How to stand out at a nursing job fair?

Lynx25, LPN · Jul 14, 2012

As long as you dress as snazzy as your avatar, I'd say no recruiter could resist you!

(I've never had any luck at job fairs)

Asystole RN · Jul 14, 2012

do not dress "sharply" but dress professionally. join professional nursing organizations, maintain eye contact, have a plan, and be honest.

a potential candidate to my unit was notchosen due to the fact that she maintained that she never once committed amistake in nursing. from that statement it was deduced either she was a liar or that she was unobservant and did not notice her mistakes, or was unrepentant.

Bec7074 · Jul 14, 2012

I'd suggest making a plan of attack and "warm up" with hospitals you don't really care about. That way you get comfortable talking to the recruiters and get used to their questions. A friend of mine in nursing school and I went around to our job fair together. We kinda played off each other and had a good little story to tell about how we met freshman year in orientation blah blah blah. It was a good ice breaker and all the recruiters thought it was neat that were stayed friends and studied together. We also kept our eye on the "good" hospitals and would go talk to them when no one else was around. It's awkward to just stand in line and wait while others are talking.

I don't really remember questions they asked, but it definitely wasn't like an interview when I went. I also had many many copies of my resume and was prepared to talk about my college activities and nursing experience (I worked as a CNA and student tech). But other than that, no one drilled us with "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" type questions, but it's possible. Make sure to have questions for them! Ask about their orientation process, do they hire grads only after they pass boards or before, do they offer tuition assistance if you want to further your education, and maybe ask why they chose that particular organization. Good luck!!

tigerlogic · Jul 15, 2012

People here have previously said how much they hate people texting (while waiting in line etc). Though I don't personally agree that it makes any difference at all, I will take it to heart when my job fair turn comes around. Eyes up. Phone and distractions away. Trying to pull off memorable and understated at the same time ;)Good luck!

thesundowner · Jul 15, 2012

As long as you dress as snazzy as your avatar, I'd say no recruiter could resist you!
(I've never had any luck at job fairs)

Avatar?!? What's that? That IS me in the photo. . .of course, the picture was taken back in my younger days. I don't look that good now.

Jammin' RN · Jul 15, 2012

If I were to redo the career fair I went to, I would boldly go up to the recruiters and tell them "Hi my name is Jammin' RN and I'm going to tell you why you should hire me." Then list why. I made no headway by being nice and professional and asking questions. I think the boldness would stand out. What do the experienced nurses think of this?

Luckily I don't have to attend any more career fairs anytime soon. :-D

Jammin' RN · Jul 15, 2012

Just to clear up, I'm not saying don't be nice and professional... Just more bold! LoL

champagnesupeRNova · Jul 15, 2012

Honestly, I believe the best thing you can do at a job fair is collect the business cards of the HR recruiters (they usually have them at their booth) and afterwards, e-mail them a letter of interest and resume. Also, collect any information you can about open positions, orientations, etc. There are just too many people at job fairs to have a fair chance at standing out.

N9nes · Jul 15, 2012

I recently went to a job fair and was surprised to find other RN candidates filling out applications instead of talking to hiring managers. I got to the event about 15 minutes early and asked the event coordinator if I could start talking to hiring managers. With their permission I got down to business. So when you get to the event, take a minute to gather your thoughts and go straight to the unit you're the most interested in. Bring more copies of your resume then you think you will need. Ask questions and take notes, how long is orientation, what are the opportunities for professional growth, is there a journal club, how many new grad positions are you working to fill, get business cards, etc. During my brief encounter I asked for a walking tour of the unit which bought me even more time with the hiring manager. By the end of the event the place was packed and there was no way that I was going to make an impression. I got a call from my unit of interest. Now I'm just waiting to hear if they will extend an offer.

sauconyrunner · Jul 15, 2012

Honestly, I believe the best thing you can do at a job fair is collect the business cards of the HR recruiters (they usually have them at their booth) and afterwards, e-mail them a letter of interest and resume. Also, collect any information you can about open positions, orientations, etc. There are just too many people at job fairs to have a fair chance at standing out.

This is a very very good idea. As well as the one from N9nes. I have never actually attended a job fair, but I did sit in a booth for one. The nurses in the end we wanted to hire were ones that came across as warm and enthusiastic, dressed in appropriate clothing and asked relevant questions- such as "What shifts are available?" If you are not one of those naturally outgoing people- or if you feel uncomfortable in crowds, don't worry because by getting that business card, you can easily get all your material in front of the recruiter again and give yourself a chance to shine in a different area.

smleahy11 · Jul 15, 2012

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Like someone else said, get email addresses for recruiters unit managers etc. Email them every week. Have a plan for what you want to do in the future. BE CONFIDENT!!