Suzette D asked:
I have a broadcast Journalism degree and I got a Health Information Specialist Certification, medical billing and coding. How do I explain this in a cover letter, without sounding like I’m playing the pity card, a simple resume won’t do, my 6 year gap stands out, I need an effective cover letter and I can’t afford to pay a professional. Help!
Laureen Jandroep
CPC, COC, CPPM, CPC-I.,Sr. Instructor for CCO.us. Laureen has over 25 years in the healthcare field. She graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 1986 and before long was running a successful therapy practice which did over 1.6 million in billing per year with a less than .06% rejection rate. Once Medicare changed how rehab companies were reimbursed this business was closed and Laureen eventually started a new company dedicated to teaching Medical Billing and Coding. Laureen has taught medical billing and coding since 1999 and currently does so through her comapny Certification Coaching Organization, LLC which does business as CCO.She resides in Florida with her husband of over 20 years Anthony and four children. They are active parents and spend most of their time these days just being parents which they love.
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I think you might have to “play the pity card” because otherwise it might sound like you’re trying to hide something you don’t want them to know about. For example, if you say “for personal reasons” it could be that you just got out of rehab or something (not jail, as they’d probably ask about convictions in an application). You could say that you chose to stay at home for family reasons, but again, it sounds a bit too vague.
I think I’d probably say that I took time off during your husband’s illness, and mention that you can elaborate if they are interested. It shows there was a good reason, and that you were putting your family first, without mentioning the “C” word.
Hope that helps, and good luck on the job search.
I think this is an excellent response…and the perfect way to handle the situation.
State the facts, you left the work force to be a caregiver to your husband.
You are now ready to re-enter the work force again with an ambitious attitude towards providing the employer with your superior skills.
Good Luck!
I would suggest using a bullet style resume to accentuate your credentials and skills and don’t worry so much about your time gap. The bullet style resume doesn’t focus the Employer to employment dates but rather your skills. To coin a phrase, “Just put your best foot forward” have faith in yourself. Although caring for your husband made you feel melancholy, don’t let that stand in the way of your bright future. I’m sure he would cheer you on.