First in-person resume drop-off. Any tips?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 2, 2009

Based on both nursing and non-nursing experiences...

First, find out when your target will be in so you know you will be able to see her...otherwise you'll end up leaving your resume with someone, and therefore may or may not get to her.

Don't go during the change of shift times (e.g., 0700, 1100, 1500, 1900, 2300), or during meal times. I'd aim for an hour or hour and a half after a shift change to drop in.

Dress as though you are going on a real-live interview...because it could very well turn into one. Also bring extra copies of your resume, cover letter, credentials, etc.

However, don't expect an interview. She may be willing to talk to you, or she may just accept your resume and make some vague promises. Don't set yourself up for disappointment--hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

When you see her, introduce yourself, tell her you heard about the job from your mole...and unless your mole really needs to be anonymous, mentioning a real name goes a lot further in the credibility deparment than saying "just someone" told you. Also, don't focus on the fact that she's only interviewing internals--focus on what YOU can offer her. Don't even mention you know about the internals, in fact!

Unless she absolutely says "No" to you, be sure to tell her that you'll follow-up in a week or so...and do just that. Also, immediately sending thank-you card is a must.

Last, if it turns out you miss the NM and have to leave your resume and cover with someone, be sure to take down the first and last name of both the manager and the person you are leaving the resume with as well as the date and time you were there...and be sure this person SEES you writing this down. Doing that will give your resume better odds of making it to her desk, because that person knows when you call the NM to follow-up, you'll tell her that "I left my resume with so-and-so on Wednesday afternoon, and she said that she would get it to you."

chicookie, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2009

When I went to mine, she wasn't even considering new grads. My tips for success: Speak to the manager in person. Look really nice and have everything with you and say something like I heard that you had a position open and were considering new grads so I came by because I think your floor would really teach me how to be a great nurse. I also said something about how I really wanted to put a face to my application.

If you can get information about the floor before going on the floor.

Smile, be nice, and really show that you are eager and the manager will like it because it shows that you have initiative and really want a job.

After that follow up with the nurse recruiter and she will add a bit of pressure. Mine did anyway. You might want to add a thank you note but I didn't do that.

I wish you the best.