Chapter 14: Career Readiness
Overview
Mariann (she/her) who was introduced to in the previous chapter, is now a certified medical assistant (CMA). Now that she has graduated, she is unsure where to start in finding employment. Her instructor provided her options near the time of graduation, but she was so focused on completing all her coursework she missed that information. Where should she start?
The final chapter of this book will provide an overview of essential skills and tips for being career-ready. This chapter will cover opportunities outside the classroom to get exposure to the healthcare field, such as job shadowing, and review skills that will help to enter the job market, such as resume-building, cover letter writing, and interviewing strategies.
Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the different ways to learn about job opportunities.
- Draft a resume and cover letter for a job search.
- Differentiate between a functional, chronological and combination resume, and when to use them.
- Identify three individuals who would be able to write a letter of recommendation.
- Draft an email to request a letter of recommendation.
- Practice interviewing techniques, including attire and best practices.
- Identify stories, utilizing the STAR Model, to address interview questions.
- Describe resources that can be utilized to negotiate salaries.
Key Terms
- Behavioral Interviewing
- Chronological resume
- Combination resume
- Cover letter
- Functional resume
- Job fair
- Job shadow
- Letter of Recommendation
- Networking
- Professional organization
- Resume
Attributions
- Chapter opening image: College of DuPage Hosts Career Fair 2015 10 by COD Newsroom is released under CC BY 2.0
