I've been reading over all the great advice here during my job search. One thing I read a lot is that applicants should make followup calls about their applications--that that can give you an extra edge and keep your application from being ignored.

I got an email saying an application had been forwarded to a nurse manager for review (which means it wasn't rejected by HR in the first round). The email said if I'm selected for an interview, I'll hear within three weeks.

So many people have said following up has gotten them their jobs that I feel like I should--but nothing in the HR email or website seems to be encouraging that. In fact, I couldn't even find any contact info for HR. And I feel weird about hunting down the nurse manager of the unit--or should I?

In this world of electronic applications, it seems like there's less we can do beyond just applying. Even at job fairs, recruiters tend to say "look at our website and apply online". I know I will be a good nurse, but I don't know how to get anyone to see it... my applications tend to be auto-rejected with the rest of the new grads.

I'm so glad you brought this up. I'm sitting here right now, trying to research phone numbers to decide if I should go ahead and call a nurse mgr directly...?

As a nurse manager I actually encourage anyone who is applying for a job in the unit I manage to call and arrange an informal visit. That way they can get a feel of the unit and what I expect from the staff who I work with and I can get an idea of the skills and expereince and what they are like outside a formal interview which is not a good place to assess a potential employee (in my opinion) when they are nervous and may not perform well at interview

I would say do your follow-ups with the nurse manager and/or human resource because it shows that you are excited and interested in the position. Perhaps you could find out from HR who the nurse manager is and contact them. A good follow-up tends to make you stand out from the crowd.

Does Human Resources easily provide the names of the Nurse Mgrs, or should I just call into the hospital/unit and ask for a Nurse Manager? I'm applying for RN positions in a different city and I would be very interested in setting up an informational interview.

I have always gone home from the interview and typed out a thank you letter immediately, and reiterated my interest in the position, and why I would be a good fit...

I also called the unit and asked the nurse managers name...you dont have to tell them who you are, after all...just call and ask for the nursing station, and ask for the name with the correct spelling!

I have also hand brought in the letter.

Got the jobs!

There are some excellent examples on the net...just good interview thank you letters..

its another option if you dont feel comfortable or that you might come across as pushy just going in.

Good LUCK!