[nurseaboveboard]

Am I crazy to think this should be done differently, or is this happening to others? I am a nurse with 26 years experience, but lately, I have been left wondering what in the world is going on in HR departments? I am currently looking for a job, and have been fairly careful about who I send my resume to, making certain I am qualified, etc. It seems that even when they solicit my resume, it takes them forever to get back, if they respond at all. Generally, I am finding that I have to do all of the leg work, following up, etc., even when they have given me a date by which they intend to respond. When a person is looking for work, and a company is seeking workers, there should be an exchange of information! Generally speaking, I prefer to not just send out resumes to everything, but prefer to look at one possibility, or maybe two max. Then, if that thing doesn't work out, I can move on to the next thing. Recently there seems to be a total lack of courtesy in the above regard. I have a friend 27 years my junior who also is noticing this, and has been sending out resumes. I just have always been taught to be courteous, and admit, I expect it from others, especially from HR departments. What's up???

[Dave11]

In my 12 years as a nurse I have found that HR departments are a black hole. Nothing escapes. Every job I've gotten was the result of me calling back at least once.

[Mijourney]

I believe there is a shortage of HR professionals out there, and I think you are suffering the repercussions of that shortage. Also, it seems that they are looking for that perfect candidate that they don't have to offer the best salary to but the candidate has to have a some experience. Let's put it this way, I was told on an interview that I was overqualifed for a position when it was a job that was right up my alley.

[nurseaboveboard]

Thank you all for your posts. Mijouney, you mention HR "professionals." Yes, I think I am just asking for professionalism, not just asking for it, but expecting it! My sis has been in HR forever. These days she is actually specializing in pensions administration. I cannot remember her ever promising to get back with someone and not doing so. If she doesn't know the answer to something, she tells them she will find out and get back with them, and does so! She actually was the HR go to person at one hospital I worked for, so I could observe her first hand. Another thing, she kept employee information confidential, which I expect, and think is very important. I have experienced otherwise from some HR departments. Well, all this is off the subject a little bit, and I guess wishful thinking for all those job hunters out there. Thanks everyone, and I'll just keep on keeping on I guess.

[CardioTrans]

Are you sure that you aren't talking about me????

Over the past 6-8 months, I have applied to several different positions......... I have had maybe 3 or 4 interviews, then never hear another word.

I have been a nurse since 1992..was an LPN......then got my ADN, and now have my BSN........ always worked home care and critical care......... all of the jobs that I have applied to have been critical care, with the exception of one job in home care........nothing.......... it seems no hospital is wanting to hire anyone with experience........but yet they constantly talk about being short staffed in certain areas....... and some of the jobs that I have applied for have been open since January.... and are still open.

Makes no sense to me.

[nurse_84]

I can't figure it out. The job I have now I had to chase the lady around. It took a lot for me to swallow my pride to do it but I was out of work for 3 months. It's crazy.

[ranna&nessas mom]

Hi...No,it's not you. This is going on in my area also.
Here's what I experienced: I had 2 interviews both of which I went back for second interviews,and an additional "job shadow" type experience. I took an entire 8 hour day for one experience,and 2 days for the other.

In both situations,no one called me afterward. I called and left messages.One of the managers left me an email (one month later) about choosing another candidate.

The other did not return either of 2 voice mails(placed 2 weeks apart) I left asking about any decisions that were made.In this case (one of my references informed me that) this manager called her for a reference. I finally reached this mgr. yesterday. She was short with me on the phone and couldn't offer any feedback as to what I could've done to improve my chances.

I have a strong work ethic and can depended upon to follow through with what's expected of me as a responsible person,so this frustrates me.

It seems to me that if you can't deliver bad news to someone, or appear to be conflict avoidant,perhaps management is not for you.

Any thoughts?