Does cold calling really work?

[Miwila]

Generally speaking I never really like the idea of calling businesses to find out if they're hiring. A lot of the people who answer the phone act as if you're bothering them with that kind of question, you unworthy unemployed peasant. But there are so many nursing homes within 20 mins of where I live and it would be a real luxury to work that close to home. I'm wondering if I were to call and ask to speak to the human resources department would this be a worthwhile investment of time, or do HR depts at nursing homes get annoyed if you cold call them as well?

[caliotter3]

Nine times out of ten when I visit a prospective employer with employment documents and resume in hand, I am interviewed and hired on the spot. If I can't be interviewed at that particular time, I am given a time to return. Too easy for the clerk/receptionist to brush you off when you call.

[lorelei1973]

Nine times out of ten when I visit a prospective employer with employment documents and resume in hand, I am interviewed and hired on the spot. If I can't be interviewed at that particular time, I am given a time to return. Too easy for the clerk/receptionist to brush you off when you call.

Nine times out of ten? How do you account for all that movement?

[elkpark]

There's nothing wrong with "cold calling" (or "cold visiting," as caliotter noted) -- it shows you're motivated and determined about finding a job.

Also, have you searched for websites for these facilities, or their parent companies/systems? Nowadays, most heatlhcare organizations have websites with open positions listed, and, often, you can even apply through the website.

[Miwila]

Yes, I've checked websites and tried applying that way. I've noticed some of the smaller LTC's don't have websites, and as Callioter noted there seems to be a special advantage in showing up in person to apply. I've heard other CNA's say the same thing - that they got jobs easier by applying in person.

[Floridadreamer]

May I ask what "employment documents" are? CPR, BBS, License...right?

I think that going in person to a facility is a much better presentation of the fact that you are truly interested in working at that particular location. Especially that there are so many within 20 minutes. That is what I am planning to do!

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

going in person to an unadvertised facility landed me a job. worth a try

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

From my experience this can have good results or not so good results.

Yes, although most places these days have websites, some don't. I tried calling the facility where I did my clinicals at(it has a website just no online app), and everytime I called I got the run around. Finally when I did decide to just go up there & fill out an app, all the open positions were filled

Also, although a lot of companies have those online apps, from my experience they rarely check the apps. I think its better to apply in person. At one place, I filled out an application & got an interview on the spot.

Like another poster mentioned, always keep your documents with you. I think it shows that you're prepared :)

Good luck

[Miwila]

That kind of advice is really handy. It would never occur to me to carry documentation with me while job hunting.

[greeniebean]

Whenever I answer the phone where I work the most I can say to someone enquiring about open positions is to come apply. Our facility has that system in place for all employees so you wouldn't get far if you cold called us. I think applying in person is better. It gives them a chance to see your face and maybe talk to you a little bit.

[Floridadreamer]

Does anyone know if going in person to a hospital would be good?

[caliotter3]

It can't hurt. Sure beats applying online and having your application ignored. It is a little more difficult to ignore you when you are standing right in front of them. The worst that can happen is that they tell you to go away. The best that can happen is that you apply, are interviewed, and hired on the spot.