Why Can't I get a job???

jjjoy, LPN · Jun 27, 2008

A couple of questions/some possible advice

Have you been into the HR offices in person? Do you follow-up by calling back a few days later? And calling back again the next week? Hospital HR departments are infamous for sitting on stacks of applications and it often takes more than just submitting an application to get an interview. If you call back week after week, they certainly can't say that they assumed you weren't still looking for a job.

Do you have any acquaintances working in a hospital? Friend of a friend? If so, ask advice from them about how to land a hospital job in your area. Ask if you could shadow them - maybe meet their nurse manager.

Even if you don't have inside connections, you can ask for an informational interview with a couple of nurse managers to find out if there's anything you can do to make yourself more marketable.

Consider calling some nurse managers directly, bypassing HR if HR seems to be dropping the ball. You could get a name by calling a hospital, asking to be connected to certain unit and then asking who the nurse manager is. Be as polite as possible if you contact someone this way, as some might not approve. However, in some places, it's the only way to make contact, so if you're stuck, it's worth a try.

Finally, what geographic area are you in? That can make a big difference in the demand for nurses. Some people might be able to give more specific advice if they knew what area you were looking in. Good luck!

MelodyRNurse · Jun 28, 2008

A couple of questions/some possible advice
Have you been into the HR offices in person? Do you follow-up by calling back a few days later? And calling back again the next week? Hospital HR departments are infamous for sitting on stacks of applications and it often takes more than just submitting an application to get an interview. If you call back week after week, they certainly can't say that they assumed you weren't still looking for a job.
Do you have any acquaintances working in a hospital? Friend of a friend? If so, ask advice from them about how to land a hospital job in your area. Ask if you could shadow them - maybe meet their nurse manager.
Even if you don't have inside connections, you can ask for an informational interview with a couple of nurse managers to find out if there's anything you can do to make yourself more marketable.
Consider calling some nurse managers directly, bypassing HR if HR seems to be dropping the ball. You could get a name by calling a hospital, asking to be connected to certain unit and then asking who the nurse manager is. Be as polite as possible if you contact someone this way, as some might not approve. However, in some places, it's the only way to make contact, so if you're stuck, it's worth a try.
Finally, what geographic area are you in? That can make a big difference in the demand for nurses. Some people might be able to give more specific advice if they knew what area you were looking in. Good luck!

I am looking in the tristate area (DE/PA/MD). I have contacted HR at my number one choice hospital, but the receptionist keeps saying "All you need to do is continue to update your application".

I have not followed up with the others because I have been so busy getting ready to take my boards. Now that I am done, I can focus more on the job. I am kind of shy when I don't know people, so this whole showing up in person thing is very difficult for me. It might be what I have to do.

NurseHirzRN · Jun 30, 2008

Most Pittsburgh Hospitals start hiring in Dec. for May grads. I happen to know that where I just started I applied and interviewed in Dec and it was feb before I heard anything. I would say if Pittsburgh is an area you are thinking about apply for positions use their web sites and if you dont hear anything in a couple of days call and ask to speak with the Nurse recuiter for the faclity. I know that HR were I am working is very busy right now with orientations so following up would be benificial. Good Luck in your endevers.