How to apply out of state?

[Tarabara]

I'm asking this in the nursing discussion section because I'm hoping for responses from people who have already been through the process.

I am still a student and dont graduate until December but I'm starting to look at areas I want to apply for jobs as a new grad. But I dont know how to go about applying for jobs out of state. How do interviews work? I'd be willing to travel for an interview but only if i have a fighting chance at the job since I cant afford to travel all over the country. However, I dont want to word it that way to prospective employers. If they know I'm out of state will they just go by phone interviews? Any information is appreciated thanks!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

i have applied out of state as a rn. paper work can be submitted online and via fax. you can also take any exams hr wishes you to take online as well.

plus, in my experience, yes, employers will do phone interviews, but that is usually the first interview. some may be willing to do panel interviews over the phone (the second interview or third interview) but not all. most want you to travel to them so that they meet you and interview you in-person. in addition, they can give you a tour of the floor, you are able to see the area you will work (some facilities are located in not so desirable locations), and your future prospective co-workers can get a sense of you as well.

as for a fighting chance, i am sorry to say that the reality is there are no guarantees in this job market. however, if you are willing to travel to be interviewed, you are a great candidate, and you plan to pay for your own relocation, you might be chosen over local prospects. gl!

[BelleFleurRN]

I graduated over the summer from a BSN program and set my sites on moving just as you are. I applied online at the hospital websites for new grad positions in states where I wanted to live. I had two interviews, and had to travel there and pay my own expenses for both. I did end up with an offer from one of the hospitals that I accepted!

As the previous poster stated you really need to interview in person. It is important for you to see the area you may be working. Also, the way I saw it I needed to go in person to prove that I was really serious about wanting the job. You can assume that if they are calling you to interview, than you have as you stated, a fighting chance for the job. It is a gamble, but it can definitely pay off. I landed my dream job.

Best of luck in your search!!

[WillowNMe]

I am graduating in May and am looking at moving out of state, as well. With guidance from some people that have done it before, I have started to apply now with the knowledge that I am actually traveling down to the state I am applying to in March... Not necessarily in hopes to have an interview, but I at least will be down in the area and have the availability to give them if it comes up. I am also showing that I am interested by setting up shadowing appointments, starting to network and see if I can't get my foot in the door.

[Lovelymo79]

I am graduating in May and am looking at moving out of state, as well. With guidance from some people that have done it before, I have started to apply now with the knowledge that I am actually traveling down to the state I am applying to in March... Not necessarily in hopes to have an interview, but I at least will be down in the area and have the availability to give them if it comes up. I am also showing that I am interested by setting up shadowing appointments, starting to network and see if I can't get my foot in the door.

I am doing the exact same thing. I'm graduating in June but traveling to the state I'm dying to go to in March to visit and check it out. I'm also trying to set up shadowing appointments as well, just to show my face, along with my applications. I have a few friends at hospitals in the state so I intend on visiting and touring their hospitals too! Hopefully, being out of state will not work against us!