New grad trying hard not to give up...

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

Sometimes, it's so hard to keep pushing yourself forward and stay positive when all you keep getting is rejection. I am so disappointed and discouraged. Getting to the verge of tears just writing this. I'm a new grad with no "insider connections" -- I don't "know someone" that can help me get a job. Feels like I am looking for a job completely on my own, from scratch; from the very bottom.

I'm so unassertive; get called "quiet" and "shy" all the time. I hate it. I admit, my self esteem and confidence is at an all time low right now due to the constant flow of rejection lately. I am still clinging to the little positivity and hope I have left. I definitely don't want to play the victim or act like I'm the only one in this predicament; sorry if it seems that way. I'm just very frustrated at the moment.

I've been trying to find a job for months now. Since I graduated and passed the boards; May 2012 and July 2012, respectively.

I'm not someone to give up just because the going gets tough, but I really need some words of encouragement.

What else can I do?

How long do I have to just "be patient"?

Should I have a whole new game plan or change my approach in this?

What are some ways I can be more assertive/persistent without being annoying or phony about it?

Any advice or pearls of wisdom you can share are very much appreciated.

Thanks.

Specializes in Public Health, Women's Health.

Look up interview questions and practice in the mirror. I've read over the phone your tone can sound uninterested and try to smile it makes you sound more interested. Maybe record yourself and see if you need to up the enthusiasm. I prepared for mine and felt pretty good for my second interview, research the hospital good and be prepared for the usual questions "why do you want to work here?. Come up with something good that shows you did your research (ex, did they win an award for employee satisfaction). If you are like me you know your stuff you just forget to mention things, since its a phone interview, have keywords written down you don't want to forget. Team player, upbeat, etc. whatever you'd like to remember to mention. Make sure you have questions for them.

Specializes in Public Health, Women's Health.

Keep trying full force! I just got hired for my first RN position!

Specializes in Critical Care.

Congrats Belle! where and how did you get the job? :)

Specializes in Public Health, Women's Health.
Congrats Belle! where and how did you get the job? :)

Thank you. I'll have to say it seems it was my perfect position. I had applied 2 hours before the deadline and I was talking to a family member and the manager had called me the very next day. I interviewed two days later and I brought my A game. I studied my own résumé making sure I brought attention to all my strong points and practiced interview questions. I was just myself and told myself I've got this! It's at a small health clinic and I made sure my cover letter was amazing. I love public health so I'm excited!

Good Luck, I hope you get it.:up::yes:

Just keep truckin! It could take 1 or 5 years but you will land a job eventually.

Thanks for all of the responses everyone! Truly appreciate it, and sometimes it's a relief to know that you're not alone.

I have some pretty good news! I have a phone interview for a rural hospital in my state next Tuesday at 9 AM. I'm pretty nervous, and this hospital is 4 hours away from where I live -- I would have to relocate. That's not a big deal for me, as I am not married and have no children yet. Just money will be an issue, but hopefully not for long once I'm working full time.

Any tips for how I should answer the questions though? I don't want my nerves to sabotage this one! I'm researching the hospital now -- it's MAGNET recognized and affiliated with two major teaching hospitals; it would be a great learning experience for sure. I really want to ace this!

Please let us know how it goes!! I always say to myself- at the very worst, this interview will be good practice and may help me interview better the next time. Of course, its so hard to think like that when you really want the one your interviewing to at the time. Try to come across as professional, interested, but not too desperate. I was told by two people that i appeared desperate because i was willing to work any shift, and status (ft, pt, per diem). But as a new grad with my career being my #1 priority, i was willing to work where/whenever. I thought thatd be a good thing. Who knows what they want, evry interviewer is different. Please come back to tell us how it went! I wish you the very best of luck!!

Keep trying full force! I just got hired for my first RN position!

Belle that's awesome!!! Yayy! Congratulations and best of luck to you! :) Hope I can share the same news soon... keeping my fingers crossed!

Please let us know how it goes!! I always say to myself- at the very worst, this interview will be good practice and may help me interview better the next time. Of course, its so hard to think like that when you really want the one your interviewing to at the time. Try to come across as professional, interested, but not too desperate. I was told by two people that i appeared desperate because i was willing to work any shift, and status (ft, pt, per diem). But as a new grad with my career being my #1 priority, i was willing to work where/whenever. I thought thatd be a good thing. Who knows what they want, evry interviewer is different. Please come back to tell us how it went! I wish you the very best of luck!!

Thank you so much! & that's how I look at interviews too... practice makes perfect and there's always a positive to any situation. Great advice - I'll keep it in mind!

Just keep truckin! It could take 1 or 5 years but you will land a job eventually.

5 years sounds extremely scary! Lol but thank you! =)

Aahhhh! I'm SO happy! Just got off the phone with HR for my phone interview... I have an in-person interview for the hospital on January 8th!!! I'm happy/excited/scared!!! Lol I just want to make a REALLY good impression because the hospital seems like such a nice place for a new grad to start (and possibly stay), and the town is a really nice area. Please pray & keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

Good luck to everyone who posted on here too! Sending best wishes your way and that you all find jobs or at least interviews too! ♥

Good luck for your in person interview!!

+ Add a Comment