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By Cynthia M. Piccolo (Career Questions)
dearCPNewGradSecretary image

Dear Cindy: 
I have obtained an Associate's in health studies and a diploma as a medical administrative assistant. I am looking for a part-time position as a unit clerk, and I am unable to qualify for it, or I can't find the job. Can you suggest what I could do to get a clerical administrative job? My previous experience was in the transportation industry.

Sincerely,

C

Dear C: 

There are a few things that may be causing your problem – the fact that you're a new grad, the current economy, and/or that you are interested in part-time work. Some things that I would recommend for your job search are:

  • Ensure that your résumé and cover letter are as strong as possible. For example, list the skills you developed in your educational programs (e.g., software programs, keyboarding speed, customer service); if you had a high GPA, mention it; if you have a strong written reference from an instructor or internship/externship placement site, include a copy; mention any transferable skills you gained from your previous jobs, volunteer work, etc.
  • Take advantage of your former school's career services department to get assistance with placement.
  • Network with former professors, and if you had them, internship/externship placement sites to see if they know of any opportunities. If someone who knows you will recommend you to an employer, it often allows you to bypass the issue of "experience required."
  • Look on MedHunters and other job boards for postings – no one board has all the jobs.
  • Look for jobs that say experience preferred, not required.
  • Send your résumé and a cover letter to healthcare employers even if they are not posting jobs – not all jobs are advertised. For hospitals, you can find names and contact details through the American Hospital Directory. (Click on "Free Hospital Information," and do a search by community.) Otherwise, do a search online or in the yellow pages for clinics or other healthcare organizations (e.g., visiting nurses associations, public/community health agencies, doctors' offices) to which you could send your résumé and cover letter.
  • Consider contacting temp agencies – in this way, you would either gain related experience with non-healthcare employers, or direct experience with healthcare employers.

    • Good luck.
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