1. 1 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Career Development and Life Skills Chapter 58

2. 2 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Introduction  The small decisions made every day are those that greatly affect the overall impressions that the medical assistant makes in the workplace.  Each duty performed becomes a part of the medical assistant’s sum of experience and is important in his or her overall growth.

3. 3 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. This chapter will examine:  Reasons job search training is important  Expectations employers have of employees  Three types of employee skill strengths  Best job search methods  Errors made on résumés  Importance of demographic information about former jobs

4. 4 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. This chapter will examine:  Phases of the interview process  Importance of the probationary period for new employees  Mistakes new employees should avoid  Why performance appraisal ratings are usually not perfect  Job application and résumé preparation  Interviews and salary negotiations

5. 5 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Job Search Training The new medical assistant should take advantage of job search training because:  The training will decrease the amount of time spent looking for a job.  The training will increase the chances of receiving better wages through negotiations.  The training will help to eliminate the fears of looking for work and interviewing.

6. 6 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. What Does the Employer Want? Three basic desires:  They want a person who has a neat appearance and looks as if he or she fits the job.  They want an individual who is dependable and can prove that he or she has been a reliable team member in other job positions.  They want a person with the skills to do the job.

7. 7 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The medical assistant’s attitude is the most critical part of his or her potential success in getting a job. Attitude

8. 8 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Assessing Strengths Three types of skill strengths:  Job skills  Self-management skills  Transferable skills

9. 9 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Developing Career Objectives  Where am I today?  Where do I want to be in 5 years?  Where do I want to be in 10 years?  What additional skills do I need to get where I want to go?

10. 10 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Knowing Personal Needs  Evaluate all of the needs you have in a work situation.  Evaluate intrinsic needs.  Write a synopsis of a typical day on an ideal medical assisting job.  Develop a focus and a goal to work toward.

11. 11 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Finding a Job Finding a job is a job—the student must look full time for a job and must prepare for the first job throughout the school experience.

12. 12 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Two Best Job Search Methods  Networking  Direct contact with employers

13. 13 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The Internet and the Job Search  Monster  Yahoo! Jobs  Job Options  Online Career Center

14. 14 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Traditional Job Search Methods  Newspaper ads  Employment agencies  Professional salaries  Volunteering  Mailing résumés  Cold calling  Performing well on externships

15. 15 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Organizing the Job Search  Keep track of opportunities.  Seek positions related to externships.  Keep a record of job leads.  Seek job leads every day.  Keep a notebook of all opportunities.

16. 16 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keep a Record of Interview Arrangements  Day, date, and time of the interview  Directions to the interview site  Name of the person to interview with  Items to bring to the interview  Information about the company or facility

17. 17 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Types of Résumés  Chronological  Functional  Targeted

18. 18 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Résumés  Save résumés to the computer to make changes easily.  Save a copy on flash drives for easy access away from home.  Résumés alone do not get the job.

19. 19 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Errors on Résumés  There should be no errors on résumés.  Proofread and have someone else proofread.

20. 20 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Critical Résumé Errors  Any typographical error  Listing salary requirements on the résumé  Attaching a photo  Using the word “I” too much  Not using a visually attractive résumé  Failing to proofread  Leaving off contact information

21. 21 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The Argument about Résumé Length Standard Rule One page for every 6 years of work experience

22. 22 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Purpose of a Résumé To get an interview! The résumé alone will not get an applicant a job.

23. 23 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Cover Letter The purpose of the cover letter is to get the interviewer to read the résumé.

24. 24 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Job Applications  Arrive to interviews 15 minutes early to complete job applications.  Fill out the application neatly and completely.  Do not write “see résumé” on the application.  Have all demographic information handy for completing the document.

25. 25 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Job Interview Four phases  Preparation  Interview  Follow-up  Negotiation

26. 26 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Preparation for the Interview  Research the company.  Develop a list of questions.  Determine how you can contribute to the organization.  Practice interview questions.

27. 27 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Interview  Maintain good eye contact.  Never take control of the interview.  Do not fidget.  Make certain that clothing is clean and wrinkle-free, as well as professional.  Clean fingernails, teeth, and shoes are important.  Do not offer negative information.  Smile.

28. 28 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Follow-Up  Always send a thank-you note.  Call at times designated by the office manager.

29. 29 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Negotiation  Know the salary you can afford to accept and ask for a little more than that figure.  Let the employer mention a salary range first.  Never say “no” on the spot.

30. 30 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Common Early Mistakes  Never be disruptive by gossiping or complaining.  Be open to learning new methods.  Do not make excessive supervision necessary.  Communicate openly with supervisors.

31. 31 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Dealing with Supervisors  Never hesitate to approach supervisors with problems.  Never try to cover up a mistake.  Communicate openly and often.

32. 32 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Performance Appraisals  Do not expect a perfect appraisal.  Be ready to address problem areas.  Work with the supervisor to improve in areas that might need more effort.

33. 33 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Asking for a Raise  Be self-reflective and determine if a raise is deserved.  Ask how a salary increase might be earned in the near future.

34. 34 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Leaving a Job Professionally  Always offer at least a 2-week notice.  Never resign in an attempt to get a salary increase.  Offer verbal and written notice.

35. 35 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Personal Growth Involves the following skills:  Self-control  Self-esteem  Problem-solving  Decision-making  Stress management

36. 36 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Budget  Plan a budget for the home so that salary amounts are able to meet expenses.  Attempt to live within the budget.  Student loans must be repaid and can never be discharged, even through bankruptcy.

37. 37 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The Guideline Budget  Rent/mortgage  Child care  Utilities  Food  Car payments, repair, and insurance  Credit/debts  Professional dues  Household expenses

38. 38 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The Guideline Budget  Medical/dental care  Child support  School expenses  Student loans

39. 39 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Summary of Scenario  The end of training is exciting but can cause anxiety.  Be prepared to accept the challenges ahead.  Learn about the medical facilities in the area.  Prepare in advance for interviews.  Know your strengths.

40. 40 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Closing Comments  Cooperate with the school when securing externship sites.  Be open to learning even more skills on the externship.  Do not insist that there is only one way to perform a skill.  Join professional societies.  Take certification examinations soon after graduation to maintain fresh recall about the subjects and procedures learned in school.