What to do? Not so great encounter with HR....

Nurses Relations

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I need some good advice. I volunteer at the agency where I was hoping to eventually find work; I didn't think anything would come up soon, as they had a mass layoff only 3 months ago. But to my great surprise some of the nurses have just turned in their resignations (due to frequent call-offs as the census has been low, I surmise) and there is now an opening. When I found out about it, the closing date had already passed but I went to HR anyway to inquire about it.

I told the person answering the door that I was a volunteer and also an RN and asked if the position had already been filled. The HR manager (? that's the office she went into, but she didn't even give me her name) told me they had interviews scheduled and the position closed last week, but added that I might apply anyway and if the scheduled interviews didn't work out I might be considered; then she tried to get me interested in a phone position with terrible hours which I definitely don't want (they probably have no applicants for that, and it might be the only reason she even talked to me). She didn't ask me to have a seat and took a phone call as she printed out a copy of the application form and said I should get it in by today.

So now I don't know what to do. Chances are, this job has been filled; I would love to have such a job, but not exactly at this time (August would be better for personal/child care reasons). I really should try to pursue such an opportunity from the inside (i.e., the hiring manager not HR), but now it's too late. I guess I just acted without thinking and am now backed into a corner. Or am I?

Should I go ahead and fax my hastily prepared resume and application to HR (whose job it is to screen people out)? Should I just let it go and wait for the next opening? But if I don't send the application, will I be unfavorably remembered? (I don't think she got my name, but I am a volunteer so if she wanted to find out, she could. But would she want to?) Everything seemed a bit disorganized there, she didn't even quite know what openings there (suddenly) were.

I don't want to blow it with this company, but now I feel that I might do that no matter what I do.

Any advice?

Thanks,

DeLana

Specializes in OR.

It sounds like you may be over-thinking this. I agree with everything you say - it may be difficult if you're offered a job you don't want; it may be too late for the job you do want; you may never get a job at this place. All of these things could be true.

The only thing that's certain is that you'll never get a job if you never apply. The worst thing that can happen is that you are offered this job you don't want. And then you can come back to allnurses for more advice!

Good luck with the search!

It can't hurt to apply. It's unlikely you are backed into any corner.

However, if you really don't want to start to work yet, then wait!

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

HR departments have been known to work more slowly than a turtle walking backwards. Just submitting an application doesn't mean you'd even get an interview quickly. Who knows, by August, the job you want at the time you want could open up. As they say, "it's a process."

If I was you, I'd send in a nice cover letter along with a complete resume that's as impressive as you can make it. Also, tell the manager of the department in which you work what you've done. You'd still have to apply with HR anyway, even if the manager wants to hire you today. Then you'd still have to wait for "the process" to happen.

At the worst, it will be a learning experience. At the best, having seen the job and applying could lead to that job or another in the near future.

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

apply. worry about the consequences later

Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

I agree with Insa-you are over thinking this. The HR person was probably had a lot of things on her mind-which does not excuse her poor manners, but you probably just caught her off-guard since you didn't have an appointment. No worries.

Submit your app and let it go. Seriously, she just had bad manners, and I am sure it has no bearing on you in the least. Let your resume speak for itself and follow up with a phone call next week.

I am wishing you the best!

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

If you are acquainted with the Unit Manager, let them know that you submitted your resume and are very eager to interview for the position.

Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

Yes, fax your resume and application TODAY, since she said to do it today.

Then, revise your "hastily prepared" resume so that if this opportunity doesn't pan out, you're ready to take advantage of the next one.

Good luck!

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