[caliotter3]

CseMgr1

Congratulations on the upcoming interview. I totally agree with your sentiment that no one should call you if you are not considered a serious candidate.

There was a period of time after I left a horrendous job with a lot of gossip hitting the circuit, where I got tons of interviews. Most of them, by their tone and how they went, were so blatantly obviously nothing more than sessions to satisfy the curiosity of the interviewer(s). One of the interviewers sneered throughout the whole thing. I wanted to get up and slap her. I was told by the people at the EDD, and also could figure out for myself, that not only were these interviews for the purposes of comparing my story with my contemporaries who quit that place, but also to comply with any requirements to make it look as if I had been given a fair chance. In other words, CYA in case I was contemplating a lawsuit for blacklisting. Nobody was subtle.

In any case, I resent being called for an interview and getting the distinct impression that I was never really a serious candidate. I don't get any better with the practice. In fact, I wish I could send a surrogate because I don't interview well to begin with. There are some things in my background that can't be fixed and I'm tired of having to try to come up with just the right explanation so that this person won't hold stuff against me. I think they should read my resume and my application, and leave me alone if they think I am subpar. So, yes, I agree with everything you said.

Good luck. Hope the interview goes well and leads to a good position.

[isenephthys]

thank you to everyone for their helpful hints/tips on interviewing and resume writing for the profession. i am in the process of moving to a new state and will soon have to begin the job search process anew.

my concern is that while i have nearly 7 years of icu/ccu experience, it won't be relevant to the types of positions that i want to interview for. i am ready for a change! i want to find a job in a different area of nursing, such as home health/hospice, case management, infection control employee health- whatever. just *something* different from what i am currently doing. i have strong skills in my area, but i don't know if potential employers will consider me for something new.

[Quickbeam]

i have strong skills in my area, but i don't know if potential employers will consider me for something new.

I radically changed specialties more than once. I took the skills set I had and practiced applying it to the new job I wanted.

I was once asked if I could handle a caseload of 70 patients (monthly visits) as a disability case manager. I replied: "I took care of 20 sick children and their parents every night with no MD,unit secretary or assistance. I believe I can organize and prioritize well enough to transfer those skills to a disability mgt caseload". I got the job, based on that example.

[arl1065]

hi, i'm just wondering how much money will i have to invest in a nice business attire for my job interview, if i don't have anything yet like pants, shoes, etc?...

[outcomesfirst]

Ok - everyone slow down. Hospitals, home health, whatever... hire what they need. You want to work in podunk, XX because that is where you live? That 45 bed hospital that has hired locals for years, knows what they want, need and can get. So you work whatever and wherever to get in, you go back to HR weekly "any jobs yet?, "Just checking, I really want to work here" etc.. You want to go straight to high speed low drag Trauma on Day shift, then you find the hospital hiring for that and let them know you want it so bad you will move 5 states to get there. The point is, you get what you want when you make it work for everyone. Yes, you have to fill out online aps, send in resumes, go for interviews that you know are a waste of time (by the way, why do you do that if you know it is a waste of your time?) and the result is you get what you expect. Match your talent with your opportunity. Run, YES RUN away from employers that do not meet your expectations AT FIRST GLANCE, you will never be happy there. The fluff of resumes gets you to the door, what you do with it gets you consideration, what you end up with is what you choose. Smile and live.

[outcomesfirst]

Also who you know counts and age matters are you older or younger - then address it off the top. For example: Objective: Experienced individual seeks growth opportunity to make a difference in myself and the organization or New graduate seeks leadership in developing career. Nurses do talk and knowing someone inside will help. Also you must deliver what you promise.

[yellow finch]

Although I read through a good portion of this long thread, I didn't see a whole lot on my current situation... I'm about to interview with managers within the same hospital at which I currently work in order to transfer.

Would it be good practice to bring along a resume and list of references? Is it ok to slip the thank you note under their door, send it via email, or would it be best to send it snail mail?

I have a basic idea of what to do, but want to hear from others.

Thanks!

[susancoyotesfan]

Thanks to all of you for your responses to me regarding my dilemma (new grad but with years of experience in prehospital)

I decided to apply at emergency rooms in a few area hospitals, and to bite the bullet so to speak for full time positions. Two interviews were quite simply nightmares (one manager told me I was an hour late when I wasn't, and one place had three other new grad nurses interview me rather than the manager). Two went really well also so it balanced out. Surprisingly, my paramedic experience is what got me the interviews in the first place!

I didn't hear from my first choice position when I was told I would, so I accepted my second choice position...but didn't get farther than the physical and drug screen before I heard from my first choice place. I did a cost analysis for the benefits, the pay, etc. and decided to withdraw my acceptance at the first place (I know that is considered kind of tacky but my first choice was so far above the second I couldn't even really compare them).

Anyway, thanks to all the tips here, and apologies to HR managers who probably hate people like me.

[santhony44]

Originally Posted by arl1065

hi, i'm just wondering how much money will i have to invest in a nice business attire for my job interview, if i don't have anything yet like pants, shoes, etc?...

I wouldn't invest a lot. You certainly don't have to be designer or the latest fashion, just basic, clean, and neat.

Try consignment stores and/or thrift shops first. You can find some amazing bargains that way. Also, don't get dry clean only, buy machine washable.

Your interview outfit should be comfortable and look good both sitting and standing. Shoes need to be clean and professional but comfortable- you often tour facilities during the interview.

The nice thing is, you can wear the same outfit for every interview, unless you have a second interview the same place. Then you can just change out the blouse and look a little different, if you want.

[mjwhitley1313]

I am a current medical surgical nurse of about 1 year and 2 months. I have my BSN. My question is r/t a job posting which I feel is right up my alley, a nurse recruiter. I know I don't have experience but I feel I would really like this job. Should I apply? Any advice?