when should I call about an application? and what to say?

SammiJoRNBSN · Feb 28, 2011

It's best to wait approx a week before contacting the person regarding the application. Calling to soon may make you seem desperate, which may give the employer a negative impression. It's tough for new grads out there right now, take it from a new grad. Just be candid with your phone call....state who you are and that you are following up on the position you applied for. If further discussion ensues, then bring about the point about how enjoyable your preceptorship was.

Not to scare you....and I do not know which state you are from....but I am in Northeastern Ohio where we have Metro, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals all within a 20 mi radius....over half of my classmates still do not have positions. A quarter of them received their positions because they did a nurse tech program and the other quarter either took jobs in nursing homes or scoured the job listings daily and submitted a ton of applications. Many hospitals are not hiring new grads, so don't wait around for a single application. Submit applications and resume/cover letters to jobs you are most interested in and ensure that you update the resume/cover letter to be specific for that job posting. On another note, seek out postings that are accepting new grad applications (like a nurse residency program).

Best wishes!!!

imfinallyanRN · Feb 28, 2011

thanks, I live in northern california in a very small community. I know its tough out there, I have a friend who graduated May last year moved to San Diego and still cant find a job there, LA or Vegas. She remembered me at that time, she was also an instructor at the school I went to.

ticklemenita · Feb 28, 2011

Usually one week is good enough to allow them to get a chance to review the apps. What you said is fine, but I would add, "If at all possible I would like to set up a time for an interview". Good luck!

noahsmama · Feb 28, 2011

Did you submit the application directly to the nurse manager who already knows you, or did you submit it to HR? If you submitted it to HR, I would go ahead and call the manager right away, just to let her know that your application has been submitted to HR -- that way, if there's any glitches and HR doesn't forward your application, she'll know to be looking for it, and can even call HR herself if your application doesn't appear on her desk (which she may do if she remembers you and is interested in hiring you).

If you submitted your application directly to the NM, then I would wait a week.

Good luck!

RNfaster · Feb 28, 2011

I think it's okay to call. I don't think there's anything wrong with calling a couple days after submission. --You will either get a manager that will speak to you or voice mail (and you may not get a call back). If you are able to speak to the manager (or even their vmail), quickly say what you planned (and noted), and also briefly tell her/him a few things that you can do for her. (What makes you a better candidate than others? How will you benefit her/him?) And, as another writer suggested, ask for an interview.

Cast a wide net --go for this job and others. Try for acute care, long-term acute care, subacute nursing facilities, etc. Get some experience...and build on it. Be prepared to submit lots of applications. Make it your near-term job. Good luck!!