Writing An Effective Resume...

Career Change: Moving On and Up

It is important that medical assistants applying for new positions clearly express their desire to move on supported by documentation that shows they are qualified for the specific job. Documentation of experience, credentials, and a flawless track record, as well as letters of recommendation, and statements that express willingness to work hard can certainly impress a potential employer enough to place your resume high on their list of possible candidates.

Apply For Jobs!

On this highly competitive job market the one thing that opens doors is documentation of your qualifications!

YES! The more I know, the better I am prepared. Please tell me more about recognized certifications.

 

Do You Have Strong Job Magnets?

Additional things employers look for when hiring in the medical and health care field are specialty training and professional certifications. You can call them "job magnets"! List everything, such as your current CPR certification, professional specialty diplomas and credentials, and important qualifications such as certification in phlebotomy, IV therapy, ECG/EKG, and as X-ray technician. Start sentences with present tense verbs, i.e., "Type 35 wpm, answer telephones, trained in phlebotomy, CPR certified." No one wants to wade through verbose language in a resume that should cut right to the heart of the matter.

Top Seven Elements of a Resume

Essential Elements

• Name
• Contact addresses and phone numbers
• Work history
• Education history
• Continuing professional development
• Professional memberships
• References
• Letters of

Optional Elements

• Technical skills and qualifications
• Awards/
• Certificates
• Languages
• Additional areas of professional interest

Objective Statement:

Immediately below the top section of a resume (containing your name, address, etc.), there is usually a short section with one of these headings: objective, professional objective, resume capsule, or career goals. Make sure you don't miss it, and what ever you write is meaningful and directly geared toward the job.

Examples:

"To obtain a position as a medical assistant that offers both personal and professional growth."

"To obtain a permanent position as a medical assistant in both, administrative and clinical areas."

"To apply my versatile administrative and clinical medical assistant skills in all areas of the modern group practice."

"To utilize my vast experience in assisting with patient care procedures, medical clerical duties, and other duties as assigned.

More: Sample Cover Letters and Tips

 

Resume Writing Tips

Tip #1
By Tim Dominique, Goodyear, AZ:  I am returning to MA field after about a decade in the business world. There are several formats in which to write a resume. Also, make yourself a "Book of Success".

A book of success is a note book with an insert cover that says 'Book of Success' and a saying, poem, something you like. Inside have a studio professional photo of yourself, your resume, followed by all diplomas, certificates, degrees, letters and so on.

Every time you move on, have your supervisor write something positive about you in this book. Every time you graduate same for instructors and instead of class mates signing year books, have them sign your book-references at your fingertips (get permission, of course). Always use a cover letter with your resume, but keep it simple.

TIP #2:
By Tashi Ramirez, Chicago, IL:  Don't overload your resume with educational details, but do highlight the areas where you achieved good results!

TIP #3:
By Geoff Fiorini, San Antonio, TX:  Remember to include to mention your Current CPR Certification, and special certifications, such as in X-Ray or medication aide.

TIP #4:
By Gloria Miller, Bordentown, NJ:  Trying to meet the expectations of the "boss" are the most important elements of the medical assistant's resume, however, never lie on your application, or resume.

• Resume Writing Work Sheet
  
  Demographics, employment objectives, education, hobbies and special interests, and personal goals. OK, what else? What you are missing is....
• Sample Cover Letters and Tips
  
  Do you want to make your medical assistant resume stand out? Then pay particular attention to a well written cover letter. Fibbing on the resume...
• The Chronological Resume
  
  Learn why choosing a resume style is as difficult or easy as choosing the most suitable dress or suit for that all-important interview. According to...