Hi All:

It has been ages since I’ve posted anything to my blog, but you’ll see it was worth the wait when you read this one.

I received a request for help from a medical transcription newbie who e-mailed me with the following request:

(Part of e-mail has been deleted to protect privacy.)

Can you give me any pointers as to what I should include in my resume since I am considered a “newbie”? I am finding that most institutions want employees with at least a year’s on-the-job training, and I need to get started as soon as possible. Any information would greatly appreciated!

My response to this motivated individual was as follows:

First off, congratulations on your medical transcription accomplishments!

Let me ask you this: What work have you done previous to transcription that may relate to the medical transcription field? For example, I was a word processor before I studied medical transcription. That type of work relates directly to the field. So first of all I want you to make a list of what you have done, workwise, so you can cull those details from your past work experience and include them in your resume.

Secondly, the work you have done for your schooling should be put into a binder which you should take along with you for your interviews. Be sure to to include copies of your report cards/certificates of completion which reflect that you have completed the courses. This is what I call a credibility kit; sounds like you’ve read my blog, so you probably know what I mean by a credibility kit.

Thirdly, try to get letters of recommendation from your instructors. Write to them or call them to see if they would be willing to do that.

Next, your best bet to break into the field of medical transcription is to find clinic work, not hospital work. What you will be looking for is an office where someone has just quit or they are swamped with work and are willing to take on a newbie for training. When you interview be enthusiastic and very positive. After interviewing, be sure to write a thank-you note to the interviewer; this sets you apart from the crowd.

When looking at the ads in the paper or online, take note of what words are used in the ad. For example: Wanted: Detail-oriented individual needed in a fast-paced work environment. In your resume, you’ll include that you are a detail-oriented person who thrives in a fast-paced work environment. I always include in my resume that I am a self-starter who needs little to no supervision which is very true. I work best when my superiors just give me the freedom to get my work done.

When you interview, be sure to tell the interviewer that although you do not have much experience, you are a tabula rasa, an empty slate–meaning you have not picked up any bad habits which have to be broken, and that you more than make up for the lack of experience with enthusiasm, pride in your work, and willingness to be a team member.

I hope this helps you out. Please write back and let me know how it’s going. If you want, you can e-mail me your resume and I’ll take a look at it. I am willing to do so because you were willing to take the time to write to me and ask for help. You took a chance and it paid off: Good for you! And this is EXACTLY how it will work for you when you pursue a job, too. You’ll get one because you will keep interviewing and asking away for what you want.

This brave young lady took a chance to write to me and ask for help, something which only one other person has done. When you take a chance like that, you’ll be surprised and delighted that there are many, many people in this world who will take the time to help you!

My last recommendation is that when you interview, if you feel it has gone very well, ask for the job then and there. This is something which is not an easy thing to do, but will also impress the interviewer. When I have done this, I have always been answered graciously. And even if you do not get the job, guess what? If the candidate they do hire does not work out, who is going to stick out in their minds? It WILL be you!