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


helpful hints for MTs leaving the MT industry - happy2help


Posted: Aug 01, 2012

As someone who worked as a professional full-time MT for 31 years (most of those years at home), I've learned the ropes the hard way when transitioning over to the "public workplace."  I'm here to offer encouragement to others who need to find another career in order to make a decent living.  I do still work 15-20 hours at home as an MT online, but I work a full time job in a completely different sector during the day.  I finally have the job of my dreams, and I absolutely love going to work every day!  But it was a rocky road for about 3 years.  Maybe some of my lessons learned will save you guys some time and headaches along the way.

The first obstacle that I found when I first started looking for office jobs was that businesses looked at my resume and saw "medical transcription" at each company, and over those 31 years I had only been at 4 companies.  To the businesses, it looked like I wouldn't know how to answer phones, run copiers and fax machines, greet the customers, keep schedules for managers, or anything else that's routine done in an office.  Of course, I could do all those things and do them WELL, but my resume didn't show that. 

So....I signed up with 4 different temp agencies here in town, and let me tell you, they kept me busy.  I worked probably 20 different temp assignments over those 3 years, and I not only learned new skills or improved old ones, but it looked good on my resume!  I rarely said no to an assignment.  In fact, many times I had my pick of assignments because all 4 agencies considered me one of their "preferred" candidates.  Some temp assignments will turn into permanent jobs if you're interested. 

At the same time, I continued to do MT work at home, scheduled around my temp assignments.  I had a company then that allowed me to flex my time.  In the meantime, I applied for job after job that I'd see posted in our local newspaper classifieds.  I hand-delivered every resume packet.  I didn't mail it or email it.  I took it in person so that I could make a great first impression on anyone I met as I walked in the door, from the receptionist to the head of the company.  I would get dressed up in a suit and put a nice resume packet together that included a professional resume, cover letter tailored to each particular job, and letters of recommendation from all 4 temp agencies.  Oh....and the MOST important thing was that I put the resume packet inside a shiny red folder and stapled my business card to the front of the folder.  I can't tell you how many interviewers told me that it was my shiny red folder that caught their eye amidst the piles and piles of white envelopes that had been mailed in!

My point is, don't let your resume look like all you can do is medical transcription.  You can do MUCH more.  Consider doing any type of clerical work you can find, in some type of public office, just a few hours a week so you can get letters of recommendation and you can prove that you have many skills. 

My full time day job has nothing to do with MT.  In fact, I rarely type there.  I'm the switchboard operator at an exciting company, and I manage the whole front office.  It was worth waiting for.   I love my part time MT job, too, so it's the best of both worlds. 

Thanks for the advice - CTMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I remember back in the day before I had children and staring MTing, going through temp agencies for jobs, they do keep you busy and its a win-win for all, because the employer is trying you out on a trial basis, no commitment, so they might let you in even though you have no experience in Excel, but you can get it there, etc. My kids are back in school September, think I am going to go this route. Thanks!

Excel at Excel if you can - happy2help

[ In Reply To ..]
Oh, I'm so glad that you mentioned Excel, CTMT. That is a very important point. Nearly every office job (including temp agencies) these days will require that you know Excel. I'd never had to use it, so I needed to learn it pronto. You can find online FREE tutorials or you can go to your library and check out any number of books that will teach you. You don't want to lie on your resume and say that you know it if you really don't. Start teaching yourself sooner than later. It isn't hard. The same with Microsoft Office and Word. A feather in your cap would be to learn PowerPoint, as well.

Excel - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
I was self taught at Excel, those on line tutorials are really good. I also took a course at the local community college. What I found, though, is that it's such a huge program there is no way a person needs to learn it all. Also, there are different versions and it is not standard across the board. Power Point is nice to know but probably only useful in administrative assistant jobs where you'll be putting together slide show presentations for your employer. MS Office and Word are something that most MTs probably already know.
More Excel - happy2help
[ In Reply To ..]
I agree, Curious One, that nobody needs to learn all that Excel has to offer. But an applicant definitely needs to the basics. That's all I learned, just the basics. I don't even use it in my job, but Excel was a tricky part of the test. Even with what I learned from the tutorials, I still had to take the test 3 times because Excel was tripping me up. My point is that most companies at least want you to "know" how to use it, even if you won't actually use it in their company or department.

What a great post! Such good advice! - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for posting.

Glad that worked - for you.

[ In Reply To ..]
I have not had any luck at the temp agencies, and I don't think it is because of my experience. I have been looking for a new job for some time now, and while there may have been a handful that accepted resumes to be dropped off if they had an actual job opening (not unsolicited), looking for a job is completely different now that it was when I first started.

Routinely, you are required to fill out an online application. I also know that one job I applied for had 257 applicants.

I began my career 30+ years ago doing what you just described, and again, I find now it does not work that way.

Good luck to everyone searching.

Don't give up - happy2help

[ In Reply To ..]
It's daunting to try to break into a field, I know. Even with companies that require an online application, you can fill out the online application and still deliver your resume packet in person if it's a local business. Unless the posting specifically says not to show up in person, you would be surprised to know that it really can make a difference to drop off a nice resume packet in person after you've filled out the online application. That was my experience, anyway.

A question, Happy2Help.... - (see message)

[ In Reply To ..]
It's very nice and helpful of you to post this information. If even one or two people can turn things around in their search, you'll have been a great help.

I have a question about Excel. I HAVE noticed that many, many, MANY jobs I come across have Excel in the requirements. I've only used it for making timesheets at an MTSO that I worked for, so I know a tiny bit about what it is; but my question is: what do they use it for in so many different types of offices? If you happen to know this, why is it so prevalent that people need to know it? In some of the job descriptions I've been seeing, there doesn't even appear to be anything among the job duties that would seem to require it. That puzzles me!

It's frustrating to me that a lot of office jobs seem to want someone who can do EVERYTHING, but then the job might only pay $9 an hour. It's even more puzzling when I hear things like this--that they might require that you pass a test for the skill, but then you don't actually even use it for the job.

I guess getting some training in all the basic computer programs (if we don't already know them) is the way to go. Like another poster here, I signed up with a temp agency (Manpower) a few months ago but haven't had any luck--haven't gotten a single call from them! That's kind of surprised me, since they used to be the "go-to" temp agency around here; but from the looks of the local office's website, they don't have much call for clerical jobs now.

It's nice that you're doing so well, Happy2Help. It's encouraging to get some tips on how others have done it. Thanks again!
the Excel requirement and testing - happy2help
[ In Reply To ..]
Well, you'll only have to take an Excel test or ANY test that contains Excel if you apply at a university, community college, or a state job. Those jobs are where the money is, of course, so they weed out applicants by testing our knowledge on various computer programs. There are often 500 or so applicants for one position, so it's to the employer's advantage to interview only the top scoring applicants. But DON'T let that be a reason to avoid testing. Just get some self-study guides or tutorials and spend a few hours teaching yourself the basics. Other companies might not state in the job posting that they require Excel, but you're wise to learn it, anyway, because they will likely ask you during an interview. You might not even get an interview if you don't have Excel listed as one of your skills on your resume. Just take a crash-course in it and feel confident about it. You want to be the top applicant, right?
Excel - Curious One
[ In Reply To ..]
Happy2Help might know more about this, but Excel is used quite a bit because it has a lot of applications; accounting and almost any kind of spreadsheet, any time a person wants to create something with columns or tables. Many people will only use a small portion of the program in their work. I think that knowing how to use Excel looks good on a resume. It shows employers that you took the time to learn it and that you have knowledge of Microsoft Office and have advanced computer skills. It's one of those things that may come in handy when you least expect it to.

Jobs on the outside - Beth

[ In Reply To ..]
How nice to see your post. I am going through exactly what you indicated. I have been a medical transcriptionist for 25 years and you would think I am not even qualified in the outside world to open someone's door! I have tons of other experience from before I became a MT but unfortunately that does not count! Wish me luck as I scour the want-ads...Transcription is not what it used to be if you want to make a decent living!

sure are a lot of us trying to get out - Drone

[ In Reply To ..]
Leave it for the newbies and the Indians I say and good luck to the MTSOs and their clients. Not my problem. I have four job applications in right now, one as an MT in a doctor's office, and the rest not really related to MT. Wish I'd get an interview but who knows maybe they got 500 applications for each of those positions.

Jobs on the outside - DML

[ In Reply To ..]
My friend and I have been in this field for over 14 years and seen LOTS of changes. Very hard to find a really good company that has steady work where you can make a lot of money. Back in the day we may A LOT of money but those days are over. We have thought about looking for a different job in a different field but it is a scary thought after having been out of the work scene outside of our little office in our home. Glad to see that apparently we aren't the only ones frustrated with this field and possibly looking to change careers! Thanks for the info!

"....on the outside".... - (see message)

[ In Reply To ..]
....it sounds like we're all looking for jobs for when we get out of prison! :-D
Yeah, that made me laugh too. But, I guess kind of true... - anon
[ In Reply To ..]
we are "chained" to our desks all day, eat bologna sandwiches for lunch (cuz that is all we can afford on 4 cpl), we wear the same gray sweats day in and day out... yeah sounds like prison to me.
Planning a PRISON BREAK!! - nm
[ In Reply To ..]
nm.
Saw a bumper sticker yesterday about "Mental Slavery" - FBL
[ In Reply To ..]
Didn't see the whole thing as I was on the interstate, but I remember thinking that term could easily apply to me and my MT job. So sad, got to make a change!

You can do it, Beth! - happy2help

[ In Reply To ..]
I absolutely wish you the best of luck, Beth, and I have confidence in you! Surround yourself with POSITIVE people, those who will build you up. Be proud of your 25-year career as a professional MT. Build on that in your next chapter of life, but don't limit yourself to it. If you do sign up with a temp agency, which I highly recommend, DON'T wait for them to call YOU after you've signed up and taken all their tests. Check in with the temp agency yourself at least once a week and let them know that you're ready and willing to accept any assignment they consider a good match for you. Even branch out a little. You don't have to stick with only clerical assignments. Maybe you'd like to work for a cleaning company or a delivery service or as kitchen help. It's not for the rest of your life, so expand your horizons and enjoy a little variety. Believe me, this will look quite attractive on your resume!

Some great stuff!! - 11-hour save

[ In Reply To ..]

It was so nice of you to post your experience and helpful tips!!  I've been at home 20 years, first as an MT and then in editing and training, and it's time for me to fly the coop.  I've lost job after job to outsourcing, companies always running out of work and companies losing clients.  The last 10 years especially have been extremely stressful in terms of never knowing when a job will disappear. 


My kids are almost grown, one in college and two in high school... certainly old enough to be left on their own now, and that's really the reason many of us got into this business, right?  It's just so unfortunate that the business has become what it has.  Your post was very inspiring with some great ideas!  I'm motiviated now to get out before it kills me, physically, emotionally and financially. 


Thanks again, and best wishes to you in the future!

don't forget to SELL yourself - happy2help

[ In Reply To ..]
Me again, everybody. I can't stress enough the importance of SELLING yourself. For instance, if you're painfully shy or an introvert, then start role-playing interview skills with your friends so that you'll come across as more confident when you have a REAL interview. On the other hand, if you're a Chatty Cathy, role-play an applicant who listens more than she (or he) talks. Oh, and practice that handshake. Firm, but not painful. Hee-hee! Eye contact, lots of it. Start RIGHT NOW believing in yourself. If you don't believe it, the interviewer won't, either. If you need help in that area, borrow a library book about building self-confidence. Or check out this great website I just found (wish I'd found it before now!): http://www.careerchangepathways.com/blog/how-to-believe-in-yourself-again/


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