Did you ever use being male as a part of your being hired?

[Doindia]

Hi all! This may come across as a weird title/topic, but I am curious. I'm about to graduate and I am currently applying for positions in various residency programs. All of them want letters of intent, which is relatively easy. Everything I read about letters of intent say to include a section of why they should choose you, or how could you help the unit. My question is: In a scenario like this (in addition to the other reasons they should choose me) have you/would it be ok to bring up being a male in a predominantly female industry. Of course I would lean towards the integration and diversity on the unit. Perhaps bringing in different perspectives etc...

It's just entire student nursing career I have heard from staffed nurses on every unit I have ever been on about how they enjoyed me being there and "we need more guys here" I'm just wondering if anyone has ever used this as an underlying selling point to an employer in addition to the other skills that need emphasis.

Find a way to mention it, or leave it alone?

also I hope this is in the right area, I know students/new grads have a forum, but I really wanted as many guys to see this as possible to get opinions.

[Biffbradford]

Leave it alone. The only reason staff wants more male nurses is to help turn big patients. Seriously. If you want to rise above the crowd, then boast how you work beyond the job in finding ways of running the unit more efficiently to save the organization money, being on committees to get Magnet certification, etc (but not running on any overtime!). THAT will get you noticed. Doing more than 'just your job'. Good luck!

[Doindia]

Haha that may be true but whatever the reason, if it would help or have any emphasis id do it. With that said I appreciate your recommendations I think that is a great idea and I will look into that. For the individual above and any future readers please know I'm not making "being male my selling point to hire me. Just curious if anyone threw it in theirs.

[Krzysztof]

Working under the assumption that they'll have figured out you're male, I agree with above; leave it alone. They'll already know all about men in the nursing field and all that goes with it. Focus instead on your unique strengths and abilities -- what you'll bring to the unit besides a Y chromosome. Remember that you'll be competing with other guys too, so it's not necessarily all that much of an edge.

Best of luck!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Haha that may be true but whatever the reason, if it would help or have any emphasis id do it. With that said I appreciate your recommendations I think that is a great idea and I will look into that. For the individual above and any future readers please know I'm not making "being male my selling point to hire me. Just curious if anyone threw it in theirs.

I don't think you need to point out the obvious...you are a male. Pointing out your gender will benefit your position how? What specifically does your gender bring to the job itself that makes you the superior candidate?

I would find what makes you a stand out performer minus the benefit or hindrance of the Y chromosome. Pointing out the obvious may irritate the reviewer for they cannot bias hiring based on race, sex, religion etc. It can make you seem self-indulgent and boastful pointing out that you are male as a consideration for your superiority as a candidate....which never translates well into a team player.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I can honestly say I've never used being male as a selling point. Neither has my husband, who actually IS male. Surely there must be something about you that stands out -- some strengths that are unique to you and have nothing to do with your genitalia.

[Doindia]

Ruby thanks for your response but it is clear after reading it that you did not read my entire post or understand it one. There are many reasons someone should hire me and I will list them all. I was inquiring whether or not to add this in addition to my skills in the sake of diversity or perspective. I do not expect ANYTHING to be given to me or to be easier in the sake of "genitalia" thanks again for all responses I will not use this in anyway during my employment

[PHXRN1]

I've found that a simple 8 x 10 glossy of your genitals along with your available start date works best. It clarifies your intent as well as asserts your dominance. Hiring managers always love an alpha

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Bringing up being a male in a female dominated profession will not go over well. It will only come come across as arrogant, and your applications are likely to be tossed.

It may be OK to say you look forward to working in a diverse setting, but certainly not more than that. And, if the setting is already 98% uniracial females, even that may backfire on you.

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

I agree with the gentleman from The Windy City...it would backfire spectacularly.

[Mr Midwife, BSN, RN]

I remember when I was accepted to start my conversion traning to midwifery some of the midwives said I only got the place as I was a bloke and they a) couldn't be seen to discriminate against a male candidate and b) the interviewing manager had a known soft spot for male midwives.

I didn't consciencously use my gender but if it helps oh well, I do use flirting with Docs, other Mw's and people to try get things done for me earlier, which works about half the time!