Since more and more experienced nurses are "staying put"
geographically, there are more opportunities for new graduates to
get internships and training opportunities in depleted regions,
provided they are flexible.
Getting a job is still a highly competitive task, so be prepared:
focus on sharpening your interviewing skills, writing the best resume
possible, and having a flexible attitude.
THE RESUME
The resume should be limited to one page. Don't write lengthy paragraphs
Ñ no one will read them. If you incorporate an objective,
make sure it does not limit you. If your objective is to be an emergency
room nurse and you are going for a medical/surgical position to
get the initial experience, you may not get the job. Managers want
nurses committed to their unit and they hope you will stay for a
long time. They are looking for stability.
Always include your name, address, and business phone numbers in
the header. Begin your work experience with the present or most
recent, and work backwards. Make sure you include enough information
about your experiences and skills and make them relate to the position
you are seeking. Never include salary history on a resume. If it
is required, you can include it in the cover letter or job application.
DonÕt include references on a resume, but have them available
if needed. Never include personal information such as birthdates,
marital status, religion, family history, and health status, or
photos. List professional affiliations, awards you have received,
and required licensure. You can include any scholastic honors you
achieve, but grade point averages are not necessary.
Make sure your resume is consistent. Use bond paper in white, off-white,
or any neutral colors. Avoid bright colors and any visually distracting
design. Always redo your resume if you have corrections or updates,
and never write in by hand any additions or corrections.
THE COVER LETTER
You should send your completed resume and cover letter to the prospective
employer. A resume is incomplete if it does not have a cover letter.
The cover letter is used to introduce yourself, and describe what
job opportunity you are seeking. It should be typed and concise
(about three paragraphs). Remember to highlight your achievements
or goals and how they fit the mission of the organization. Make
sure you identify how you may best be contacted for further information
or scheduling an interview. Be sure to spell the name of the recruiter
correctly, and sign your name at the end of the letter.
THE INTERVIEW
Go into the interview with the confidence you are the right person
for the job. Appearance and attitude are everything. Dress in professional
attire and smile. Make sure you arrive promptly. If you are not
sure of where you are going, take a field trip the day before the
interview to familiarize yourself with the area. Plan for the unexpected,
such as flight delays and traffic jams. Remember to set your alarm
so you don't oversleep. It is always better to be early than to
be late. Use minimal or no perfumes or colognes, as they can be
distracting and some people are allergic to them.
Make a list of questions you want answered by either the recruiter
or the hiring manager, and have available references from clinical
or theoretical instructors either with you or to be mailed in.
When you greet the interviewer, shake hands firmly and introduce
yourself with a smile. Remember, interviewing is something we don't
normally do, so it is all right to be nervous, particularly during
your first one. You will find that they get easier the more you
go through them. You should go to the interview aloneÑthe
presence of a spouse or other family members is generally not considered
appropriate. It is very important to let the person interviewing
control the interview. Make yourself comfortable and be attentive
at all times. Look directly at the interviewer, and answer questions
succinctly.
When the interview is over, make certain to express your enthusiasm
for the position. It is a nice touch to send the interviewer a thank-you
note.
It is appropriate to ask at the conclusion of the interview when
the employer expects to fill the position, and to follow-up by phone
after three to five days if you have not yet heard anything. Remember
to be patient. Do not be discouraged if you donÕt get a job
offer. Keep your spirits up, and continue looking right away rather
than be dwelling on the past.
The author has been a registered nurse
for 22 years. He earned his BSN from Eastern Kentucky University
after having served as a hospital corpsman during the Vietnam conflict.
He serves as the President of the National Association for Health
Care Recruitment, Chicago, IL.
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