How to get a job with these online nursing applications screened by HR?!

B52-H · Feb 10, 2011

I have done the same thing many times. In these tough times you have to be unconventional and pull out all the stops. Give the manager a call. What's the worse that could happen? They say no thanks? Make it very clear to them that you are very interested in working there and most importantly, why you want to. Do some research on the facility, it's a Primary Stroke Center, Level 2 Trauma Center etc.

Ask them to keep you mind for another opening and if it would be ok to keep in contact to check for new positions (Emailing them once a month or so would be best, they are busy people). It may seem like stalking but I think it shows them you are truly interested and keeps your name in the back of their mind if an opening becomes available. If they dismiss it then move onto the next hospital, it's their loss :)

Its better to get some resolution on the matter than lay awake at night constantly thinking about what is happening with your app.

At the very least when I get rejected I ask:

Why? Not enough positions?

Is there something about resume that is lacking? Any suggestions?

Do you have any suggestions for other units/hospitals to apply to?

caliotter3 · Feb 10, 2011

I think B52-H gave good advice. Additionally, I would go to facilities and apply in person. When online applications went ignored, I went back to applying in person. It works for me. Most of the time I am interviewed and hired on the spot or given an appointment for an interview. And instead of ignoring me, I am told outright, that they are not hiring, if that is the case.

lei7 · Feb 17, 2011

I have been applying online, then sending HR and/or the nurse manager a priority envelope with my cover letter, resume, references, and letters of recommendation. For the past year, I usually heard no response, or a few times they told me they hired an internal applicant.

However, by doing this same thing, I somehow managed to get an interview for my dream job this week!

So keep it up, hopefully it will pay off eventually!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 21, 2011

Sheesh - I just hate being the resident balloon-burster here at AN...

The application process is dictated by a number of requirements, not just because the mean old HR folks don't want anyone to actually get a job. The Feds require organizations to track and report a lot of employment data. These days, they may get hundreds of applications for every open position they advertise. In order to capture all of the info, EVERYTHING has to go through HR first. This is a thankless job (literally); everyone sees them as an obstacle rather than a facilitator and it's (mostly) not their fault.

Online systems are set up to capture your resume and compare it to a pre-determined set of criteria. The criteria are derived directly from the job description itself. The 'accepted' applications are then processed by the HR folks to make sure that nothing has been missed - then forwarded to the hiring manager. The Hiring manager (not HR) decides who to interview and who to hire.

There are some mistakes that can interfere with your online application. Make sure that all the information is absolutely correct - one wrong number in your SSN will throw you out. Also, don't use any formatting or fancy fonts in your resume, whether you are doing a copy & paste or attaching it to the online system. These can't normally be read, so the whole thing gets trashed.

Be persistent. Apply for everything you are remotely qualified for. Follow up promptly if you receive any inquiries or requests for more information.

Don't be hating HR - they don't dictate the process, but they are required to enforce it. Who knows, if you're nice to him, you may even be able to get an HR person to review and critique your application for you - LOL.

Akeos · Feb 23, 2011

how do you even find out who the nurse manager is, and how to contact them?