Anyone else hate the online job application process??

Nurses Job Hunt

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Call me old school, but I worked hard on my resume and cover letters. Why do I have to type in all the information AGAIN when it's all on the resume you just let me upload?? If there is a spot that lets you do that of course. UGH. Just frustrated because it takes so long. Anyone else have an opinion?

I AGREE! I despise filling out online applications- I spent so much time making my resume look amazing, then I just have to fill everything in again online, it's so annoying. It's sad to think they will just throw out my resume if I'm missing certain keywords or something stupid.. Can't I just go talk to a real live person???

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What I don't like about the online application is how it is ignored.

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

I, too, hate online applications. I could get interviews on the spot when I could hand someone my hard copy resume. When applying online the computer sends me the "Thank you for your application. We will be in touch if your qualifications meet our needs. " Of course they meet your (stated in the listing) qualifications but since I do not get calls I can assume what?? You did not like my experience even though it matches what you requested??

And all those logins and passwords.. why on earth does each employer need you to open an account just to give them a resume.....I just know no one reads them.

And then when the rare interview does present it self, I am constantly told.."Don't bother with online application, our HR never sends us the right applicants!"

The whole problem is a non-nursing person may be the one reviewing your online application, really only the resume as I do not believe they actually read where we re-type all the silly answers. This person has no idea what a nurse actually does for the company, she just knows key words.. Our entire lives come down to "key words"

Wrong, so wrong on every aspect.:confused:

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UGH...so frustrating. When I was jobless and applying to every single job I found I often had non-nursing friends that were like what do you do all day? If you only knew...

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What I don't like about the online application is how it is ignored.

That was my first thought as I began filling out online applications... No confirmation email or call, no timeline given for contact, no contact information to follow up with... just set it and forget it! :anbd:

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I can't stand them, but I understand why they do it. It's just more efficient for hospitals considering they get inundated with applications from all the new grads each semester. For those of us who are career changers with lots of job experience, it can take hours especially when we have to answer questionaires also. It's just unfortunately part of the process and something we have to do to get that first year experience.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

How do I know just what "Key Words" the employer is looking for?? I haven't figured that out yet.

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Is there anyone out there who can give us any pointers on what to do/avoid to be effective when applying on-line?

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.
How do I know just what "Key Words" the employer is looking for?? I haven't figured that out yet.

If I knew that I would not be looking for a job:clown:

Sometimes I think I know but obviously not:D

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Pointers...

1. Apply even if you seem unqualified. I don't mean that you are a new grad and they are only looking for two years experience...that is a little too unqualified. However, some posts will say something like, "only apply if you have done your senior practicum in oncology." I applied for a large well-known hospital in the area that had a posting like this even though I did my senior practicum on a general surgical floor. In my cover letter I explained my personal experience I had as a family member of a patient who was on their oncology unit and I mentioned that I had volunteered on an oncology floor at a hospital in another area prior to nursing school. It was the first interview I got. Even though I did not get the job, it was great experience.

2. Always write a cover letter. And always make it personalized to the unit you are applying for.

3. Write a follow up e-mail to the manager to let them know you applied online and are very interested in the position. It is hard to find a managers name sometime so you can call the unit and they will often transfer you to their phone or if you know their name you can sometimes find their e-mail with google. They will often e-mail you back giving you more information (like, we are filling this position with a current employee) or you may not hear a thing. Kind of a hit or miss.

4. If the hospital has a Human Resources Center, stop in and ask to talk to the nurse recruiter. Be dressed with cover letter and resume in hand like your ready to interview. Let them know you are very interested in working for their facility and ask if they know when they will be able to hire a new grad. I did this at a facility. The nurse recruiter gave me pointers on the "key words" to put into my cover letter which was simply their values and she got me an interview on a unit a couple weeks later. I didn't get that position, but then a couple months later she let me know that she forwarded my information to another unit. I got an interview there and got the job.

5. Lastly, let everyone and their dog know you are job searching. Let them know you are having trouble finding work. You never know who knows who and who can help you. I have learned lots of people are willing to help. Neighbors, family friends, family...etc.

GOOD LUCK!!!

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Specializes in Cath Lab/ ICU.
How do I know just what "Key Words" the employer is looking for?? I haven't figured that out yet.

Oh wow, how naive am I? I never even "thought" of keywords....:confused:

Man, seriously, I can't imagine filling out hundreds of online apps. To the poor new grads out there doing this day in and day out....my hat's off to you.

I filled out 3 online apps this month. And I thought I was going to pick up the computer and throw it through the window until it was crushed into smithereens.

One kept auto refreshing and deleting all my data!!! OMG! Hated that app. Another refused to remember my online account email or password. And when I would ask for a new password, it was say, "invalid email". So then when I tried to register using my email it said, "email account already in use"

Grrr!!!!:mad:

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

What I disliked of one place was they were asking for my SS# on an online application. I think not........

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