© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Medical Assisting Externships and Preparing to Find a Position PowerPoint® presentation to accompany: Medical Assisting Third Edition Booth, Whicker, Wyman, Pugh, Thompson

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved 54-2 Learning Outcomes 54.1 Perform professionally in all externship scenarios Discuss employment services and methods of obtaining a position Create a résumé.

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved 54-3 Learning Outcomes (cont.) 54.4 Create a cover letter Create a follow-up letter Explain key factors for a successful interview.

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved 54-4 Introduction Externship – an opportunity to explore the different responsibilities of a medical assistant You will learn to write a Résumé Cover letter Thank-you letter Form a strategic plan for securing a position

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved 54-5 Externships Opportunity to gain on-the-job experience Minimum of 160 hours Mandatory requirement ABHES CAAHEP

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved 54-6 Externships: The Process Educational institutions partner with medical facilities Clinical coordinator Arranges experiences Ensures that the site will provide a thorough educational experience Requirements Signed affiliation agreement

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved 54-7 Externships: The Process (cont.) Screening by medical facility Interviews students Drug screening Background check Time sheets and progress reports Completed daily Student is monitored by clinical coordinator and the program director

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved 54-8 Externships: Expectations of Candidates Professionalism Accept constructive criticism Be open to suggestions and ideas Do not question or argue with preceptors Use proper verbal skills and grammar Turn cell phones and pagers off during working hours

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved 54-9 Attendance Report each day assigned to a schedule Be dependable and punctual Adhere to policies regarding breaks Externships: Expectations of Candidates (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Professional appearance Clean, pressed, and well- fitting uniform Name tag or badge No artificial nails, visible tattoos, or facial piercings Hair off collar Avoid colognes Externships: Expectations of Candidates (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Initiative and willingness to learn Accept all assignments Ask for additional work if time permits Look for additional experiences Externships: Expectations of Candidates (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Apply Your Knowledge What are the expectations of a candidate for an externship? ANSWER: Candidates are expected display professionalism in actions and appearance, to be dependable and punctual, and to exhibit initiative and a willingness to learn.

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Preparing to Find a Position Career services department Job placement Counselors Résumé Interviewing skills Positions available

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Seeking employment Take advantage of resources Classified ads Internet sites Employment services Networking Explore possibilities Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Creating a résumé – components Personal information Professional objective Employment experience Educational background Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Résumé – components Awards and honors Campus and community activities Professional memberships and activities Summary of skills Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Choosing a résumé style Functional – highlights specialty areas of accomplishments and strengths Chronological – used by people with job experience Targeted – focuses on a specific job target Writing the résumé Direct, functional style Focus on verbs that imply action Choose words that display strengths and demonstrate initiative Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Résumé writing tips Organize information on a worksheet List educational institutions with dates attended and degree or certificate attained Choose format that best describes you Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Tips Use a computer and save work Proofread for spelling and grammar Use high-quality paper Be truthful and honest Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Writing a cover letter An introduction to résumé Markets your résumé as well as your skills and abilities Direct and to the point One page in length Address to specific person at organization Make descriptions of your qualifications reflect the words used by the company’s advertisement Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Sending a résumé Use correct address, zip code, and name of facility Verify the fax number before sending Post your résumé and cover letter on a career job search site on the Internet Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Obtaining a reference Recommendation for employment Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference Faculty and externship facility Generally 3 to 5 Employment Academic Character Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Preparing a portfolio Collection of employment documentation Résumé Reference list Awards Transcripts Diploma/certificates Professional appearance Preparing to Find a Position (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Apply Your Knowledge 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 abilities 2. Direct and to the point 3. One page in length Correct!

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Interviewing: Planning and Strategies Practice interviewing Anticipate questions Learn about the company Dress appropriately Be poised and relaxed

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Maintain comfortable eye contact Relate your experience to the job Be honest Focus on how you can benefit the company Be punctual Interviewing: Planning and Strategies (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Be honest Exhibit appropriate behavior Comply with application process Do not contact the interviewer excessively Interviewing: Planning and Strategies (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Interviewing: Interview Questions Anticipate questions you may be asked Inappropriate questions Age Race Sexual orientation Marital status Number of children

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Interviewing: Reasons for Not Being Hired Poor appearance Acting like a know-it-all Poor communication Lack of planning Lack of confidence or poise

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved No enthusiasm for the job Not active in extracurricular school programs Being interested only in salary offer Poor school record Unwilling to begin in entry-level position Interviewing: Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Making excuses for poor record No tact No maturity No curiosity about the job Being critical of past employers Interviewing: Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.)

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Interviewing: Salary Negotiations Salary ranges based on Geographic location Medical specialty Experience Credentialing Job description Prepare a budget to determine needed income Benchmark for negotiating Employer should bring up salary first Ask about range for position

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Apply Your Knowledge 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.

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved On the Job Learn to be an effective employee Identify skills in your daily duties Stay competitive and marketable through continuing education Integrate constructive criticism

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved On the Job (cont.) Job description Lists and describes expectations of position and duties to be performed Provides standard benchmarks Employee evaluations Initial review after probationary period and annually Describes performance Evaluates strengths and weaknesses

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved On the Job (cont.) Continuing education Set educational advancement goals annually Stay current Medical publications Medical assisting meetings Internet

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Apply Your Knowledge 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!

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved In Summary Medical assisting Many opportunities that begin with your externship Fast-growing occupation Manage your career carefully Continue your education Résumé is a life-long documentation of your career Maintain professionalism

© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved End of Chapter Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. ~ Aristotle