Management perspective on applying for jobs in person?

caliotter3 · Apr 27, 2015

I am not management. I apply for jobs in person. One time, I applied a second time at a place and was called in for an interview. Surprisingly enough, the DON stated she had never seen my application the time I had applied previously. That told me there was a self-proclaimed "gatekeeper" in that organization and that I had better watch out (small enough employer). Another time that I applied for a job, I was brushed off when I called to follow up. I stopped bothering. Then they called me back a few months later, after I had already accepted employment elsewhere. These two experiences with in-person applications tells me that the employer does things on their timetable. But had I not applied in the first place, they wouldn't have had my name and number to bandy about at their leisure. When you need work, you can't be always hesitating over what you deem to be 'niceties'. You won't get that consideration from the other side of the table.

babydeern · Apr 27, 2015

Thank you for your input I appreciate it. I think I'm just gonna do it!

caliotter3 · Apr 27, 2015

Oh, I've been applying in person for years now. It's how I get my jobs. Most of the time, when the market was better, I could go in ready to interview, interview, and get hired on the spot. At most, for inconvenience, I would get an appointment to come back for an interview later. But this is for jobs in the home health sector. It works differently for hospitals and other employers with formal HR departments. But I would always go to an employer with all my little paperwork, dressed, and ready to interview. You never know.

rnscholar1 · May 21, 2015

As a nurse manager, I think it is nice to put a name to a face. I have had people apply in person and sometimes I even interview on the spot. It think it shows initiative. Plus, it sometimes takes me a long time to get resumes through the proper channels.

jrt4 · Jun 2, 2015

I would say its not a bad thing and actually shows initiative. I would caution you from approaching the hiring manager directly. It is always best to go through Human Resources. I really hate it when someone gets ahold of my email or phone number and calls me frequently to check and see if there are any openings. I have also had people that I interviewed and didn't want to hire call me back asking if there are any other opportunities. That is not a good approach...usually there is an HR department handling screening. Always start there!

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Jun 6, 2015

I am a manager in a state agency, so in my setting it would be pointless for anyone to show up with resume in hand. I work in a prison, so people are lot allowed in without prior authorization, and I cannot interrupt my work day to visit with someone who shows up unannounced. One afternoon I found an RN waiting in the parking lot as I was leaving work, and I told her the proper procedure for application. I can't even consider anyone unless they are already on the authorized list. Our HR department screens applicants for minimum qualifications and so forth. Telephone contacts are fine - I don't mind talking to people. Visiting in person involves leaving my unit and walking the length of the facility to sit with them in the lobby.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 6, 2015

OP: All of the above are very good responses because the answer to your question is that it will depend. In the cases where there is a formalized hiring process due to government/agency policy or union bargaining agreements or the facility is big and very formal, it is a waste of time to go in-person; a huge waste. On the other hand, smaller agencies that are less formal are very good places to introduce yourself in-person with resume in hand ready to interview. Another route is to be a traveler (even local) to meet mangers and work in positions where you can find a permanent position eventually because you are a known commodity and can network with people internally.