How can I be more competitive in the job market?

RN543 · Oct 4, 2014

In my experience, the biggest factor in getting a job as a new grad is who you know. Someone else may be able to provide you more insight about things you can do to beef up your resume, but I would definitely start networking if you haven't already. I applied to lots of hospitals when I graduated but got few call backs for interviews. I ended up getting a position at a hospital where my mom had worked for 30 years and she is well known there and well liked. I don't think I would have even gotten an interview if it wasn't for her. We had a pretty large group of new grad RNs in our orientation. The majority of them had worked at that hospital as CNAs or nurse techs. A couple others had worked there as LPNs before getting their RN. I was only one of a couple who wasn't already an employee there.

Most of my friends got jobs at places where they did their preceptorship or because of people they new. Some others took jobs outside of acute care hospitals... Like in psych, corrections, or nursing homes. Other posters may disagree, but if you don't have luck getting a job in a hospital, you might consider getting a job in a place like that. You may have better luck that way and still get some valuable experience that will get you into a hospital at a later time, if that's what you want. Now I work in psych... And we do hire some new grads. Psych isn't for everyone but sometimes you never know until you try it. I know I never planned on working in psych, but I actually love it and am now in school to be a psych NP. I wouldn't do anything else.

So try to make connections and put your name out there at places you might want to work. If you are not already, you might want to work as a CNA or nurse tech until you graduate. You might even consider doing some volunteer work to do some networking.

Good luck to you and hope your job search is a success.

gcupid · Oct 5, 2014

sleep with the right person

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Oct 5, 2014

network and SHINE during your clinicals, express interest in working there the California market is saturated with nurses, you will have to appear to stand out......or you can move rural, ie south east texas and go to work sooner :) unfortunately there is not a nursing shortage.

EmpathyInAction · Oct 5, 2014

Aside from making contacts:

1) Make sure your resume is up to par! If it is plain, poorly organied, poorly written or does not properly highlight you/ your skills, then you are doomed before you start. - I passed my NCLEX In September. I had one interview based only on the submission of my resume. My second interview was with a LTC facility that contacted me after finding my resume on Career Builder. I got that job and am now orienting there. Since accepting that job I've been contacted twice by places that had also found me via my resume.

2) To bounce off item number one, post your resume on a job website. They are not just used by those seeking employment. Potential employers also search for candidates there.

3) keep an open mind. If you are dead set to Only work on a transplant floor in acute care (for example) you'll have a much harder time finding employment. I was set on being a floor nurse in a hospital. I accepted the position in LTC and am thrilled. I am extremely happy with the facility and my coworkers so far and believe it is somewhere I could be happy for a long time. I could be wrong but I'm open to that possibility and that if I'm not happy there, it may be just my starting point. End result is simply to be willing to be open to many possible options.

4) Interview the interview. You can't really know if the position you are applying for is something that will fit you unless you are proactive. The people interviewing you want to know if you fit their facility. Ask the question that answers the question "Does the facility fit me?".

5) Dress business professional for the interview. Speak professional. Make eye contact. Be friendly and engaging. Monitor body language (it says a lot) - lean in, don't sit way back or slouch, don't sit with your arms crossed. Don't take your travel mug of coffee. Don't stink of cigarettes (if you smoke). Be Early.

6) Relax. If you appear nervous and unsure of yourself, potential employers will be too. Their putting lives in your hands. Show them you are confident in your ability to do the job.

7) sometimes it takes time. Give it time. It's not abnormal to have to spend some time looking.

8) Finally, Apply for jobs you are eligible for. If the job posting says "minimum 3yrs critical care experience required" then take it at face value and move on. Most employers will dismiss your application immediately if you are seriously under qualified.

KRVRN, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2014

I'm in Southern CA. From what I've seen, you pretty much need a BSN.