AMA 112 Credentials and Employment

Externship Responsibilities Responsibilities - dependability - professionalism - well groomed Guidelines for Success 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Certification & Recertification Be a lifelong learner – stay abreast of new technologies, procedures, medications, legal issues, etc… 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 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 Recertify – keep up your credential; attend seminars, chapter meetings, CMA Magazine CEU’s, or retake the exam