How proactive should you be when applying for a job?

romie · Feb 5, 2010

That is kind of a tough question to answer because the rules have all changed. In 2007, I wouldn't hesitate to contact the hiring manager and in fact, I would let the hiring manager know that I had other offers--that usually caused them to speed things up. Of course I worded it nicely, "I wanted to let you know that I am still very interested in your position and was wondering if you had made a hiring decision because I have another job offer and wanted to see if I was sill being considered, ect. blah blah"

However, in some of the tighter markets and among the big hospitals, they specifically say "Due to the high volume of calls and applications, do not call us, we'll call you" or something to that effect.

I was told that a hiring decision was going to be made by a certain time. When that time past, I waited another week and then I inquired. They still hadn't made their decision.

I'm sure in more open, less competitive markets and among smaller facilities it is wouldn't hurt to send at least a thank you note or email for the interview and to express continued interest. It will at the very least show them you are serious about the job and will put your name in the forefront of their minds.

romie · Feb 5, 2010

Follow up questions for the OP:

How did you apply? Did you apply by emailing a resume, filling out an application and presenting resume in person or did you fill out one of those long annoying online applications?

If you applied by email, by all means email/phone the original contact person to verify that they received your resume/ application. You can use that as an opportunity to express continued interest and to see when they are interviewing.

With some of the big hospitals that rely on online applications, if you filled out an online application it wouldn't hurt to call HR or the RN recruiter to let them know you filled out the application because it is not uncommon for those applications to get lost in the ether. Plus you could always send a follow up resume.

How big is the organization? How techno savy do you think the organization is based on their website? The smaller the website, the more likely follow up phone calls and emails generally don't hurt.

Do you have any "insiders" in the organization? People who currently work there who might noticied new staff or heard things?

If you have any ideas, share them with me because I've been contemplating the same thing with some of my applications I've sent out.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

If you went through the nurse recruiter you should call her first. I called my recruiter at least once per week for about 6 weeks until she set up my interview. The last call I made to her, before she put me on hold she said, "oh the manager for that floor is here now, hold on and I'll ask her." The recruiter came back on the line and told me when I could go meet with the manager.

Until you call them and let them know who you are, you're just a piece of paper on a desk or a file on a computer with no differentiation from other's. Say something along the line of, okay I've placed my application with you, what can I expect for the next step. Maybe they will say a telephone interview. Ask them when that may be expected so you can make sure to be home and by the phone. After the telephone interview, call and ask them if they've had the chance to schedule your interview with the manager of that dept.

If you work in the facility, do you know who the manager is? Do you have any connections with anybody that knows the manager? You need to be very proactive and let them know how much you want this job. There is a fine line though from being proactive and annoying. So be careful not to be too annoying. I think I was verging on annoying, but I got the job.

Good luck

TigerGalLE, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

I applied online. My hospital is pretty tech savvy I'd say. I received an email from HR saying they received my application and they would contact me if an interview was desired. I do have some people inside. 2 people who don't work in the ICU but filter in and out often. A respiratory therapist and the wound care nurse both said they'd put a good word in for me. I don't want it to get out too much that I'm applying for the job b/c my current director doesn't know I've applied. Now if I get selected to interview I will definitely tell my current manager. But why upset her for no reason.

I have no idea how many people are applying for this position. I'm afraid that with the current budget crisis they will only choose nurses with ICU experience. However, the job description said 1 year med/surg or acute care required. I have 3 years of med/surg under my belt. I'm also med/surg certified and I've been very proactive with the hospital. I'm on multiple committees and teams. I feel like I'm a great candidate for the position..... I just hate waiting.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

You need to call them NOW.....Just say, "I applied online (when you applied) and I'm very interested in the position and would like to know if any decisions have been made on when I can come in for an interview."

It won't hurt to call, it can only help your chances. It will differentiate you from all the rest. Feel them out, whoever you're talking on the phone, and if they're nice, tell them that you work there and that you feel like the right person for this job....You have to call these people most the time, opportunity doesn't come knocking too often, you have to be persistent if you really want this job.

TigerGalLE, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

Well considering it is after 5pm on a Friday... I guess I'll call them on Monday. Thanks for the advice.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

My hospital has the same system. I applied online and got an email saying they would contact me. I waited for about two weeks. That's when I started calling them. They would always say, "we'll call you next week." Next week rolled around and I never heard from them. I would give them until Friday every week and no call..........So I called them basically every Friday and asking just what I said in the above post. I'd say, "I would really like the opportunity for an interview, I will make a very good employee." "I really want this job."

I just kept calling and calling and finally got the job. Some people get jobs quicker than that but I had a very minor criminal record from when I was very young and thought that would hurt my chances so that's really the reason I bugged them so bad. I thought that was why they weren't calling me. They said that nothing is showing on my background search, however, I listed it anyway to be truthful.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

It's 4 o'clock where I'm at.

You know, I had a thought. I'm sure they can see that you work there already, but I'm not sure you should say that when you talk to them on the phone. Just kind of feel them out and see.

romie · Feb 5, 2010

I hear you about waiting. It sounds like you are more than qualified for the position based on your account of the job description and your experiences. I think it is unlikely that a hiring manager would think less of you if you contact them--if they do they are out of touch and you probably wouldn't want to work for them in the long run anyway.

With this great recession that we are in, the job market for RN's is simply more competitive and cut throat. I've been struggling with the waiting process myself and I HATE waiting for the unknown. I am patient, but when it comes to the unknown... I found it therapeutic to continue to apply for other jobs and do CEU's.

Job hunting is a lot like dating: When you are single, no wants you but the moment you are in a relationship, suddenly everyone wants you. I think it has to do with confidence.

You could use the opportunity of applying for other jobs to hone your interview skills. Each interview is like money in the bank, so when it comes time to interview for your dream job, you have been there done that.

Good luck. I hope you get an interview and ultimately this job you want.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

I saw a special on our local news station. A hiring manager (not nursing) was giving tips on getting jobs. Here is the link.........http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/money/ace-your-next-job-interview

Watch the video..

Whispera, MSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

Find out (if you don't already know) who is the manager of the department for which you applied and make some contact with him or her (letter, phone call, etc.). I wouldn't email a manager because not all have email and/or not all read it every day.

You need to do something to be seen as standing out from the large field of applicants.