Resume Writing Workshop Denise Glick, TAACCCT Career Coach Tara Faigle, TAACCCT Career Coach Stephanie Wenger, TAACCCT Job Developer

Agenda Resume writing guidelines Components of a resume – Resume title and summary – The importance of keywords – Resume content – Resume mechanics – Resume design and format Representative achievements/favorite phrases for healthcare information technology Q&A

Resume Writing Guidelines With no exceptions, a job seeker’s objective determines their resume’s format and strategy. Resume writing is a constant process of consolidation and weighing/re-weighing of skills and qualifications. Sell it, don’t tell it. Keywords are essential. Content determines format, not the other way around. Resumes must be inviting to read.

Resume Title & Summary Replaces the outdated objective statement. Target job title followed by four- to five- sentence paragraph. Located at the top of the resume beneath the contact information. What should be included in a summary?

Details in a Summary Experience and skills, with the emphasis on selling the job seeker (no exaggeration, no stretching the truth, and no padding). Use action verbs and power words. A summary should make the employer want to read more of the resume.

The Importance of Keywords Many employers use “applicant tracking systems” – software that scans a resume for certain keywords. Resumes are filtered out by computers and end up in the “black hole.” Including the proper buzzwords and key phrases could be the difference between getting the interview or getting no response at all.

Finding and Using Keywords LOOK AT THE JOB DESCRIPTION! Potential Keywords Billing & Coding ICD-9-CM Charge Submission Regulatory Compliance Urgent/Primary Care Data Management Documentation Charting Data Analysis Process Improvement HCPS Anatomy and Physiology Electronic Health Records/Medical Records

Resume Content Employers like to see numbers and quantifiable information associated with current and past positions. How is this candidate an achiever, not just a doer? Clearly separate job duties from achievements. Healthcare Information Technology Professionals: emphasize accuracy, efficiency, organization computer/technical skills, knowledge of specific coding/medical terminology, administrative talents, patient relations/customer service, etc.

Showcase Strong Writing Skills Do you know when to use a semi-colon vs. a colon; a comma vs. a dash? You must have the proper spacing after each colon, comma, period, or hyphen. Use strong action words: instead of “Responsible For,” “Assisted,” “Helped,” or “Participated,” use words like “Spearheaded,” “Initiated,” or “Directed.” Always remember, WRITE TO INSPIRE.

Why is Proper Formatting so Important? Utilize proper formatting techniques in MS Word. A resume may look perfect on a job seeker’s computer, but once uploaded, it looks completely different due to extraneous spaces, tabs, text boxes, columns, etc. If a resume is difficult to read, it will be discarded. Make sure your formatting is CONSISTENT.

Representative Achievements/Favorite Phrases Consistently meet deadlines in high-pressure environments with outstanding multitasking abilities and dedication to efficiency and accuracy. Sound understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology with strengths in inventory control, policy and procedure development, and staff training and leadership. Accurately and efficiently completed numerous Medicare Enrollment (CMS 8552) applications as DME Manager/Medical Biller and Coder for XYZ Company, avoiding loss of rights to bill despite several previous denials. Talent for readily learning new programs, processes, and procedures. Valued for astute attention to detail, sound organizational skills, workflow control capabilities, and technical competencies. Key player in successful implementation of MDS 3.0 at XYZ Company; consistently complete all reports correctly and on time to meet CMS requirements.

Representative Achievements/Favorite Phrases Healthcare Information Technology Professionals: Emphasize accuracy, efficiency, organization computer/technical skills, knowledge of coding/medical terminology, administrative talents, patient relations/customer service, etc. Summary/Introduction: What does the job seeker bring to the table? Content: Show accomplishments. Paint a clear picture. Mechanics: Present a flawless document. Design & Format: Make sure the resume is visually appealing and easy to read. Remember: The job seeker’s objective will drive the entire resume writing strategy/format

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