Personally Handing Out Resumes

[IKnowYouRider]

So out of desperation, I tried something new today. Instead of just sending my apps into the void also known as the recruiting office, I took time going around to a couple of places I've applied and asked to speak with a nursing manager/DNP or the like.

Out of the three places I went to I was not able to speak with anybody other than the person at the front desk. This was expected. What did happen was that I was able to obtain the names and email addresses of the nurse manager. These bits of information, for the most part, are not available online.

So, my plan is to start emailing a few of the nurse managers directly, to quickly introduce myself, provide my resume, and say 'thank you', or something of the sort. What I'm really trying to do is cut out the middle man/woman (the recruiters).

My question, has anybody taken this approach? What was your result? Would you advise against this level of assertive/aggressiveness?

[Testa Rosa, RN]

I did this; nothing came of it at the time but it forced me to update my resume frequently as I added certifications. In time, I put together a nice resume package with my photo on the cover and letters of rec and certs, etc.

This gave me something to hand out and gave me an excuse to talk to the nurse manager when I visited the unit I precepted on where I was eventually hired almost a year after graduation.

I had given her a copy of my resume at the time I finished my preceptorship, but coming back with this nice package left an impression.

I too collected emails and telephone numbers from unit secretaries and started talking to several managers who gave me good advice and what certifications to get and where a new grad may go to get hired. As it turns out, one of them mentioned the unit I precepted on would be needed new nurses soon as they were expanding which allowed me to time my visit. I had precepted on the weekends so had only met the nurse manager once before. My persistence paid off.

So you never know what can happen. You can be persistent without being a pest. Good luck, it's a tough job market out there.

TR

[animal1953]

I've also taken this approach and have found I get more interviews. HR is overwhelmed with apps and sometimes your app may not get to the manager of that unit your are applying to. I tend to follow up every 2 weeks or so to keep my name fresh. If the manager doesn't want you contacting them, back off for about a month and see if the position is still open and them re-contact. You have to be proactive in your job hunting. You can't count on HR to help you.