How to Land a Job in Healthcare IT

Experience

When hiring a new employee, health care employers generally look for someone who already has some related work experience. A great way to gain experience in Healthcare IT is to Volunteer at a doctors office, hospital, or local senior center.

Your volunteer period can last only a couple weeks, or you can do a full time Internship that may be 3 – 6 months. Volunteering is a low risk, win/ win situation that helps you build contacts in the field.

Once you have some professional contacts , try to Job Shadow someone who works in Health Information Technology. This can help you see what a day in their life looks like, and decide if it’s a career path you want to pursue.

Network

Put the word out to all your friends, family, and contacts  that you are looking for a new job in Health Information Technology, don’t be shy. Get involved in groups relating to Health IT, meet new people, and and join professional organizations.

According to a study done in 2010 by Manpower Group, out of 60,000 people looking for jobs, 41 percent landed a job through networking. Networking is also the best way to hear about jobs in the hidden job market, jobs that aren’t advertised to the general public.

In addition, get connected online to people with Social Media and join health information related groups on Facebook & Linked In.

Professional Health IT Organizations

• American Association of Professional Coders 
• American Health Information Management Association
• National Association Medical Staff Services

Job Search

Try to cast a wide net by utilizing several job searching methods. Take advantage of all the resources available to you.

If you are in college, then visit the Career Services Center and attend your school’s Job Fairs.

Check the Help Wanted ads in your local newspaper and Online Job Boards.

Find local Employment Agencies, Recruiters, & Temp Agencies.

Put your feet on the street and Drop off a Resume at your local doctors office and hospital.

Education

Most Entry level Health information Technology jobs require that you have at least a high school diploma and professional certificate such as Coding Certificate or RHIT.

Here is more information about Health Information Technology Certification

Some Entry level Health Information Technology Occupations include:

• Credentialing Specialist
• Health Information Management (HIM) Clerk
• Patient Care Coordinator
• Patient Registrar
• Customer Service Representative : Medical Billing
• Insurance Claims Clerk
• Medical Biller
• Collections Clerk
• Benefits Coordinator

 Interview

The most important part of the job search is the interview. You want to make a great first impression to increase your chances of getting the job. First, you may have to go through ascreening interview, which is a way for employers to filter out unqualified job candidates. This could take place on the phone or online, but its a good idea to have your resume in hand so you can highlight your relevant experience, education, and training.

You may be nervous during the interview process, just remember to breathe, communicate your ideas clearly, and be yourself.

Preparing for the interview

Research the company you are going to interview with. Read through their website, especially the “about us” page, so you can demonstrate interest during the interview.

• Bring 2 extra copies of your resume to the interview, even if they already have one on file
• Dress Professional
• Arrive to the Interview 15 minutes early
• Allow enough time for the interview, don’t have something scheduled right afterwards
• Turn cellphone on silent, avoid any distractions

During the Interview

• Follow the 50-50 Rule, mix speaking half the time and listening to the employer half the time.
• Maintain good eye contact
• Allow 20 seconds to two minutes to answer questions.
• Be seen as part of the solution, not part of the problem.
• Do not say anything bad about your previous employer.

Interview Questions

In general, the interviewer is asking you questions to determine if you are the right person for the job. You want to answer the questions honestly, while highlighting your strengths. Show examples of how you overcame challenges in your previous job, and talk about your passion for health information technology.

At the end of the interview the interviewer usually asks if you have any questions. Always have some questions prepared. This shows you have done your research.

For example:

• What type of career opportunities are available for my level of training and skills?
• What are the biggest challenges of this job?
• How is an employee promoted? Is it company policy to promote from within?
• Describe the typical first year assignments

At the end of the interview, if no offer was made, ask  some version of “Can you offer me this job?” 

Fortune favors the bold, and the worse thing they can do is say “no”. They may say they want you to come back for second interview. Find out when you can expect to hear from them. You don’t want to leave any loose ends.

Salary Negotiation

• Never discuss salary until the end of the interviewing process, when they have said that they want to hire you.
• Try not to be the first one to mention a salary number
• Do some research on typical salaries for the position
• Know what benefits are offered, health insurance, vacation days etc.
• Know their policy about future raises, ask “If I perform this job to your satisfaction, and more, when can I expect to be in a line for a raise?” get it all summarized in writing in a job offer letter, or employment contract.

Follow Up

Always send an email or letter to the interviewer thanking them for their time and expressing interest in the job.

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