If you cold called nurse recruiters, etc

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

What did you say? I want to give this a try, since applying online isn't working! I know most of the names of the recruiters at the different hospital systems now, thanks to all those decline letters. I feel like by now they know my name and just continue to turn me down on sight. But I don't know what to say that will get me in the door for at least an interview. I need some pointers.

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Specializes in NICU.

hmmm...maybe this is why in my area they don't even send 'No Thanks' letters. That way we can't find out their names and call them!

Sorry, I have no advice, but I hope that this leads to a few more bites for you. Good luck!

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Come up with a brief 30 second (to a minute) sales pitch for yourself and be prepared to answer a few basic questions they might ask you like what your strengths and weaknesses are (with examples of situations that prove these and also how you are working on your weakenss to turn it around), why you want to work at their hospital, why you want to be a nurse and what you bring to the table that makes you a unique hire. Practise with friends and family, and remember to smile while having a phone conversation - let's your warmth and personality shine through your voice. Also prepare a carefully crafted voice message you can leave for the recruiters to return your call - enunciate your name and mention your number twice.

My advise - visit the nurse recruiters if you can and ask for tours of the units if possible. You may get to meet unit managers and possibly get an interview.

In the meantime, try to shadow nurses at your local hospital or volunteer at a hospital to increase your chances. Whatever you do, try not to keep applying online without following up with the application - online applications are often dumped into a huge database never to be reviewed again.

Keep calling! Don't give up! All the best in your search

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I agree with the person above ^^^

Take the time to write out what you might say that way you aren't tripping on your words or sound unprofessional whenever you do get a hold of someone.

You can also google "popular interview questions" so you can get an idea of what you may be asked and already have an answer for it.

If you are 100% completely stumped on what to say, search around on here or even type something like "calling about a job" in google and it will bring up tips, and all you have to do is relate it to nursing and such.

Good luck!!!

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Hi Jen,

I saw your website and it is so cute! I was thinking you could also try volunteering someplace. Like Red Cross, Hospice, crisis line. You don't necessary have to volunteer at a hospital. There are many ways to make connections to people in nursing. Also would you consider having your resume professionally done? I think also just telling everyone you come across that you are looking for a nursing job - might get you in the door.

If you can't move out of state - can you work in a smaller town around the state? The hospital were I've done my clinicals at, there were a few nurses there who's families actually lived about 3 hours away and they had a studio apartment for when they worked and then went to their hometown on their days off. Some have done this for years. I realize though it might be difficult for you with three small children to do something like that.

Just try to think out of the box. There are jobs out there for new grads - it's a matter of being persistent and flexibile! Don't give up on your dream!

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

Thanks everyone.

Canggih1 thanks! Volunteering is next on my list but at the moment I'm in the midst of organizing a huge fundraiser. Once that's done I'll be looking to volunteer at a hospital. I also tell everyone I talk to that I'm looking for a job. I've started carrying resumes in a nice folder in the car. :lol2: I've applied to most of the rural hospitals within a reasonable driving distance but they mostly want experience too. I have been considering looking further out (3-4 hrs like you said) and finding a place to stay. My family has put up with the misery of nursing school and such so far, what's 1 more year? At least it will be experience and income! But I want to be sure I've exhausted all my options in town. Flexible and persistent are my motto!

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I don't know if this is an option for you or not, but one of my instructors from nursing school works at a hospital that I was very interested in, and she contacted the nurse recruiter and told her about me. The nurse recruiter actually then called me.

Don't give up!!

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These are some good tips! This is what I've been looking for, thank you everyone

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Thanks everyone.

Canggih1 thanks! Volunteering is next on my list but at the moment I'm in the midst of organizing a huge fundraiser. Once that's done I'll be looking to volunteer at a hospital. I also tell everyone I talk to that I'm looking for a job. I've started carrying resumes in a nice folder in the car. :lol2: I've applied to most of the rural hospitals within a reasonable driving distance but they mostly want experience too. I have been considering looking further out (3-4 hrs like you said) and finding a place to stay. My family has put up with the misery of nursing school and such so far, what's 1 more year? At least it will be experience and income! But I want to be sure I've exhausted all my options in town. Flexible and persistent are my motto!

Yeah!! I feel like getting out pom poms and doing a cheer:yeah:.... "go Jen!" I know you can do it!

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