1. PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE MEDICAL OFFICE Chapter 9 © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2. LEARNING OUTCOMES: WHEN YOU FINISH THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL BE ABLE TO 9.1List and explore visible and hidden career employment resources. 9.2Assimilate information and prepare an employment application. 9.3Compose a cover/application letter. 9.4Assimilate data and compose résumés using different format styles. 9.5Assemble personal and professional information and appropriate dress for the interview process and conduct a mock interview. 9.6Compose a follow-up thank-you letter. © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-2

3. chronological resume plain-text resume cover letterpower words functional resumeprofessional reference hidden job marketsScannable resume key wordsvisible job markets personal reference © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED KEY TERMS 9-3

4. KEY TERMS (CONTINUED) chronological resume -- Chronological format supplies data within categories (i.e., education) in reverse chronological order cover letter -- personalize the application process by introducing the applicant to the employer and to gain an interview. functional resume -- organize skills and accomplishments into data groups that directly support the position goal, such as management, patient care, or software implementation hidden job markets -- job markets that are less obvious and require more initiative by the job seekers to access © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-4

5. KEY TERMS (CONTINUED) key words -- words used throughout the résumé that directly relate to the position’s requirements personal reference -- someone who knows your ethics, honesty, and trustworthiness plain-text resume -- a résumé with simplified formatting and electronically saved as a.txt file power words -- action verbs to showcase skills © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-5

6. KEY TERMS (CONTINUED) professional reference -- individuals who know your work skills Scannable resume -- résumé for electronic (OCR) scanning visible job markets -- Many resources are available to job seekers through easily accessible venues © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-6

7. Visible Resources  Classified ads in national and local newspapers  Professional publications  Career/job fairs  Job boards  Internet  Temporary employment agencies  Employment services © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-7 9.1 LIST AND EXPLORE VISIBLE AND HIDDEN CAREER- EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES.

8. Hidden Resources  Face-to-face networking  Electronic networks  Telephone directories  Chamber of Commerce  Direct contact with companies © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-8 9.1 LIST AND EXPLORE VISIBLE AND HIDDEN CAREER- EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES. (CONTINUED)

9. 9.2 ASSIMILATE INFORMATION AND PREPARE AN EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION. Determine the information  Personal information  Name of position desired  Work history information  Criminal history  Military history  Education © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-9

10. 9.3 COMPOSE A COVER/ APPLICATION LETTER. Prepare the letter using a suggested three paragraph format:  Paragraph one informs the reader  Paragraph two presents your qualifications  Paragraph three—an action paragraph © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-10

11. 9.4 ASSIMILATE DATA AND COMPOSE RÉSUMÉS USING DIFFERENT FORMATS.  Chronological format  Functional format Sometimes a combination of chronological and functional formats is used. © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-11

12. 9.5 ASSEMBLE PERSONAL INFORMATION, PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION, AND APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR THE INTERVIEW PROCESS AND CONDUCT A MOCK INTERVIEW. Preparing for the Interview:  Gather Materials  Dress Appropriately © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-12

13. 9.6 COMPOSE A FOLLOW-UP THANK-YOU LETTER. Within 24 hours—no more than 2 days—after the interview, compose and send a thank-you letter to the interviewer  Expression of gratitude  Reminder of your qualifications © 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 9-13