PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE

MEDICAL OFFICE

Chapter 9

© 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LEARNING OUTCOMES: WHEN YOU FINISH THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL BE ABLE TO 9.1

List and explore visible and hidden career employmentresources.

9.2

Assimilate information and prepare an employmentapplication.

9.3

Compose a cover/application letter.

9.4

Assimilate data and compose résumés using different format styles.

9.5

Assemble personal and professional information and appropriate dress for the interview process and conduct a mock interview.

9.6

Compose a follow-up thank-you letter.

© 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

9-2

chronological resume

plain-text resume

cover letter power words

functional resume professional reference

hidden job markets Scannable resume

key words visible job markets

personal reference

© 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

KEY TERMS

9-3

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

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

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

Visible ResourcesClassified ads in national and local newspapersProfessional publicationsCareer/job fairsJob boardsInternetTemporary employment agenciesEmployment services

© 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

9-7 9.1 LIST AND EXPLORE VISIBLE AND HIDDEN CAREER- EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES.

Hidden ResourcesFace-to-face networkingElectronic networksTelephone directoriesChamber of CommerceDirect 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)

9.2 ASSIMILATE INFORMATION AND PREPARE AN EMPLOYMENTAPPLICATION.

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

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

9.4 ASSIMILATE DATA AND COMPOSE RÉSUMÉS USING DIFFERENTFORMATS.

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

9.5 ASSEMBLE PERSONAL INFORMATION, PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION, AND APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR THE INTERVIEW PROCESS AND CONDUCT A MOCK INTERVIEW.

Preparing for the Interview:Gather MaterialsDress Appropriately

© 2012 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

9-12

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