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Read something about what would go against someone in a coding interview. Coders please respond :) - wondering

Posted: Dec 05, 2012

I am still a student, so I am still very naive about a few things involving this grand new venture. But, since I am almost done with my 4th module at Andrews and getting ready to tackle the certification exams, I have been doing a lot of research and reading about people obtainng their first coding jobs or something in HIM. I read one scenario where the employer was telling of how she narrows it down to 3 candidates. Of course, if one goes into an interview and seems as if they will be intimidated by interacting with the providers, obviously won't be a good fit, but one thing I didn't understand was she said if a candidiate comes to the interview and is "too perky" she wouldn't hire them. I happen to be a person who doesn't exactly have a straight-laced personality, but I don't goof off or act stupid and I take my job seriously. Now, for you coders, why would that be a bad thing for someone to be energetic and upbeat about their job. Yes, I know it is a serious job with serious repercussions and it should be taken seriously, but why can't a person be positive and perky? Just a thought and thank you in advance for your candor and perspective! :)

because you dont want to come across as flippant - former auditor/educator

[ In Reply To ..]
It just makes common sense. No supervisor who is relying on an employee to rake in the bucks wants someone who comes across as flippant. Having been in the position you describe (i.e., the potential of being intimiated by interacting with the providers), if you want respect, you give respect. It does not mean you act dead. But someone with an air of confidence and assurance who does not seem pretentious is preferable to someone to seem OVERLY energetic (guess what? this is your FIRST coding job, stay confident yet humble, you've got a lot to learn).

BTW, I had years of hands-on experience in coding. I did not have to sell myself. What I hear you saying is that your interpretation (and I could be wrong about that) of being positive and perky could come across as being a know-it-all and someone not to be taken seriously. Being happy and confident is preferable to being perky, on any given day of the week. Possessing maturity is a real plus over what you describe because perky kind of negates confidence in your knowledge. You are up against people with 10 years of education. You better bring more than just high school perky.

Thank you for your input - wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you for your input. It does make sense. Even after finishing my course and obtainng my certifications, I know I still have many years and lots of other things to learn. I value all of the advice the experienced coders have. Thank you for taking the time to share with us newbies just starting out. :)

To wondering - Also wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
I would think that the advice you were given would apply in many job situation. Also I think managers look for potential employees whose personalities mesh with their own as well as those of others in the department. Someone who is "perky" may be perceived as being flighty (I think that was mentioned) or maybe as someone who is not able to stay focused. I don't currently code but I've worked in several office environments and observed a lot. A professional attitude is appreciated by everyone, regardless of whether or not it is coding.

Aim for confident, calm, and very professional - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
"Too perky" is annoying and inappropriate in a medical setting. It is that rah-rah bouncing cheerleader thing, with the high-school clothes, the high-school hair, the "cutsie shoes," the excessive enthusiasm, the attention seeming to be on who is noticing her, and so forth. You know it when you see it because you think "Ugh! Grow up!" and want to slap them.

Not that is necessarily bad. Perky is expected in NFL cheerleaders, exercise instructors, and waitresses at certain wings restaurants frequented by men. It is flirtaceous, trendy, and . . . I find myself coming back to this . . . annoying.

It is not what you expect in a physician.

To succeed in coding, you must work well with physicians. That means you adopt and fit into their culture. Calm, confident, intelligent, pleasant, and super professional. That is what they perceive as confidence-inspiring.

Agree - Also wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
I liked your post and gave it a "like." Much of this comes with maturity, older workers seem to possess a better work ethic across the board. I'm a personal fan of cute shoes, however! :-)

It sounds like, in order to get into coding, one would - have to be extremely..... DOUR.

[ In Reply To ..]
...

Thank you all for commenting - wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you all so much for the comments. It does help put into perspective what "attitude" is needed to really be successful in this field. I had NO medical office experience whatsoever, which I am starting to feel very nervous about. I went from a casino job of 13 years doing many different jobs to being a shift manager. While I did that job, I went to school for transcription and then began working from home. So, yes, I know this is especially going to be a challenge for me having no "office experience." I read the posts on here from you experienced coders and appreciate you all taking the time to post such useful information. Thank you again!

Nothing in this topic should have led to - that conclusion

[ In Reply To ..]
Since we're on the topic, perhaps we should point out some characteristics that would suggest an unsuitability for coding, such as oppositionality, negativity, a tendency toward all-or-none thinking and jumping to unwarranted conclusions, feelings of persecution, and an inability to infer the correct meaning of what you read.

Nah, my unsuitability for coding is that I would hate - having to take myself so seriously. Lifes too shor

[ In Reply To ..]
nMsg

What the what? - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I really don't know just what to say.

If you really can't tell the difference between perky, professional, and dour...

Lordy.

I dont know about you, but where I work, all the - so-called "professionals" ARE dour.

[ In Reply To ..]
Extremely, mouth-puckeringly, unequivocably, DOUR.

A book that might help - Reading it myself

[ In Reply To ..]
Louder than Words by Joe Navarro, published in 2010. He is absolutely correct in his advice. He tailors his advice to several professions including medicine.

You can be the best coder anywhere, but if you do not look and act the part, nobody will hire you.

RHIAs tend to favor an executive appearance. They wear conservative suits and they tend to be formal and somewhat repressed . . . even the men. They are, in fact, legendary among hotel staff for it. If there are any exceptions, I haven't met them.

That does not mean you need an expensive suit, but avoid Walmart. Penney's often has nice suits and Dress Barn carries Jones New York.

Hospitals have dress codes that may prohibit open-toe shoes, stiletto heels, platform soles, denim twill fabric regardless of color, sleeveless or low-cut tops, bare legs, sandals, hair on the collar or shoulders, artificial nails, nails in excess of .25 inch, perfume, anythng more than very minimal jewelry, dangly earrings, anything torn even if you bought it that way, tattoos, slacks above the ankle, shorts, casual wear, t-shirts, dark lenses, more than minimal makeup . . . and they are serius about it. It pays to find out what they require in advance because if you show up at the interview wearing something verboten, they ARE going to see it instantly.

The male equivalent seems to be "clown." - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
Nobody wants nervous nail biters male or female, or men who are jokesters . . . loud, backslapping, intrusively friendly.

There are lots of people who remain unemployed because their personality or style does not fit with coding and medical records.

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