Handing Resumes to Managers In Person

[fingers_crossed]

In this fairly competitive job market, I'm wondering how everyone has been successfully getting jobs. I'm personally looking in the Edmonton market, and I have been applying to jobs online through AHS. However, I have heard throughout my education that it can be helpful to visit managers in person and hand in a resume.

Does this help? How do you do this? (Walk straight up to the unit clerk and ask to see the manager? What if the unit is quite busy and hectic at that time?) I'm thinking of giving it a try but it makes me a little nervous to put myself out there like that!

[ArceusAlpha]

A unit manager (RAH) I spoke with stated that it puts a face to the applicant, to which she prefers. To say that it gives some benefits over online application, I would like to say it does -- for some unit managers, not all I suppose.

[Fiona59]

A unit manager (RAH) I spoke with stated that it puts a face to the applicant, to which she prefers. To say that it gives some benefits over online application, I would like to say it does -- for some unit managers, not all I suppose.

True but the application has to make it out of HR and to the unit manager.! Managers can't ask to have specific applications sent down to them.

Have you seen the new section in the online application process? Basically you have to meet all the criteria and swear you are telling the truth or face termination.

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

This seems like a good solution, email being a little less intrusive than visiting in person. How did you find the manager's email? I can't even find out the name of the managers for the units I'm interested in!

For my first job (RPN) it was trickier because I was an external applicant. Basically I found out the email format for the corporation and asked someone who I knew worked there what the managers name was. Then I just guessed the email based on the format...and I got lucky. For my RN job I was already an internal applicant so I just went on the hospital internet portal and searched the managers name, then I was able to email her directly from my work email. But I also went directly to the office of the peds oncology manager and handed in a resume and got an interview, as well as did the same for women's health and ICU and had interviews there as well. I ended up in NICU which is what I wanted, but I had 4 interviews in specialty areas before I even finished the RN program from emailing and visiting managers....I also live in the GTA which is apparently a saturated market. Find out the requirements for the areas you're interested in and work on those, I did ACLS, PALS, NRP and started my perinatal/neonatal distance education courses before I was even finished the BSCN program....therefore I had extra credentials when I started applying when my classmates didn't...guess who got the interviews/job. Just a tip

[NurNikki]

I know a few old classmates that were hooked up with jobs just by friends passing on their resumes. Thid was a year ago. This is not right in my eyes, but if you're starving for work i dont blame anyone for doing it.

I sounded like your six months ago. On here, asking all kinds of questions as to how to get your foot in the door. There are a few trolls on here that will try to tell you there is a freeze, ahs and cov health don't have to hire new people blah blah blah. Don't let them dishearten you. They said the same thing to me but I was actually hired at three different hospitals a while ago. Look at that, they apparently did have to hire new people. :)

Here's my advice,

Fit your resume to the posting. Whatever experience you have sell sell sell it. Tell them why you are fit for that position based on your experience.

When you have an interview, male sure you know about emergency situations and how to respond to them. I was asked questions about things we didn't really learn about In school, but with the proper research I was able to answer them. And really, don't forget compassion. I've had a few interviewers tell me they can teach you all kinds of things once you start working, but they are glad to see I have compassion as well.

And just be persistent! Apply to absolutely every casual posting there is. If the last cover letter didn't catch their attention then make sure you update it. Ask yourself what can be improved about it.

No one spends their entire life attempting something, turns 90 and says "well, that didn't work."

Unless it's riding a unicorn. You will probably never ride a unicorn I'm sorry. But you can be a nurse in a hospital if you continue to try. :) So many people doubted me and look at me now.

[Castiela]

I think it depends on the manager. When I was a new grad, I applied to positions online then followed up my application with a visit to the offices. Some managers were interested in talking, others said they were too busy. I ended up with a few interviews which landed me full time. I also have friends who had no luck finding a position as a new grad until they met with the manager. We were also told as new grads to not visit managers... This was in bc however, but it has worked in 2 major health authorities to my knowledge so far

[MelissaC71]

I would get in contact with the manager and ask for a tour of the area as you are thinking about applying for a casual/FTE on that floor, or in that unit. I'd say as a new grad your best bet for getting any work and experience in AHS right now would be to go the rural route. You can get hired on as casual, they don't need to apply online to be hired or to hire a casual employee. You learn a lot of skills and get a variety of experience.