Job Search

Creating Your "Job Magnet"

Medical care, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical services play an important role in our economy and welfare. Major cities to rural areas, recruiters and employers are in constant need for qualified front and back medical office staff—and this will likely not change any time soon.

• The healthcare industry employs 1 out of 3 workers
• Changing government regulations spur the high demand
• Most jobs in this field require only a high school diploma, however...
• Most employers prefer those with formal job related training
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Where to Look For Jobs

If you have a current resume, and can show that you know medical terminology, clinical procedures, along with administrative task, medical coding and billing, medical insurance claims processing, or that you have done data entry jobs, and medical transcriptions, then chances are you have what it takes to land a good job! Good clinical and clerical skills, along with good listening and organizational skills go a long way in the medical office. They are the "job magnet" for those seeking a medical assistant job.

Opportunities in allied health, medical office support, and other healthcare occupations are not limited by location, gender, race, religion, or even disabilities. Where there are people there is a need for medical services and care; and medical office managers and recruiters are ready to hire.

The challenge many face, although it is not really such a big problem at all, is knowing WHERE to look for a job, or clients. Actually finding work is easier than you might think once you get the right idea where, and how to look. You will be surprised with how many ways to locate available job opportunities you will come up with.

Learn

• Know what your local job market demands
• How to discover hidden (veritcal) job markets
• What is the average pay scale in your area
• What do employers expect (experience?, certifications?, CPR?)

Advertise

• Read and advertise in your local newspaper wanted ads
• Place your wanted ad on well known job sites on the Internet

We recently came across a very creative way for medical assistants to get the word out on Craigs List. This medical assistant student shows that she is engergized and eager to get to work... Her ad also shows, very discretely, that she is looking for work to gain experience, and is willing to start at the front desk! Great move.

Network

• Tell friends, family members, former colleagues, and people you meet at functions, or church that you are looking for a job
• When you have your own medical appointments, talk to the MAs there
• Stay in touch with your MA school and former instructors
• Participate on Medical Assistant Web Forums and post your concerns

Leg work

• See job offers posted through local employment offices
• Register for the national certification exam Search

• There are MANY work and job opportunities listed on the Internet.
• Use search engines and search for "medical assistant job + your location".
• Read blogs that give specific tips and advice on where to go next.