable record • No tact • No maturity • No curiosity about the job • Critical of past employers

49. Salary Negotiations • Salary ranges • Geographic location • Medical specialty • Experience • Credentialing • Job description

50. Salary Negotiations • Determine income needed • Prepare a budget • Negotiating benchmark • Employer should bring up salary