can you apply even if you don't meet the "requirement"

youngheartoldhead · Sep 21, 2013

If the job opportunities are limited in your area, then by all means, apply. sometimes what they require and what they actually end up settling for are 2 different things. I see those ads that require 1 and 2 years experience for icu/er and then later on find out they hired a new grad.

I've been hired in the past for a position that required 2 years of wound care experience and/or wound care certification. I had neither, but was hired simply because the only nurse with the requirements who applied demanded celebrity pay.

and there is also the possibility that they have other positions which haven't been posted yet.

the only field i know of that doesn't compromise on required experience is travel/agency nursing, which is approx 1 year in the area needed. they guarantee to send their clients experienced nurses and charge them dearly for it.

sunmaidliz · Sep 22, 2013

You only have 5 months experience - technically you are still a new grad. I have 6months experience and have difficulty finding a job. Wait 7 nmonths and then go apply for jobs in the big city. Get that magical year. You are working in a place where you are getting a GREAT foundation to do virtually any hospital unit. Keep your pants on, stay put, and get out of the New Grad year. Then, chase that big city dream!

naptimeRN · Jan 29, 2014

I applied for a job that said you needed 2+ years of experience and a Bachelors Degree. I have 1.5 years experience and an ADN. I got the job. If I don't meet all requirements, but do not seem too far off from what they are asking for, I apply.

blueorchid981 · Feb 2, 2014

I got many calls when I applied for positions that required 1 year and recommend 2 years. I only have 6 months RN experience. I got one of the jobs!

Concerto_in_C, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2014

It's ok to apply for jobs you are not "qualified for" (according to their job description) as long as the new gig makes sense in the light of your past experience. For example, many experienced med-surg nurses transition to higher acuity units such as intensive care because the career move makes sense-the candidate already has a good background in the common competencies and skills used in high acuity units. On the other hand, a former CNA who wants to jump into a RN unit manager position probably isn't rational.

However, be consistent in your application strategy and don't apply for multiple openings all over the system. Saturation strategy doesn't work because it exposes you as just another spammer (typical candidate) who is after a paycheck and does not even care about the units or the job descriptions. Recruiters will get annoyed with you very quickly.

Find a unit you like, apply, disappear, send a resume to another company. Don't spam. Some time in the future come back and re-apply, but only 1 position at a time.

In this economy candidates are desperate. Think what a desperate candidate would do and then change you behavior so you don't look desperate. Successful people are not desperate for anything. Companies want to hire successful people.

Good luck.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2014

I would honestly wait till a year before switching a job. I know it's tough but I think it looks better in the long run in my opinion.

Yetzer · Feb 24, 2014

wow. where was this? 'New' to NYC. I have been on the New Grad Hunt.

krisiepoo · Feb 25, 2014

I follow their requirements, they put it there for a reason. If they say "preferred" I will apply, but if it says "required" I figure they'll want someone who can read the "rules"

SE_BSN_RN, BSN · Mar 8, 2014

When they say "experience required" and they post the same job month after month, I think that would be a hint that no one with experience is applying and they should lower their requirements.

And, again comes the age old question.....how do you get experience if no one will hire you?

If they have a recruiter listed, I send my cover letter and resume, and introduce myself. And I also say "I have 8 years as a LPN, and 4m as a new RN, and I would like to be considered for this position" and let them decide.

SE_BSN_RN, BSN · Mar 8, 2014

It's ok to apply for jobs you are not "qualified for" (according to their job description) as long as the new gig makes sense in the light of your past experience. For example, many experienced med-surg nurses transition to higher acuity units such as intensive care because the career move makes sense-the candidate already has a good background in the common competencies and skills used in high acuity units. On the other hand, a former CNA who wants to jump into a RN unit manager position probably isn't rational.
However, be consistent in your application strategy and don't apply for multiple openings all over the system. Saturation strategy doesn't work because it exposes you as just another spammer (typical candidate) who is after a paycheck and does not even care about the units or the job descriptions. Recruiters will get annoyed with you very quickly.
Find a unit you like, apply, disappear, send a resume to another company. Don't spam. Some time in the future come back and re-apply, but only 1 position at a time.
In this economy candidates are desperate. Think what a desperate candidate would do and then change you behavior so you don't look desperate. Successful people are not desperate for anything. Companies want to hire successful people.
Good luck.

Well, of course new grads are after a paycheck! Some have student loans to pay, families to feed. Some of us are told to "get experience wherever you can". With all the jobs out there, you mean to tell me that ALL of them require experience and most of us are out of luck?? Because that's kinda how I feel right now. If I apply to a job it means I want it. My job hx isn't switching every 6 months, it's been 6 years at the same one! Ugh! Then again, the company with all the job openings may not be a good one to work for, either, if they can't retain employees!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2014

If they are applying the same job month after month, they may not truly have an opening and instead are farming applications in case they get a sudden opening.

RNshorty · Mar 23, 2014

Go for it!! My hubby as a new grad applied for a position that required one year of experience in an ICU or ED... And he got the job!!

Also, apply to as many jobs as you are interested in! When I was applying, I applied to every job posting... HR remembered who I was when I went to then in person and I got an interview 30 minutes after I left and a job the next day... Because HR said such great things about me to the manager!

Having a positive attitude and being genuinely nice and proactive about your life's path will help you go far!