AAPC hosts an Ask a Recruiter webinar designed to help members understand how to enter and advance in the healthcare coding and revenue cycle space. A panel of recruiters and practice managers shared practical strategies on resumes, interviews, and networking.

What employers want in entry-level coders

The panel emphasized that credentials alone are not enough. Employers consistently look for:

• Reliability and work ethic – showing up, following through, and being consistent

• Soft skills – clear communication, honesty, and the ability to collaborate

• Flexibility – willingness to take on non-coding tasks such as denials and appeals when needed

• Technical tools – Excel, Teams, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office programs are must-haves

Lesson learned: Don’t let a lack of basic software skills block opportunities. Free training is widely available, and employers expect candidates to take advantage of it.

Standing out in a competitive market

Breaking into coding and revenue cycle requires more than a standard resume:

• Be specific on resumes – include specialties worked in, coding systems used, and any technical tools mastered

• Tailor for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) – mirror the job description keywords to avoid being filtered out

• Use cover letters wisely – keep them brief, connect your skills to the company’s needs, and invite further conversation

• Tell your story – employers remember candidates who highlight their journey and achievements, not just a list of credentials

Networking strategies that work

Networking emerged as one of the strongest themes of the webinar.

• LinkedIn: Build a complete profile with city/state, use the “Open to Work” badge, and post consistently about your journey

• AAPC chapters & conferences: Chapters and events like HealthCon provide direct networking opportunities with employers and peers

• Facebook groups: Many recruiters and managers post jobs in specialized groups

• Personal connections: Even family, friends, or former colleagues can provide referrals or introductions

Tip: Build genuine relationships. Don’t only connect when you need a job — consistent engagement pays off long term.

Alternative paths into the field

Entry-level coding jobs are limited, and many roles aren’t advertised publicly. Panelists shared alternatives:

• HIM Clerk or Patient Account Rep roles can provide a starting point inside healthcare organizations

• Denials and appeals work builds valuable revenue cycle experience

• Underemployment – taking a related role may open doors through internal networking and referrals

According to the panel, up to 70% of jobs are filled through referrals and networking, not job boards.

Resume and interview best practices

• Save resumes as PDFs to avoid formatting issues

• Place strongest qualifications at the top third of the page

• Prepare for video interviews:

  • Good front lighting, camera at eye level

  • Look at the camera (not just the screen)

  • Minimize background distractions

Final advice from the panel

• Jenny Killian: List all relevant training and courses, even if not direct work experience

• Grant: Prepare technically for video interviews and polish resume presentation

• Bertram: Visibility matters—it’s not just who you know, but who knows you. Share your journey consistently

• Matt Kennedy: Invest in yourself. Use AAPC resources like chapters, job boards, and learning libraries to grow your career

Key takeaway

The path to a first coding or revenue cycle role combines skills, storytelling, and networking. Employers value reliability, adaptability, and initiative just as much as credentials. By tailoring resumes, staying visible online, and engaging with professional networks, newly certified coders can stand out and land opportunities in a competitive field.