Career Fair & Resume question

[cad4296]

Okay I really need some help from the experts here. I am going to a healthcare career fair tomorrow so I'm polishing up my resume. I'm finishing up my first semester of nursing school and would really like to get my feet wet and start working in a hospital. I currently have a M-F 8-5 customer service job that I've been doing for 5 years. Its just too much with school. I would like to try to get in as an aide or unit secretary or whatever I'm qualified for. At this point I'd take scrubbing toilets just to get my foot in the door! Some of the hospitals that will be at this fair will allow nursing students to work as aides.

So my big question is I'm stuck on what to put as my objective. Because really I would work as an aide or unit secretary or admissions or receptionist or just anything to get into that environment. Basically my objective is to get in at a hospital and start learning the ropes so to speak so that when I do finish school I'm familiar with the environment and not in total shell shock. I just don't know how to incorporate that into a nice little objective sentence!

Second question is what should I expect at a career fair? I know I should bring lots of resumes and dress professionally. But what actually goes on at a career fair? Do I just make my rounds and talk to people or what? Should I bring anything else?

TIA for the help!

[RN1989]

I have never found that HR personnel or managers at hospitals ever really care if you have an "objectives" section on your resume. Since you are not trying to get a high powered exec job, I say leave it off. Most hospitals are desperate for people and don't stand on those kind of formalities.

You can talk to the recruiters that at the fair about what their requirements are for nurse techs. If you find that you don't meet the requirement for a nurse tech, then talk to them about secretary positions. If you do meet their requirement for a nurse tech, then play up that you can be versatile in that you are willing to work either position and could work on the floor or take the desk on a busy day. Then, the recruiter is not going to care a whit about whether you put objectives on the resume at all.

[SeychelleRN]

So my big question is I'm stuck on what to put as my objective... I just don't know how to incorporate that into a nice little objective sentence!

Second question is what should I expect at a career fair? I know I should bring lots of resumes and dress professionally. But what actually goes on at a career fair? Do I just make my rounds and talk to people or what? Should I bring anything else?

TIA for the help!

Objective: To gain hospital experience as a nursing student.

If you already know what hospital representatives will be there, I would make a priority list of the ones you like to visit. Introduce yourself with a handshake, "Hi my name is...and I am interested in a unit clerk or patient care tech position. As you know nursing school is my priority, what schedules do you have to accommodate my schedule?" Give them your resume (with cover letter) and ask when to expect a call back for an interview. Bring a bag because there will be lot's of freebies and handouts which can take a toll as you are walking around. Go relaxed, have fun, and be sure to stand out. This could be your future employer:yeah:.