CHAPTER 54 Medical Assisting Externships and Preparing to Find a Position © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-2 Learning Outcomes 54.1 Perform professionally in all externship scenarios 54.2 Discuss employment services and methods of obtaining a position 54.3 Create a résumé © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-3 Learning Outcomes (cont.) 54.4Create a cover letter 54.5Create a follow-up letter 54.6Explain key factors for a successful interview © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-4 Introduction • Externship – an • You will learn to opportunity to write a explore the – Résumé different – Cover letter responsibilities of a – Thank-you letter medical assistant • Form a strategic plan for securing a position © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-5 Externships • Opportunity to gain on-the-job experience • Minimum of 160 hours • Mandatory requirement – ABHES – CAAHEP © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-6 The Externship Process • Educational institutions partner with medical facilities – Practicum coordinator • Arranges experiences • Ensures that the site will provide a thorough educational experience – Requirements • Signed affiliation agreement © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-7 The Externship Process (cont.) – Screening by medical facility • Interviews students • Drug screening • Background check – Time sheets and progress reports • Completed daily • Student is monitored by practicum coordinator and the program director © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-8 Expectations of Externship Candidates • Professionalism – Accept constructive criticism – Be open to suggestions and ideas – Do not question or argue with preceptors concerning how procedures are done – Use proper verbal skills and grammar – Turn cell phones and pagers off during working hours © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d Expectations of Externship Candidates 54-9 (cont.) • Attendance – Report each day assigned to a schedule – Be dependable and punctual – Adhere to policies regarding breaks © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d Expectations of Externship Candidates 54-10 (cont.) • 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, perfumes, and scented hair products © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-28 Interview Planning and Strategies (cont.) • Be honest • Exhibit appropriate behavior • Comply with application process • Do not contact the interviewer excessively © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-29 Interview Questions • Anticipate questions you may be asked • Inappropriate questions – Age – Race – Sexual orientation – Marital status – Number of children © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-30 Reasons for Not Being Hired • Poor appearance • Acting like a know-it-all • Poor communication • Lack of planning • Lack of confidence or poise © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-31 Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.) • 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 © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-32 Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.) • Making excuses for poor record • No tact • No maturity • No curiosity about the job • Being critical of past employers © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-33 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 © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-34 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 not believe the information is needed to evaluate your qualifications for the job © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-35 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 © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-36 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 © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-37 On the Job (cont.) • Continuing education – Set educational advancement goals annually – Stay current • Medical publications • Medical assisting meetings • Internet – Required to maintain certification © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-38 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! © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-39 In Summary 54.1 Students’ weekly progress sheets should reveal new goals each week and progress on previous weeks’ goals Their assessment and preceptor’s assessments should be similar and show professionalism, willingness to learn, and continual progress throughout the externship 54.2 Students should be able to list classified advertisements available in local papers, employment Websites, networking and employment agencies where employment assistance is available © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-40 In Summary (cont.) 54.3 With assistance, students should turn in a workable, professional résumé which can be used to begin the employment search 54.4 Students should create a basic, professional cover letter which can be modified to fit the job description they are applying for © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-41 In Summary (cont.) 54.5 Students should create a basic follow-up letter that can be modified to send to each individual prospective employer after the interview is completed 54.6 Students should be able to list key factors such as portraying confidence, smiling, looking the interviewer in the eye, having questions ready for the interviewer about the position, and practicing answers to common interviewing questions If possible, participation in a mock interview should be considered © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54-42 End of Chapter 54 Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work ~ Aristotle © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d [...]... reserv e d 54- 20 Résumés (cont.) • Tips – Use a computer and save work – Proofread for spelling and grammar – Use high-quality paper – Be truthful and honest © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 21 Résumés (cont.) • 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... rights reserv e d 54- 17 Résumés (cont.) • Components – Awards and honors – Campus and community activities – Professional memberships and activities – Summary of skills © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 18 Résumés (cont.) • Choosing a résumé style – Functional – highlights specialty areas of accomplishments and strengths – Chronological – used by people with job experience... résumé – Direct, functional style – Focus on verbs that imply action – Choose words that display strengths and demonstrate initiative – Targeted – focuses on a specific job target © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 19 Résumés (cont.) • Writing tips – Organize information on a worksheet – List educational institutions with dates attended and degree or certificate attained –. ..Expectations of Externship Candidates 54- 11 (cont.) • As an extern you represent – The school you attend – The profession of medical assisting – Yourself © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d Expectations of Externship Candidates 54- 12 (cont.) • Initiative and willingness to learn – Accept all assignments – Ask for additional work if time permits – Look for additional experiences... Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 15 Seeking Employment • Take advantage of resources – Classified ads and employment Websites – Internet Websites sites – Employment services – Networking • Explore possibilities © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 16 Résumés • Components – Personal information – Professional objective – Employment experience – Educational background © 2011... reserv e d 54- 23 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 © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 24 Portfolios • Collection of employment documentation – Résumé – Reference list – Awards – Transcripts – Diploma/certificates... 54- 13 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 © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 14 Preparing to Find a Position • Career services department – Job placement –. .. reserv e d 54- 28 Interview Planning and Strategies (cont.) • Be honest • Exhibit appropriate behavior • Comply with application process • Do not contact the interviewer excessively © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 29 Interview Questions • Anticipate questions you may be asked • Inappropriate questions – Age – Race – Sexual orientation – Marital status – Number of... Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 32 Reasons for Not Being Hired (cont.) • Making excuses for poor record • No tact • No maturity • No curiosity about the job • Being critical of past employers © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 33 Salary Negotiations • Salary ranges based on – Geographic location – Medical specialty – Experience – Credentialing – Job description • Prepare... reserv e d 54- 35 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 © 2011 The McGraw -Hill Com panies, Inc A ll rights reserv e d 54- 36 On the Job (cont.) • Job description – Lists and describes expectations of position and duties to be performed – Provides standard benchmarks