*School of Health Sciences*

Resume Resources

Hiration is a versatile and user-friendly online platform for job search management. It provides industry-specific templates to help you create and customize your resume, providing instant feedback on how to improve your profile. You can access Hiration at https://rasmussen.hiration.com/

Not sure how to get started? Once you've started a resume, portfolio, or cover letter, look for the Help icon at the top right of the menu, and select 'Product Tour,' 'FAQ,' or 'Video Help' for more information about using the builder.

Cover Letter Resources

A cover letter’s purpose is to connect and motivate the reader with your interest for the position in which you are applying. Your letter should be concise and compliment your resume, not duplicate.  This is a good place to explain why you are a good fit, list a few soft skills, name connections or personal referrals to the company, etc.  Keep it simple and professional.  Cover letters are not as commonly used today as they have been in the past but employers still see the value, so be prepared.     

Job Connect

Job Connect is Rasmussen's very own job board where the employers we connect with on a day to day basis in Career Services post positions specifically for Rasmussen students and alumni.  You can access Job Connect at https://rasmussen-csm.symplicity.com/ and download the "Simplicity Jobs and Careers" app on your phone or tablet.  There are additional features within Job Connect, such as Resume Books and Counseling, where you can schedule an appointment with your Career Services Advisor.  Downloading the app is easy; for Apple, go to the App Store and Android and go to the Google Play store.  Search for "Simplicity Jobs and Careers" and download the app.

There is a second search option on the website to review careers posted through NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers).  Click the down arrow on Jobs, located on the left side, and you will see "NACElink Extended Job Search."

Resume Books are active and organized by the program of study.  To participate, click on the drop-down arrow under "Documents" located along the left-hand column in Job Connect.  Choose "Approved" and add a new document.  Now that your resume is loaded click on "Opt-In Books."  Click on the green box "Add Resume" to allow employers to view your resume.  It is highly recommended that you contact your Career Services Advisor for a resume review before uploading.

If you have not already registered, the process is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to https://rasmussen-csm.symplicity.com/

2. Click on "Student/Alumni"

3. Click on "Register" (it is free)

4. Fill out your profile information

5. Your registration will be reviewed within 24 – 48 business hours of submission

6. Once your registration is accepted, be sure to upload a copy of your resume

7. When your registration is complete, you can log in to the database to search jobs posted at Rasmussen University and across the country

For more, please see the Medical Assistant Career Information box in the MA guide.

Tips for Success​

“This is your experience--you will get out of it what you put into it.  Keep in mind to impress at all times as this may be your potential employer and/or reference.”

Before you begin

• Be sure to research your site prior to your first day.
• Wear your business attire or Rasmussen Scrubs (if applicable). NEVER wear jeans, shorts, tank tops, flip flops.
• Do not have excessive or dangling earrings, facial piercings, or visible tattoos.  You can never look “too professional,” especially for a first impression/interview.
• Arrive on time, have all the necessary equipment/supplies, and be ready to go
• Leave your phone in your car or purse (if in purse, have it on mute--even the vibrate mode can be loud).  Do not check email, text messages Facebook, etc. Your phone should not be in your possession during your practicum/externship. If your family needs to reach you during this time, ask your preceptor a good number for them to call should something happen. Save it for lunch time or after hours
• Leave your problems at home. You have to separate yourself when you are at work.

At your site

• Arrive at least 5 minutes before your start time, and do not ask to leave early.  Keep in mind if you need to park off site (parking garage, employee parking, etc.), it will take extra time to get to your department.
• Always identify yourself as a Rasmussen University student.
• Ask for feedback from your preceptor frequently and often.  It shows you are interest in learning.  Ask for help if you are uncomfortable with the task or cannot remember but TAKE NOTES so you do not ask repetitive questions.
• Be careful of your comments.  They can reflect negatively on you as a student as well as Rasmussen University.  Do not make comments about current employers or competing organizations.
• Never refuse or reject an opportunity to learn or see new things.  Even if you have seen it, never refuse opportunities.
• Never sit idle and instead seek out work or tasks to help
• Avoid office conflict.  Walk away and do not get involved.
• Keep comments and opinions to yourself.  You are there to learn.
• Notify the externship coordinator or your instructor immediately if something does not seem right or if there are any problems.
• Keep in mind that there are many ways to do certain tasks/skills that you will see and or learn.  Do not question or correct your mentor about his/her way, especially not in front of a patient or other employee.  You should always ask why (s)he does it that way, but only after the patient/employee has left.

What is professionalism?  According to the US Department of Labor, "professionalism does not mean wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase; rather, it means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence.  It means communicating effectively and appropriately and always finding a way to be productive" (Department of Labor, n.d.).

Being professional is important whether it is in the classroom or on the job.  Consider the following aspects of professionalism (many items taken from Rasmussen's Medical Assisting Program's PATH [Professionalism, Attitude, Time Management, and Hygiene] Project) packet:

• Respect
  • On time to meetings, to class, and to work
  • Full attendance
  • Obligations and responsibilities attended to on time
  • Manners and etiquette are used
    • No foul language, cursing, or swearing
    • "Please" and "thank you" used as appropriate
    • Greetings and farewells made
    • Communicating clearly and with courtesy
  • Appropriate body language and facial expressions used
  • No use of language that excludes others such as slang, second languages, acronyms, and jargon with those who do not/cannot understand
  • Phone shut off during business/work time and class time; no incoming texts or calls accepted unless emergencies, and no outgoing calls or texts made
• Positive Attitude
  • Respect for others shown
  • Willing to learn
  • Engaging in what is happening or being said
  • Listening
  • Asking questions and engaging
  • Being present
  • Being prepared
  • Willing to hear and learn from constructive criticism
• Good Dress and Hygiene
  • Good hygiene
    • Showers or bathes regularly enough 
      • Non-offensive body odor (to others)
      • Clean hair
      • Clean skin
      • Brushes teeth
    • Limited or no scented lotions and perfumes
    • Uses deodorant
    • Does not smell like cigarette smoke
  • Appropriate clothing
    • Shoes are appropriate to the situation and environment
    • Clothing is clean and not stained or torn
    • Clothing is not wrinkled
    • Clothing covers body appropriately for the situation and environment
  • Appropriate "accessories"
    • Jewelry (earrings, rings, facial/body piercings, gauging) limited or follows workplace or school policies
    • Tattoos covered or hidden as appropriate to workplace or school policies
    • Facial hair, hair length, and/or hair color follows workplace or school policies
    • Nail length and color follows workplace or school policies

See also: Ethics & Professional Responsibility Guide

Rasmussen's guide on ethical behavior and professional responsibilities.  It includes information not only on ethics but also on managing your online footprint (think social media strategy and netiquette).

Department of Labor. (n.d.). Soft skills to pay the bills: Mastering soft skills for workplace success. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/softskills.pdf

Smith, J. (2013). Externships: What they are and why they're important. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/05/30/externships-what-they-are-and-why-theyre-important/