Billers and Coders: How Do I Land the Job?

Whether you’re freshly certified or a seasoned healthcare professional pivoting into the billing and coding world, the job hunt can feel like a full-time job in itself. You send out dozens — maybe even hundreds — of applications, only to get ghosted or realize some of those “urgent hiring” posts were straight-up scams. It’s frustrating, disheartening, and honestly, a bit of a confidence-killer.

So, what's going on? Why aren’t you hearing back? Are you doing something wrong — or is it just bad luck?

Take a breath. Let’s walk through some resume and interview tips that can help you stand out in a competitive field. Whether you're applying for your first coding role or trying to move up the ladder, these tips are designed to help you land the job you deserve.

Let’s Start with Your Resume

1. Boast Your Credentials (Loud and Proud)

Your resume is your first impression. You’ve worked hard for those credentials — show them off! If you're certified through AAPC or AHIMA, include your active credentials right next to your name (e.g., Jane Doe, CPC-A, CPB). And don’t forget your membership number if it’s requested or relevant; it shows you're in good standing and current with your continuing education.

Also, place your credentials in the top section of your resume. Don’t make a recruiter hunt for your qualifications. They're skimming quickly, and you want to make it easy for them to see why you’re a good fit.

2. Watch Your Words: Grammar and Spelling Matter

We get it — you’re a billing or coding professional, not an English teacher. But the truth is, grammar and spelling do matter. Your resume is a reflection of your attention to detail, and in a field where accuracy is everything, typos can be a red flag. Thankfully, there are plenty of free tools out there like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor that can give your resume a quick polish. No excuses — it’s a small step that can make a big difference.

3. Customize It for the Job

One size doesn’t fit all. A resume tailored to the role you’re applying for is much more likely to get noticed. Take the time to read each job posting thoroughly, then mirror the language in your resume. For example, if a job asks for experience with claim appeals, make sure your resume highlights your work in that area.

You might even discover you’ve been underselling yourself — reading job descriptions can jog your memory about tasks or skills you’ve used but didn’t think to include.

4. Keep It Simple and Focused

Nobody wants to read a 10-page autobiography. The general rule? Keep your resume to one page if you're just starting out, and no more than two pages if you have extensive experience.

Focus on your most recent and most relevant roles. If you had a job ten years ago that isn’t related to healthcare, it’s okay to leave it off or summarize it briefly. Use bullet points for readability, and make each line count — think accomplishments, not just duties.

The Interview: Your Time to Shine

Got the interview? Awesome! Now it’s time to prepare and make the best impression possible.

1. Be on Time (Seriously, Don’t Be Late)

It sounds obvious, but punctuality can make or break your interview. For in-person interviews, map out the location in advance, and give yourself extra time in case of traffic or unexpected detours. For virtual interviews, test the technology before the interview — your camera, your mic, your internet connection. You don’t want to be fumbling with Zoom settings when the interviewer logs in.

2. Dress the Part

Whether you're applying for an in-office or remote role, dressing professionally shows you’re serious. Business casual is usually a safe bet — a blazer or collared shirt can go a long way toward making a great impression. Even if you're interviewing from your living room, the effort will be noticed.

3. Come Prepared with Answers… and Questions

You’ll almost certainly be asked about your work history, your certifications, and your understanding of coding practices. But interviewers also want to get a feel for your personality, problem-solving style, and how you might fit into their team.

Here are a few questions you might hear (and should be ready to answer):

• "Tell me one of your strengths and a weakness." Be honest but frame your weakness in a way that shows self-awareness and a willingness to improve.

• "Give me three words that describe you." This one is trickier than it seems! Think about traits that describe your work ethic, like organized, motivated, or reliable.

• "What’s missing in your current role that you’re hoping to find in a new one?" This is your chance to explain why you’re making a move and what you're looking for in a new opportunity — be clear, but positive.

4. Ask Your Own Questions

At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Don’t say no!

Research the company ahead of time and prepare a few thoughtful questions. Here are a few examples:

• “Can you describe the training and onboarding process for new hires?”

• “What’s the team dynamic like, especially if I’ll be working remotely?”

• “How do you handle continuing education or keeping up with coding changes?”

Asking questions shows initiative, curiosity, and that you’re truly invested in the opportunity — not just applying to anything with a paycheck.

Final Thoughts: Persistence Pays Off

Here’s the truth: the healthcare job market can be tough, especially for coders and billers just starting out. But every application, every interview, and every tweak to your resume brings you one step closer to landing the right position.

Don’t be discouraged by the noes or the silence. Keep learning. Keep applying. And keep refining your approach.

The right employer is out there — one that values your skills, recognizes your potential, and supports your career growth. And with the right strategy and mindset, you’ll be ready when the opportunity comes knocking.

You’ve got this!