How to do a cold call.

[Capp]

I'm going to try reaching out to facilities that are not advertising to see if they have positions. What's the best way to do this generally? Should I just show up with my resume and ask to talk to HR? Or should I use their websites, as most facilities seem to have websites with links leading to job information.

[St_Claire, ADN, RN]

I call the facility and ask the receptionist for the name of the person responsible for hiring nurses. I then write a customized cover letter to that person and take that with my résumé to the facility. In my area many places still have paper applications so I ask the receptionist for one, fill it out, attach it to my cover letter and resume and give it to the receptionist. Then comes the hard part, ask the receptionist if that person has time to talk to me. They usually do not but occasionally they do. Either way, before you leave get a business card from the one you addressed your cover letter to and follow up in a couple of days with an email.

It's a long process but I have only had to do it about 20 times, I had 3 on the spot interviews and I start my new job tomorrow as a home health case manager. :-)

Be persistent and good luck!

[Capp]

Thanks for the reply. That sounds like a good approach. I'll try it!

[FLOBRN]

I called HR direct. I said "I see you have an opening in LDRP" When he said yes, I said "I'd like to discuss forming a partnership". I had an offer before I filled out the application. : )