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I just graduated as a certified medical assistant in New Jersey. It is ridiculously difficult to get a job without experience. What can I do? I have a vast amount of office experience behind me, which can transfer over. I was going to go on to become an LPN to RN, but now I am worried. How will I get my first job? I have such a desire to utilize my new education! Sincerely, MJ Dear MJ: The can't-get-a-job-without-experience and can't-get-experience-without-a-job catch-22 situation is one of the most frustrating things a person will experience as they launch their career, but the good news is that generally it means it just takes longer to find a job, not that you won't find a job. Here are some tips: • Network with your program
instructors and, if you did one, practicum placement
supervisors. Do they know of any openings amongst
their colleagues/friends/association members? When
someone who knows you (your training, work ethic,
study ethic, etc.) will recommend you to one of
their friends/colleagues, it's a great help to
a job search, because employers are much more likely
to give you a chance.
• Concentrate on jobs
that say "experience preferred" rather
than "experience required," or those that
say "will accept new grads."
• Consider contacting
temp agencies.
• Consider using a combination
style résumé, that is, one
in which you foreground your skills/credentials
by putting them in a bullet list before
you list work experience.
• Make sure that your
cover letter is strong – stress your skills
(including transferable skills from previous jobs,
e.g., keyboarding speed, reception, software packages),
your GPA from your medical assistant program (if
it's strong), any experience (including volunteer
experience) in a healthcare setting, and the fact
that you are certified.
• Since medical assistants'
job descriptions involve some administrative office
work (e.g., correspondence, completing forms),
make sure that your cover letter and résumé
have been carefully proofread.
• If you can get a strong
reference from a program instructor or practicum
supervisor, include it with your cover letter and
résumé.
• And perhaps the most
difficult thing – stay positive. Good luck! Discuss This ArticleHave something you'd like to say? Tell us what you think! Read and post comments for this article. Like this answer? Read more questions! Browse our archive of 1,199 career questions. Also, see our master index of all MedHunters articles! Find a JobChoose your career: MedHunters is the world's biggest healthcare job board. Our job directory has 16,633 jobs with 2,439 hospitals and other direct employers. We want you to find your next job on MedHunters. Need Help? Call us at 1-888-884-8242, email us at info@medhunters.com or sign up now. Do you have a career-related question? Email us at: DearCindy@medhunters.com. |
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