Difficulty finding a job.

[HappyPediRN]

I'm a new grad and have been actively looking to secure a job for the past 8 months. Once I graduated I really stepped it up, but I have yet to receive one phone call or email back. The Boston market is extremely saturated with new grads, and I've applied all over Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and even RI! I graduated with high honors, Dean's List, Sigma, etc, have three years of experience at three hospitals so I feel like I did all I could as a student to ensure getting a good job. What am I doing wrong. I'm really nervous I won't find a job soon, and my bills are PILING up. A few major hospitals in Boston have a hiring freeze and I've been told the turnover is extremely low. I'm really nervous I won't find a job soon, and my bills are PILING up. Can anyone relate or offer advice? Thanks.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Have you tried the VA system for a new grad program?

http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=1001&dnum=All

http://www.newengland.va.gov/careers.asp

http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=73434550&AVSDM=2008%2D07%2D01+07%3A27%3A35&Logo=0&brd=3876&lid=17720&lid=17721&lid=17723&lid=17748&lid=17783&jbf574=VA*&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y&caller=advanced_search.asp&SUBMIT1.x=95&SUBMIT1.y=13

http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=63690211&AVSDM=2007%2D12%2D08+12%3A14%3A42&Logo=0&brd=3876&lid=17720&lid=17721&lid=17723&lid=17748&lid=17783&jbf574=VA*&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y&caller=advanced_search.asp&SUBMIT1.x=95&SUBMIT1.y=13

[jjjoy, LPN]

Have you followed up your applications with calls? Have you gone in to the hospital HR departments in person? Have you asked to speak directly with any nursing managers?

If not, try those possibilities. Just sending in applications by mail or on-line often doesn't get any response. You'd think HR departments would be more active in responding to applications, but the reality is that they are often flooded with applications and just don't have the resources to follow-up on each and every one of them immediately. After awhile, they figure the applicants have probably moved on and focus on new applications. So you've got let them know that you are VERY interested in working there... not just sending applications willy-nilly without consideration. Don't give up easily - call back or stop in once a week. And if they say they aren't hiring and can't offer you a job, ask if you could at least speak to a nursing manager to find out about their particular area of nursing and ask them for advice about getting the kind of job you'd like.

Some HR personnel can be rude and dismissive but you need a job and it's worth it to you to be persistent, and maybe even a bit annoying, as you inquire about jobs.

[TangoLima]

I had a hard time finding a job too. I pounded the pavement a couple of times, thinking that if I showed up in person I would be able to talk to someone. Finally on my third attempt, I told them I had driven a long way, and asked if I could wait until someone was available to speak with. I guess they took pity on me, because I interviewed with 2 managers, and ended up with a job offer. I agree with the previous poster about being persistent and even somewhat annoying.

Good luck in your search.

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

If you've been applying online you might have been applying for canned jobs which are jobs that are always posted to elicit applications but that department might not be hiring. At this juncture I would suggest getting the resume in order, putting on some nice clothes and heading out the HR departments and ask to see their list of CURRENT openings. Find one of interest and ask to talk to whoever does the hiring. If HR tries to blow you off, ask them for a name a phone # so you can contact them directly. Sometimes you almost have to get annoying persistent especially in HR departments that get 1000's of applications a day.

Good luck!!!!