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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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