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April 5, 2004

You’re Graduated…Now What?
By Kara McDonald

Forget being “saved by the bell.” The real world awaits HIM “newbies” as they attempt to put their education to use. What steps should new grads take to land that elusive first position?

While graduation is reason to celebrate a major life accomplishment, it also marks a time that can be a little intimidating: your entry into the working world. Securing that all-important first job can be a time-consuming and frustrating task for many graduates. However, there is hope. With the right research, a great resume, and sharp interview skills, starting your career on the right foot might not be so difficult after all.

What Are the Chances?
Although graduates in recent years may have had trouble finding a job right out of college because of the economic downturn, it appears the outlook is beginning to brighten. According to an article by Diane Suchetka on CareerBuilder.com, “Employers say they will hire 12.7% more graduates in 2004 than they did last year. It’s the first projected increase in three years, according to the nonprofit National Association of Colleges and Employers, which represents college career advisers and resources employees.”

These statistics aren’t the only bit of good news for HIM graduates. “The outlook for the HIM field is excellent right now, and what makes it so great is that it’s becoming more flexible,” says Susan Parker, MEd, RHIA, of Seagate Consultants in North Carolina. “It’s not just coders anymore—now, it’s branching out into compliance and the outpatient side of things, which presents many more opportunities.”

Barbara Manger, MPA, RHIA, CCS, associate professor and chairperson of Kean University’s HIM program, agrees. “We have found that there’s been an increase in the HIM job market—more so with technical jobs than with management,” she explains. Manger adds that the job market can play a factor in a job seeker’s search, but he or she must take personal responsibility as well. “If a graduate wants to be successful in his or her job search, there are two things that must be kept in mind,” she says. “Flexibility in his or her focus is one—if your focus is very narrow, it will be difficult to secure a job—and openness to relocation is the other.”

Parker says that another key component of the job search is being honest with yourself. “New grads need to step back and look at what their skill sets are,” she says. “However, that shouldn’t stop you from having lofty goals. If you see something available and it interests you, then go for it. You’re going to succeed at your job much more if you are truly interested in what you do.”

Where and When to Look
Knowing the right places to look for a job is an essential part of the process. “The Internet is a huge commodity right now for job seekers,” Parker says. While general job search engines such as Monster.com and Hotjobs.com abound, it can be more difficult to find job listings specifically for the HIM field. However, such sites do exist—for example, www.HIPjobs.net is geared toward the health information professional. Prospective employees can post their resumes, search job listings from across the country, and join mailing lists to stay updated on industry news. Also, both Parker and Manger recommend using the online job banks of HIM state and national associations, such as the American Health Information Management Association.

In addition to the Internet, Manger says that many of her students use the old standbys: newspapers, magazines, and journals. “Many people look in trade publications because of their recruitment sections,” she says. “And, you can also go through your school—they often have newsletters and job postings.”

The old saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know” should be kept in mind as well. “Networking is a huge part of getting that first job,” says Parker. “In the HIM field, we all eventually know each other, or at least we feel like we do. Use your contacts—your peers, teachers, people you’ve met in clinicals, etc.” Parker also recommends contacting a recruiter for help with job searching. “We are definitely a good resource, especially those of us with credentials because we usually know each other,” she says. “We want to help you get a job. We want you to be successful.”

Manger says that a lot of graduates who get jobs right away are the ones who have put their best foot forward in their clinicals. “Many students are offered positions while they’re still in their clinicals, so it’s important to treat it like a job prospect and not just another class,” she says.

And, while there is no set time frame for one’s job search, Parker and Manger recommend starting early. “A good time is probably spring semester while in your final clinical practice,” says Parker. “You can go on interviews during your spring break if you’re really motivated.”

“I’d say during the middle of your final semester is the best time,” agrees Manger. “Many students are so excited about being nearly done that they spend their free time relaxing, but the job-hunting process takes time. Also, those who decide to take the summer off are really missing the boat. There are a lot of other experienced people out there getting a head start as soon as they graduate.”

Ready Your Resume
One of the most vital parts of any job search is the resume. “It is such an important tool,” says Parker. “You only have a short time to make an impression with your resume, so it has to be outstanding.”

“Attention to detail is a must,” Manger says. “If there are any errors whatsoever, it’s usually taken out of the running, no questions asked.” Having a neutral party examine your resume before sending it out is always a good idea, she says. “Ask your teachers or advisers to look at it—we want you to get a job, so we’re always willing to help.”

Parker says that even though graduates might not have much professional experience, they can still make an impression. “If you don’t have a lot of actual job experience, summarize your qualifications that you gained in school,” she says. “If you played a leadership role in a group, include that. If you weren’t a leader but contributed on a more team-oriented level, stress your team-building skills.”

Parker adds that if you have earned a credential, it can make all the difference. “Put your credential right at the top after your name,” she says. “Taking the credentialing exam is so important for recent graduates who want to secure a job—it can make a world of difference with potential employers if you have a credential.”

Sending in a resume and waiting to hear from the potential employer isn’t always the best policy. To set yourself apart from others, Parker encourages persistence. “That’s a piece we forget sometimes, especially new graduates. Cold calling to inquire about a job or to make sure they received your resume can be intimidating, but it truly works,” she says. “Personally, I would go right for the director or manager of the hospital or company, not the human resources department. It will make you stand out that much more in a pile of resumes.”

Show Interview Prowess
Once you’ve landed an interview, it’s natural for nerves to set in. But Parker and Manger say that with proper preparation, good manners, and a little practice, being interviewed should be no sweat.

“Remember all your basic social graces: be on time—actually, be early—make eye contact, be alert, shake hands, etc.,” Parker says. “Also, take special care with your appearance: dress professionally, take out all piercings other than your ears, and cover visible tattoos if possible. You never know who will be interviewing you—it could be the coolest person in the world or it could be a grandma. I know it comes across as bias, but if you want to get the job, you’ve got to recognize that bias.

“There are certain questions that are almost always asked in interviews [see sidebar],” continues Parker. “To answer them well, you’ve got to know yourself: your past achievements, present strengths, and future contributions. And, listen carefully—the answers to your questions showcase what you can and will do.”

Manger warns, “Pay close attention to the questions being asked. Many people don’t actually answer the question because they’re nervous and their minds are wandering.” She says that not knowing the answer isn’t always a dead end. “Be honest if you don’t know the answer to something—but at least give the impression that you know where to look for it.”

Parker adds that perhaps the most important question asked by your potential employer will be, “Do you have any questions for me?” “Always ask questions, but make sure they’re appropriate,” she says. “Don’t ask about something that you’ve already gone over or that could have been found in preliminary research.” Parker says the following are good questions to ask of a potential employer:

* What will my responsibilities be?
* What are the main problems I’ll need to focus on?
* What capabilities do you feel are most important for me to have?
* What is the evaluation process?

She warns that some questions are inappropriate to ask right away: vacation policy, how much money you’ll make, etc. “These are important questions to ask, but you must address them with finesse. Ask if you can speak with a human relations person about them,” Parker says.

It’s important to keep in mind that the process doesn’t end once you leave the interviewer’s office. Parker says there are three necessary steps to take once the interview has concluded: let them know you want the job, thank them for the interview (sending a thank-you note is a nice gesture, as well as a last chance to market yourself), and find out the next step in the selection process. Remember, persistence is not a bad thing—not only will you stand out from other candidates, but it will also let your potential employer know that you truly want the job.

— Kara McDonald is an editorial assistant at For the Record.

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