How to Build HIM Experience Without a Job

You’re certified. You’ve applied to 42 jobs. And the only feedback you’re getting is… silence.

Here’s the truth: Most HIM roles don’t go to the most certified. They go to the most proven. And if you don’t have “real” experience yet, you’re not out of options. You just need to start building it — without waiting for permission.

This blog breaks down how to get experience in HIM, coding, risk adjustment, compliance, and analyst roles — even if no one’s hired you yet.

Let’s go.

Why You Can’t Wait for a Job to Get Experience

• Most HIM jobs require 1–3 years minimum

• Recruiters filter by keyword, not potential

• Hiring managers want proof you can think, track, and deliver

But “experience” doesn’t mean W-2. It means you know how to do the work. You just need a way to show it.

6 Ways to Build HIM Experience — Without a Title

1. Create a Mock Risk Adjustment Project

Grab sample charts (HIPAA-safe), pick a chronic condition list (HCC), and practice abstracting. Use Excel or Google Sheets to track diagnosis codes, flag gaps, and calculate basic RAF scores.

✅ Tools:

• CMS HCC Risk Adjustment Model PDF

• Google Sheets

• Sample chart PDFs (non-PHI training data)

Put this on your resume: “Abstracted 50+ sample patient records for risk-adjusted conditions using HCC coding logic and created an Excel tracker to summarize RAF trends.”

2. Do a Denial Analysis Breakdown Using Sample Claims

Take 20 sample claims (real or de-identified), analyze reasons for denial, and categorize trends.

✅ Tools:

• Common denial codes (CO-16, CO-97, etc.)

• Excel with filters and conditional formatting

• Optional: Payer policies from UHC, Aetna

Add to resume: “Conducted mock denial analysis project to categorize claim rejections by payer and identify preventable documentation gaps.”

3. Build a Data Dashboard in Google Sheets or Excel

Track fake claims data, code volume, or documentation errors. Summarize with Pivot Tables or COUNTIFS.

✅ Tools:

• Google Sheets or Excel

• Mock HIM data sets (you can build your own)

• Free chart templates

Add to resume: “Built interactive HIM data dashboard to visualize coding productivity, error rates, and reimbursement impact using Excel formulas and charts.”

4. Volunteer for a Clinic, FQHC, or Nonprofit

Offer to help with data entry, chart audits, release of info, or basic coding review (HIPAA compliant). Many small clinics need free help.

✅ Search:

• Local FQHCs

• Community health orgs

• Behavioral health clinics

Resume language: “Supported chart organization and compliance documentation for local FQHC. Gained hands-on exposure to patient records and coding workflows.”

5. Start a LinkedIn Content Series Documenting What You Learn

Post 2x/week sharing what you’re studying, building, or discovering. It builds authority AND visibility.

✅ Example posts:

• “Today I practiced filtering CPT codes using Excel COUNTIFS”

• “Learning how RAF scores change based on documentation today — here’s what surprised me”

This counts as evidence that you think like a HIM professional — not a student waiting on permission.

6. Take a Free Mini-Course and Document the Output

Don’t just list courses — build something with it. Track a mini audit, analyze a sample claim, or write your insights.

✅ Free Platforms:

• Google Data Studio (HIM analytics)

• Ochsner Coding Academy (YouTube)

• LinkedIn Learning (some free trials)

Add to resume: “Completed HIPAA audit project and mapped documentation compliance issues to mock risk areas using Google Sheets and OCR resources.”

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Final Word

Don’t wait to get hired to build experience. Build experience so you can get hired.

Every HIM job wants to see one thing: Can you think critically, apply what you know, and improve a process?

If you can show that — through mock projects, analysis, volunteer work, or visible posts —you’ll stand out louder than any generic “RHIT-certified” resume ever could.

Want Help Turning Your Projects Into a Resume That Gets Interviews?

✅ I’ll turn your mock work into real bullet points

✅ Rebuild your resume around strategy, skills, and systems

✅ Position you for coding, analyst, or audit roles — even if you’re “entry-level”

[Click here to book your Resume Revamp]

Let’s make your experience undeniable — whether someone hired you or not.