The demand for software developers and coders is expected to grow by 25% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average. Considering that technology has become more and more essential in our daily lives, this is a fantastic industry to get into.
But just because coders are in high demand doesn’t necessarily mean every job will be rewarding and worth your time. For that, you’ll need to find certified professional coder jobs, as that’s where the money is.
Read on to find out how you can find these programming jobs and make a killer living.
Table of Contents
Ensure Your Skills Are Up-to-Date
You’re not the only person who’s realized the IT industry is booming, so others are brushing up their programming skills too. At the very least, you’ll need to have the necessary coding skills to fulfill basic enterprise needs.
If you haven’t started yet, then choose one of the many programming languages available. This will depend on which area you’re interested in. They include:
- Medical coding
- Software development
- Web development
- Data analysis
For example, if you’re interested in web development, then languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are essential. On the other hand, if you want to do data analysis, then Python or R is more suitable. And for medical coding, you’d use C++.
In addition, consider getting relevant certifications to stand out against the crowd. Some useful certifications include Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
Build a Strong Resume
Having a solid foundation and earning certifications will already give you a leg up. You’ll want to showcase all this in your resume, which is the piece of paper that’ll list your accolades and attract potential employers.
In your resume, you should highlight your coding skills, certifications, work experience, and educational background. All this information should be sectioned in a well-structured manner for better readability.
You should tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and achievements in the coding field. In other words, you have to show employers that you’ve got exactly the skills they want, such as experience using a C# PDF library.
Use Online Job Portals
The beauty of the internet is that the majority of job postings are online, so you won’t have to go out and search with each company. Take advantage of popular job portals and websites specializing in coding and healthcare, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Dice.
While looking through these sites, utilize relevant keywords. Try things like:
- Certified professional coder
- Coding specialist
- Medical coder
You can also narrow things down by setting parameters, such as miles from your location and part-time/full-time.
Do Some Networking
No matter what industry you’re in, networking is always key, and a career in coding is no exception. Leverage your professional network to discover potential job opportunities.
Join online forums or coding communities where you can connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers. You never know what’s out there, so make an effort to get to know people in the IT field.
Plus, you should seek out coding conferences and industry events. You can make a bigger impression on people by having face-to-face interactions, so don’t neglect the offline aspect of networking.
Join Professional Associations
Another good idea that’ll help with networking is joining professional organizations. Not only will you expand your network, but you’ll also show potential employers that you’re serious about your career.
Some organizations to consider include the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Alongside networking opportunities, these associations often provide job boards and resources for certified coding professionals.
Research Healthcare Providers
Considering that certified professional coders work in healthcare, it makes sense to research providers. Look beyond hospitals; consider clinics, healthcare organizations, insurance companies, and medical billing companies. These settings may offer opportunities for locums tenens work, allowing for diverse experiences within the healthcare industry. These all may require certified professional coders, and you’re just the person for that job.
Visit their websites or contact their HR departments to inquire about available positions. It’ll be impressive when they see that you like to take the initiative.
Look at Company Career Pages
Another option is to explore the career pages of companies that you’re interested in. Many will advertise job openings directly on their sites.
Keep an eye out for coding-specific roles or ones that are related to medical coding and billing. Some sites will even let you sign up for job alerts, so take full advantage of those.
Check Industry-Specific Job Boards
Many people don’t know this, but there are coding boards specific to the healthcare industry. For instance, there’s the AAPC’s Job Board and the AHIMA’sCareer Assist.
These platforms often list coding positions that are tailored to certified professionals, so they offer highly relevant postings.
Maintain a Professional Online Presence
While you’re searching for a job, you’ll want to ensure that your LinkedIn profile is updated to showcase your relevant coding skills and certifications. Choose a clear and professional photo that employers would approve of.
Connect with professionals in the field and engage in industry discussions. If you get your name out there, then you can attract potential employers and increase your visibility.
Remember that anything you do online can be traced back to you, so make sure you maintain a refined manner. Don’t engage with trolls, and handle all interactions with decor.
Find Quality Certified Professional Coder Jobs
If you’re able to find quality certified professional coder jobs, then you’re set in your career. Not only will your job be fulfilling, but you’ll also earn fantastic wages.
As long as you follow the steps we’ve outlined in this article, you’ll be able to kickstart your new path in no time. This is especially true if you already know a programming language!
Check out the rest of our blog page if you’d like to learn more about technology.
