Once you have completed your training to become a medical assistant, it is time to find your dream job. Although most areas have an abundance of open positions, there can be very stiff competition for the best jobs. To give yourself an edge over other applicants, it is vital that you have an impeccable resume and cover letter. If your submission does not immediately grab the attention of human resource officers, there is little chance that they will take the time to read about your qualifications. Here are some tips, resources, and examples to help you create a cover letter and resume that will command attention.
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Tips for Writing the Perfect Cover Letter
Your cover letter is the heart of your resume. According to a nationwide survey, over 75% of hiring managers state that the cover letter is more important than the resume itself. Your cover letter should be specifically written to address the needs of the employer to which you are applying. The qualities and skills needed in a podiatrist’s office are much different than those needed in a cardiologist’s office. Be sure you relate your skills in a way that shows that you can meet the needs of each specific employer. Here are some more tips for writing a cover letter than commands attention:
- Build a strong introduction. Do not fall into the trap of creating a lengthy introduction. In all likelihood, a hiring manager will never make it past a rambling intro and will simply toss the resume aside. Instead, write a succinct introduction that includes your name, education, certifications, and experience as well as the position for which you are applying.
- Create a list. Lists provide a powerful way of drawing the eye and keeping attention. Consider your strongest skills and qualifications and include them in list format immediately following the introduction.
- Make yourself accessible. Of course you know to include your contact information. However, many people do not include enough information to make it easy for potential employers to contact them. Include your contact information in your closing paragraph and include a phone number and email address at minimum with the best times to reach you.
- Close gracefully. End your cover letter by thanking the reader for his or her time and expressing the hope that you will be in touch with them soon.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread – Even the most finely crafted cover letter can be destroyed by careless grammar and spelling mistakes. Once you finish your letter, read over it several times for wording, flow, spelling, and grammar. If you have trusted friends or family members, have a couple of them to read over it as well. By making sure you have not overlooked any mistakes, you can avoid the embarrassment of appearing incompetent to hiring managers.
Sample Medical Assistant Cover Letter
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Medical Assistant Cover Letter Resources
The above example is just one way to write an impressive cover letter. There are many effective ways to stand out from the crowd and get the interview you really need. If you are looking for additional ideas and sample letters, check out Job Search Jimmy, Chron, and Job Bank USA. You can also find some great tips and expert advice for customizing your cover letter to meet your needs at Purdue’s Online Writing Lab, Monster, and Creighton University.
Tips for Writing the Perfect Resume
Once you have caught the hiring manager’s attention with your cover letter, you must reel them in with your resume. Since medical assisting is such a skill-oriented profession, you must make sure that your resume highlights your skills and how they will make you a valuable employee. Here are tips for writing a medical assistant resume that will get you that interview:
- Make sure your contact information is highly visible. At the very top of your resume, make sure to list your name, address, phone number, and email address. For the best impact, use a larger font and boldface. You can also center your name on the top of the resume to grab attention and to make your resume memorable.
- Tailor your resume to the company. Take the time to research the organization to which you are applying. Find the ways that your values, ideas, and skills match those of the company and the open position. Make sure to use keywords that are important to the company when describing your qualifications to emphasize what a good match you are for the organization.
- Create a solid objective. Start your resume with a solidly written objective that shows your medical knowledge and that clearly states your goals for employment. For example, “I wish to use my skills and knowledge of administrative procedures and direct patient knowledge to provide excellent patient care and support” is more effective than “I would like a position as a medical assistant in your clinic.”
- Emphasize both clinical and administrative skills. Since you will be expected to perform a variety of tasks effectively, break down clinical and administrative skills into separate categories. Be sure to use action language in describing your knowledge.
- List experience, education, and credentials. Include information about where and when you completed your training as well as any externship and other experience you have in the field. Highlight credentials such as Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomist, and more.
- Give the contact information for 2-3 solid professional references. If available, include references from healthcare facilities. You may also use past instructors and references from volunteer work you have completed within the field.
Sample Medical Assistant Resume
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Medical Assistant Resume Resources
Your resume will be as unique as you are and will change depending upon the employer and the type of position for which you are applying. Luckily, there are many excellent samples and resources available to help you craft the perfect professional resume. For tips on creating a strong resume, visit HealthCare Crossing, and Daily Rosetta. You can also view some excellent sample resumes at sites like Monster and Career Center.
It is true that you only get one chance to make a first impression. When you are trying to land your dream medical assisting job, your resume and cover letter are your best chance for getting the attention of the hiring manager and for making yourself attractive as a potential hire. By following these tips and examples, you can create an application packet that will command attention and that will open doors of opportunity to you.
Need to find a school? Click here for a list of our top rated medical assistant schools.