The medical coding field is exploding. There are lots of medical coding jobs available, but there is a lot of competition, too.
So that’s why it’s essential that you prepare yourself before even submitting your resume, to be sure your resume stands out from the hundreds (or perhaps even thousands) of other applicants for the same coding job.
Step 1: Write a brief, but compelling, cover letter. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd.
Employers who are reviewing hundreds of cover letters and resumes have little time, so be sure every word counts.
Be sure your cover letter speaks directly to the person who will hire you, and that it focuses on what YOU can do for THEM. Yes, you do want to highlight what you have to offer, but what does that translate into for your employer?
For example, what is the BENEFIT to the employer of you being an accurate coder? Fast reimbursement and less errors, right? So that’s what you highlight in your cover letter.
Step 2: Create a 1-page resume that highlights all relevant education and work experience. Only include non-coding related experience if you have no other work experience to highlight.
Be sure to list any coding and/or billing software programs that you are familiar with. Employers want people who can quickly get up and running once they begin work. Remember, time = money. The less time you’ll take to learn the ropes, the more money you save them.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to landing a great medical coding job!
Job Settings
Jobs settings in the medical coding field range from work-at-home/freelance positions to facility (hospital), to a physician’s office.
Work-at-home/virtual/freelance positions sound great, but there are important things to keep in mind. First of all, is that you need to be sure you can offer a high level of technology, such as a high speed internet connection, a fast, reliable computer, the appropriate software, etc. The next issue is to be sure you know what your overhead will be so you can be sure that the rate/salary they offer you will cover your expenses. Getting $12/hour as a freelance worker is very different from getting $12/hour as an employee. When you work from home (freelance), you have to cover your own social security benefits, health insurance, etc. Those costs really add up.
Interested in remote medical coding jobs?
Get tips on finding that all-important first medical billing and coding job.
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash.