Pick a clean, simple template that shows dates and job titles clearly. Use a reverse-chronological layout if you have steady coding experience. If you have gaps or a career change, try a hybrid layout that highlights skills up front.
Keep length to one page for early or mid-career roles. Use two pages only if you have many years of relevant coding history and certifications. Be concise and keep only items that matter to medical coding and records.
Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep consistent spacing and margins so each section breathes.
List sections with clear headings like Contact, Summary, Certifications, Work Experience, Technical Skills, and Education. Put certifications (CPC, CCA, RHIT, or CCS) near the top so they stand out. Use short bullet lines that start with strong action verbs and include outcomes or volumes when you can.
Avoid complex columns, images, and embedded charts. They confuse parsing tools and hiring managers. Limit color to one accent and avoid nonstandard fonts. Keep white space, consistent bullets, and uniform date formats.
Watch these common mistakes: long paragraphs that hide achievements, mixed date formats, and burying certifications at the bottom. Don’t use tables for your job history. Don’t list unrelated jobs without linking skills to coding or records.