A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

resume help - how to make volunteer items - stand out

Posted: Sep 23, 2012

I am looking for anything in HIM (but not finished with HIM classes yet) - how can I make it look like I've done more with my life than transcribed for 15 years? I've had offices in many local organizations, etc and taught youth groups.. I just feel like when recruiters see my resume they see "15 years sitting and typing"...

Heck, that's not what I would think. I would think here is a - resourceful person, knows how to manage SM

[ In Reply To ..]
her time with minimal supervision, is probably pretty well organized, is a self-starter, can probably start new job with minimal supervision, is very comfortable with medical documents, is pretty much computer savy, understands medical documents, understands HIPAA, has a good understanding of how the document are processed. You might work this into your resume instead of the volunteer stuff. Have had hiring managers tell me they skip right over that stuff.

wow thanks - I needed that boost

[ In Reply To ..]
thanks - that definitely made my feeling down attitude shift! I will find a way to put those phrases in that resume!

Volunteer - Inquiring minds

[ In Reply To ..]
Don't put yourself down because you are an MT. Focus on your strengths and mention any other projects you might have worked on over the years. Do emphasize your knowledge of HIPAA and confidentiality laws and your computer skills. I disagree about the volunteer service, however. I would suggest including it in a separate section on your resume, especially if any of it involved work skills. Employers do look at that, many will inquire about it on the application. I've been an MT for over 30 years and was forced to move on because of a layoff. It may take a while but I know you can do it, good luck.

spruce up being an MT also - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I believe not only will volunteering look great on a resume, but being an MT can be spruced up, too. If you exceeded line quotas, made production bonuses and achieved high QA scores as an MT, I think that shows you were not just "sitting and typing." I would look at those MT achievements as reflecting work ethic, dedication and time management skills, not just settling for "meeting minimums." Not always possible being an MT now, but if you did in the past, I would play up on it. Best wishes!

Some things to consider - RHIA

[ In Reply To ..]
Many students in HIM classes have no work experience at all. You have at least 15 years IN HIM itself.

Few applicants have as good a knowledge of the medical record as you do because of your MT. Emphasize this because it is valid work experience for record analysis, release of information, filing, etc. You are not INexperienced . . . you have quite a bit of relevant experience.

Are they going to recognize that by themselves? Probably not. You will need to point it out.

I suggest you list jobs with a brief, yet meaningful, description of duties. Not just "MT 15 yrs" but "Medical Transcription" with a statement that you transcribed clinical documetation, selected apppropriate formats and list major and even minor report types, describe the specialties you are familiar with, validated patient demographics, ensured privacy and met HIPAA requirements, maintained a secure computer system, etc.

Go through your textbooks and try to find other things you already have experience with. As you studied, you probably thought that you knew things already. Use them.

Do the same for your volunteer activities. Plain business, organizational, and leadership skills wil show up there.

At the top of your resume, some include a statement of what you are seeking. I would tie that in with your education. If the employer might not know the college, mention that it is AHIMA-accredited. If you have a good GPA, mention it

Is this an HIT or an HIA program? Tailor your resume to fit. I suggest that you avoid talking about wanting a management position just yet. Not even for the future. They may think that is presumptuous. Working in the trenches is not a bad thing for now. You want to gain experience.

I mentioned that last bit because the HIT interns we get are adamant that they are training for management. The last few have come right out and said they do not intend to work...they see themselves as managers of those who work. One of them looked around my office, clearly saw multiple degrees on the wall, clearly heard what I did and at what level, recognized that it was not even close to anything she studied, and informed me that she would be seeking a management position over worker bees like me. We have not hired anyone from that college in 10 years or more because of that.

I do not believe you would do that, but be aware that employers may have met these very young ladies. Make sure you look exactly the opposite.

great comments - thank you!

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm in the waiting line to get going on my HIM classes - just so I have those certificates that will help. I am a CMT and have a BA in teaching so yes, I'm educated -- have just been feeling so down not finding any good job yet. You guys have sure brightened my outlook today. Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply. I don't mind being a worker bee as long as it pays the bills. I really need to get back among people I think - I feel like I can offer so much more than I have (of course - my whole reason for starting as an MT was to work from home while my daughters were young. My oldest is now in college and my youngest a Freshman in high school. I am so blessed I was able to be here for them this long, but I really feel I can offer more out in the "real world" again.
Thanks for helping me keep my chin up!

something to offer - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Congratulations on moving forward. I wish you the very best! I too took pride in being an MT, for about 10 years. Still doing it while in school. I also enjoy being around people again in the "real world." And while I always took pride in being an MT, I think I have more to offer in the "people department." Nothing wrong with branching out and seeing what more you CAN offer and ACHIEVE. Keep your positive attitude!

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