Chapter 14: Career Readiness
Overview
Mariann (she/her), introduced to in the previous chapter, is now a certified medical assistant (CMA). Having recently graduated, she is unsure where to begin her job search. Although her instructor provided her with options just before graduation, Mariann was so focused on completing all her coursework that she missed that information. Where should she start?
The final chapter of this book will provide an overview of essential skills and tips to help you become career-ready. This chapter will cover opportunities outside the classroom, such as job shadowing, and review key skills for entering the job market, including resume building, cover letter writing, and interview strategies.
Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, the learner will be able to:
- Describe various ways to learn about job opportunities
- Draft a resume and cover letter for a job search
- Differentiate between functional, chronological, and combination resumes, and know when to use each
- Identify three individuals who could write a letter of recommendation
- Draft an email requesting a letter of recommendation
- Practice interviewing techniques, including appropriate attire and best practices
- Use the STAR method to identify stories that address common interview questions
- Describe resources that can be used 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
