I’m going to let you in on a secret: To get a job as a medical assistant, you need to network.
It’s not enough anymore to apply online.
Sure, it’s quick and simple to go to LinkedIn and click “Easy Apply” on a hundred different clinical medical assistant roles.
But how likely are you to land an interview that way, much less a job offer? Not very. Employers are flooded with online applications, far too many to read.
It’s still a great time to become a medical assistant.
I don’t want to be doom and gloom here. There are tons of jobs out there for clinical medical assistants, and the profession is only expected to grow: Medical assisting jobs will grow 12% by 2034.
The way you get a job has changed.
Hiring managers at hospitals, clinics, and labs want to bring on people they’ve met or who come vetted from others in their network. Ultimately, they want to work with healthcare professionals they know they can trust.
Start looking for informational interviews.
Look up people you want to work with, especially those who make hiring decisions. Then send an email and ask if you can buy them a cup of coffee and discuss their job. Even 10 or 15 minutes is enough time to learn from a hiring manager or lab supervisor and build rapport.
When you do get an informational interview, keep things light.
I want to be clear here: Don’t directly ask managers for an open position. Your goal with an informational interview is to learn and start building relationships.
Instead, ask about the qualities they look for in new hires and the challenges they’re facing at work. Focus on making a connection. And always follow up with an email the next day to say thanks.
Join professional associations and attend events.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) hosts many events each year. You can join the organization for news and members-only happenings. They even have a discount for current students.
Also consider the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the organization that issues CMA certifications. The NHA hosts webinars and events throughout the year.
It’s not just about technical skills.
As a medical assistant, you need to be able to take vitals and perform patient intake, but soft skills are crucial, too.
Soft skills are all about how you navigate the workplace and build professional relationships. Skills like listening, patience, and empathy allow you to make patients feel understood and function better as a team member.
They’re also important for getting hired in the first place. Just look at these statistics from the NHA:
- 93% of employers feel health professionals do not have adequate training on soft skills.
- 67% of HR managers said they would hire a candidate with strong soft skills, even if technical abilities were lacking.
While you’re networking, your communication skills are on full display, giving hiring managers a look at how you work in a team and your bedside manner.
Stay persistent. The right role takes time to find.
Don’t get discouraged if your initial networking conversations don’t turn up any concrete offers. Every new conversation can help build your reputation and expand your reach.
Maintain regular contact with the professionals you meet.
Too many people think networking is just about the initial meeting. Then they get discouraged when nothing happens right away.
You need to maintain contacts and treat them like real friendships. Send an update when you pass your certification exam or to express your gratitude for their insights. Remaining visible is half the battle.
Networking is personal, not transactional.
It’s important not to make your new connections feel like you just want them to help you get a job.
Yes, finding a job is an aspect of networking that everyone is aware of. But people don’t want to feel used. They’ll be more likely to help if they sense you’re seeking a genuine connection.
Networking doesn’t end once you find a job.
Once you get your first job as a medical assistant, remember it’s a big step that’s worth celebrating.
But don’t stop building your network just because you snagged job #1. You need to continue building connections within your workplace to unlock future opportunities, like internal promotions and more specialized roles at other organizations.
Networking starts in the classroom.
A structured course like the Clinical Medical Assistant program at NTX Training Institute instantly gives you a community of experienced instructors and peers also looking to advance their careers.
You don’t need to wait until graduation to start networking. Your very first professional contacts are sitting right next to you.
Let NTX Training Institute help you connect.
Enroll today to start building your network and your future in healthcare.
