Anything I Can Do to Improve My Hireability?

I work as a job search coach.

How long have you been looking? If you've gotten close a few times, I wouldn't switch gears so soon. If you can meet with a career counselor/career coach to review your resume and do some interview practice, that might be worthwhile. Does your state or county have these resources available?

I would explore other job titles with similar requirements to the main one you are interested in, especially since you are finding it not to be common. I like to use www.Indeed.com for job searching because it aggregates postings from many sites and is easy to search by any keyword.

You said that you have "tons of soft skills" but hiring managers are going to want to hear about business results - how you will help them save money, make money, reduce risk, or improve quality - specific results. These are the kinds of accomplishments you will want to have on your resume, and be ready to talk about at interviews.

Well, it never hurts to look into the medical field - there are always jobs to be had.

What type of medical technician job had you heard about? There is a technician title for virtually any medical term you have ever heard of - laboratory tech, dialysis tech, x-ray tech, ultrasound tech, dental tech, ophthalmology tech, patient care tech, etc. Many if not all of these require some form of training and certification.

Be careful of any medical job that you hear is "hot" right now. Sometimes that means it's on its way to becoming overcrowded. Many people go into these training programs only to come out and find there are no jobs available. This happened to CNAs (certified nursing assistants) in our area. Suddenly, they were a dime-a-dozen and couldn't get hired anywhere despite their schooling.

I would recommend checking the classifieds and online job listings to see what's available in the medical arena these days. Up by us, we're looking for good lab techs and ophthalmology techs these days, among other things.

Have you looked into patient relations? That might be a good area to research with your background.

Have you gone to see a career counselor? My church does it for free and they help women out in the same exact situation/experience as you. They help with finding your strengths, power statements, resumes, interviewing and networking, among many other things.

some of their advice here:
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/stakes---wards.jsf?name=th...

and to find a place near you:
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/center/find_center.jsf

As for medical technician, phlebotomists (drawing blood) is fast, and there are many others as well. Other jobs like ultra-sound tech, radiology tech, take more like a year, I believe. Check into your local community college the kinds of titles they offer, how long the course is, then look in your area to see how marketable they are. Many of these jobs become overcrowded. You can look at job growth outlook/wages and such here:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/

I would stay away from medical transcription, it's very competitive and most jobs in that field are going way of the dinosaur. One thing to consider, my mom is a patient representative (relations). She has similar training/background as you and she started out as a family practice receptionist... doesn't make much in the beginning, but some places (dental/pediatric/ophthalmologist offices) can be a good start.

P.:

Having your resume read right is the best thing I can tell you that will improve your hire-ability. When you get a position description that you want to apply for? Tailor your resume to that position...get your 'buzz words' in there.

Ensure that your resume shows all the programs, operating systems, etc. you can work in - Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Quickbooks, Linux, Mac, etc.

Since you managed your own business - include that - okay - so it didn't survive the downturn in the economy - is it possible that you can revive it? It was a lesson learned most likely in how to do it different next time, right?

When on interviews - dress professionally, smile and be positive. YOU CAN DO IT!!! There are a ton of jobs out there...it's just a matter of connecting with the hiring managers.

Remember - when you get the interview - ensure you know about the company - research it. Be prepared to ask questions about the position and the company...it's goals, etc...I can tell you that we have hired people that aren't as qualified because we made a connection and felt the person had the "umph" to do the job...which can mean more than having every single skill set.

GOOD LUCK!@!

I really think it's the economy. I am in the accounting field & have been so for over 10 years, and I can't find a job to save my life. Yes, there are plenty of them posted, but I am still getting form rejection emails for jobs that I could do with my eyes closed. I have a part time accounts receivable job that I love right now, but it's gotten to the point that I need full time work, and I just can't seem to get my foot in the door anywhere. I think one of the issues is that we all think we're great & we all need a job right now - well, so does everybody else. With hundreds of people applying for one measly job, the competition is rough. The one with the most experience & who will take the least pay and/or crappiest shift wins, unfortunately.

Have you tried a temp/placement agency? They should be able to help with a lot of your questions.

I agree about the medical billing/transcription, all of the ads I've seen for those positions are in office, and require experience.

I wish you nothing but luck!!

Sounds like you have been beaten down a bit by the job search. Visit a career coach --get your resume enhanced and some motivation that you can and will succeed! Many jobs are found through networking - who do you know that might help you get your foot in the door. check with your community college for job skill programs in the medical field. They are some private companies that provide training at high costs with little marketability.

You can check with a community college and see if they offer a certificate type program that you would be interested in.

You mention "computer literate", almost everyone is "computer literate", do you know the basics of all the MS systems? Would you consider yourself an intermediate or advanced user of word and excel? You may want to brush up on these skills.

Good luck. I"m sure you'll find something, it just takes a bit of time.