When we talk about professional image usually the picture that comes to mind is dressing professionally and conducting yourself well in an interview situation. Since it is common for MTs to work at home, you may never actually meet your employer. So what does professional image mean in this context?
MTs need to be trustworthy, dependable, and competent because we deal with confidential medical records. From the first contact with a prospective employer it is important to begin projecting these characteristics immediately.
How can you project trustworthiness and dependability? You can do this by simply doing everything that you agree to do. In other words, if an employer wishes to schedule a telephone interview with you and you set up a time to talk at 2 p.m., make sure that you are on time and prepared for the interview. You could have a list of questions to ask or a list of your qualifications to discuss over the phone. This will project both trustworthiness and dependability. (In Module 30, we cover this in much more detail, including how to get business on your own.)
How can you project competence before you are hired? Competence comes through in your resume. Is it neatly arranged? Is it perfect grammatically without typos, misspellings or grammar errors? Also, most companies will give you a transcription test to complete before making a final hiring decision. You will be evaluated on how quickly you complete the test, neatness, organization, style, grammar, punctuation, and a basic knowledge of proper formatting procedures. (Don’t worry -- in Module 30, we cover these items completely.)
Also, many MTs forget that following the instructions for the test (example: how to download, instructions for formatting, instructions for sending it in, etc.) may be as important as the test itself. Employers want to know that you are able to handle all aspects of the testing process with ease and confidence which exhibits the trait of competence.
Also, it is important to note that there are differences between the work environment of MTs that work in a hospital or clinic and those that work at home. MTs who work at home can dress casually or even not get dressed all day. Whereas, MTs who work in facilities such as a hospital or physician’s office would need to pay attention to how they dress, wear their hair and makeup, etc. to project a professional image. The at-home MT does most of their image projecting over the phone and through personal correspondence like e-mails, faxes, etc.
As mentioned earlier, at the conclusion of your training at MTACC you will work through our employment and technology modules. These modules will explain how to prepare proper resumes, interviewing techniques, and testing procedures. We'll help you to prepare a professional resume if you don't already have one. Additionally, by the end of your studies with us, you will have a professional image already in place, and your skill level will be more than competent. We also help you with job placement! We believe in our graduates and will do everything in our power to help you to excel in your new career!
http://www.mtacc.net/articles.php#YourProfessionalImage
