Creating your medical assistant resume is an important part of the job search process, and can be the difference between you landing your dream position or being passed up for another candidate.
Even if you’ve never written a resume, you can put together one you’re proud of using these handy resume tips for medical assistants.
Use Medical Assistant Resume Samples to Get Ideas for Formatting
There are a wide variety of samples for medical assistant resumes, which can be especially helpful if you’re starting from scratch. Sample resumes can help you decide how to format your resume, including the components you should absolutely include.
Some MA resume examples can even be downloaded to your computer so you can type your own content into the pre-designed template for a quick and easy process.
Match Your Medical Assistant Duties for the Resume to the Job Description
Many medical assistant candidates assume that they can create a one-size-fits-all resume to use for every job application, but you actually want to make minor adjustments to make sure it’s perfect for the specific job.
Pay close attention to the MA job duties described in the job listing, and make sure that your resume shows that you’re capable of performing those duties.
Whoever is reading your resume should be able to clearly see that your education and experience will allow you to fulfill all job expectations.
Write a Solid Career Objective
In the resume’s objective section, you have the opportunity to “pitch” yourself as a good candidate for the job. Think of it as your elevator pitch; that is, what you would say to describe yourself if you happened to be on a short elevator ride with the hiring manager for your dream job.
A medical assistant career objective should communicate the qualifications, experiences, and personal qualities that make you good at your job.
Ask yourself what exactly it is that makes you good at what you do, them summarize those ideas in a couple of concise sentences.
Showcase Your Education and Certifications
If you’ve successfully graduated from a reputable educational program like the Allen School, be proud of yourself – and make sure to show off your hard work and knowledge on your MA resume.
The medical field can be a competitive industry, so it’s important that you make the most of your education and any applicable certifications.
Highlight this information near the top of your resume, because most hiring managers are looking closely to make sure your qualifications match up with the position.
Use Your Professional Experience to Set Yourself Apart
Your resume’s professional experience section is where you have the chance to distinguish yourself from other candidates, showing how you’ve built a solid foundation that prepares you perfectly for the job in question.
Use specific statements to give the hiring manager a detailed understanding of your competency, showing them exactly why you’re a great choice for the job.
For example, instead of simply stating that you have experience “Assisted doctor with patient examinations,” give a more well-rounded idea of your experience with a detailed description such as “Assisted pediatric cardiologist with more than 2,000 exams for approximately 500 families and high-need patients.”
Include Additional Personal Skills that Make You a Great MA
Education and professional experience are incredibly valuable, but so are the personal characteristics that make you good at your job.
Intangible skills like good time management, organization skills, excellent communication skills, or familiarity with technology are all important qualities of a good medical assistant – if you have these skills, make sure they’re included!
If you need additional schooling to pursue your career as a medical assistant contact Allen School for classes in Phoenix and New York.
Tips for Maximizing Scannability and “Hits”:
- Keep the format simple; do not use fancy graphics.
- Use font sizes 10-14 points.
- Always use white or light colored 8.5 x 11 paper printed on one side.
- Avoid italics or underlined passages’ bold face and capitals are fine.
- If your resume is more than one page, place your name at the top of each page, on its own line.
- List each phone number on its own line.
- Use common headings such as Objective, Summary of Qualifications, Education, Employment, Experience, Skills, Accomplishments, Professional Affiliations, Publications, Computer Skills, and Language Skills.
- Include specific computer skills such as Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and Excel etc.
- Use concrete terms such as “administered PPD and Flu Vaccinations” rather than, “gave shots.”
- Use buzzwords of the industry and vary them with synonyms so that the scanner will pick them up. Computers may search the resume for KEY WORDS they have been programmed to find. Focus on marketable key words common to your area of study or work.
- List accomplishments and results rather than duties and responsibilities.
Resumes by Email
Your resume should be carefully written, edited and proofread. Make sure you have your resume saved on a USB/Flash Drive or disc. Sometimes modifying your resume is necessary due to limited space.
Graphics: Avoid Graphic techniques like boxes which can be problematic for email.
Send a cover-letter at all times.
Cover-letters via the Internet
A well-written and well-produced cover letter should accompany every resume that is being emailed to a prospective employer. Cover letters are one-page statements of your career objectives. They market your knowledge, skills, and work experiences. The purpose of the cover letter is to establish you as a high value potential employee. You want to generate the employer’s interest in meeting you for an interview. This is your chance to introduce yourself and sell your combination of qualifications. Your letter should communicate how you are a good match for an employer and a good fit for the desired position you are applying for.