I'm not getting called for an interview!!

[ilovebuster]

Right now I am working for agency. I like agency, but I need something more stable and local.

A couple months ago I submitted an online resume/CL/Application for RN opportunities at a clinic. I had one interview, and I didn't get the job. When the HM called to tell me that I wasn't the chosen one, she told me that doc decided to hire an LPN instead of an RN. She also told me that if I get any more interviews within the clinic, that I can use her as a reference. Yea, I nailed the interview with her!

Anyhow, I have been calling the HR nearly every week and keep asking them to forward my resume to X department, if I see that they have an opening. HR always tells me that they will do so. Last week, I even had them double check to make sure that my stuff was still on file, which it was.

I'm not getting any calls back for an interview! I don't know what to do. Every week and on their website they have several jobs/week that I am qualified to do, yet nobody is calling me. My resume looks good, and so does my CL. Arrrrgh.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

So maybe call the HM that said you could use her for a reference and see what the deal is.

I really dont know why a HR person would put themselves out there for someone they have only interviewed 1 time whether you nailed the interview or not. Thats a matter of opinoin, but since she/he put themselves out there maybe address that question to them.

[ilovebuster]

She was only the hiring manager for that one department that I interviewed for. There are many, many, many more departments....all with different HM.

Even though she told me that I could use her as a reference during an interview with a different HM, there is no way i would do that. I think it's pretty weird myself. I did ask her if she could share any tips/advice re:interviewing and feedback on how the doc perceived me when I interviewed with him, and she told me that everyting was fine, that the interviews went well between us and she saw no red flags, and that doc was complimentary of me too, but that he decided to go with a LPN. Hmmmph.

[scizzerin]

Do you think it might have something to do with them having to pay more for you than they would with an LPN? I'm not sure what position you were applying for, but that might be a reason. You always hear about the hospitals wanting to cut costs. I seriously doubt it's you, if you are a licensed nurse and you interviewed well. That really sucks, though. Good Luck, and just think, maybe there was a reason .... Your really awesome job might be just around the corner.

[wincha]

Just keep trying. Call the company and try to email the hiring manager your resume and follow up with a phone call a week later. I also did not get a job because they decided to go with a LPN(cheaper due to budget cuts) then I was offered a job and it disappeared (again budget cuts different company) . The recruiter has been very nice about updating me and its been 2 months but there is an appropriate opening and I should have an interview(cross my fingers) I also have 2 more interviews set up this week. It appears with the internet to take forever 2 weeks or longer to be contacted for some jobs. Your resume goes through departments. Good luck hang in there. I check the job boards daily.

[Jo Dirt]

I'm kind of in the same situation. I'm tired of the private duty scene (among other things with this job) I've been with them over a year and want to get out.

But after busting my butt to get through RN school I'm finding the jobs aren't as plentiful as I had hoped. Most all RN positions require several years experience and even with jobs that take new grads the pay is so disappointing...moneywise I'm no better off with an RN than an LPN.

I was axtually called back for an interview with a hospital on a med-surg floor, they acted like they were really interested, but they never called back and they won't return my calls.

It's beginning to look like I should have saved the time and money on RN school.

[Cute_CNA, CNA]

I just prayed that you would get a job, on the condition that you meet competancy requirement for that job (which you probably do). Being unemployed sucks.

[LuvMyGamecocks]

Are you set on working at this particular facility? Maybe there are other opps at other facilities....

Do you mind if I ask where you call home? I know that there are many, many openings for RNs in my area - hospitals are accepting new grads (with good references, grades and maybe an internship/externship) because of the shortage. Getting your RN license will be worth it - don't give up!!!!

Good luck!

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

Keep on trying...that is what I do! Keep those resumes going out, change your cover letters to fit each position (that is a big key! Use your key words too in these...). Each job, a new resume and cover letter! Don't rely on anyone else but yourself...remember, you are basically selling yourself to a facility (that sounds bad, but true...you know what I mean! LOL!)...so get those cover letters in great shape!

ALSO, always send a thank you note to interviewers...each of the jobs I have ever gotten in my life was the fact that I sent a thank you note! And those employers told me that that was a refreshing very professional thing to do, and liked my work ethics...nothing fancy...I have the card in my car and write 2-3 positive things we discussed and mail it right then and there :).

[llg, PhD, RN]

TriageRN 34 brought up a good point. Your applications/resumes are not being updated and/or tailored to fit the specific job to which you are applying. You sent them a generic one for the first job and it is just "in the pile" being looked at by someone as each new position opens. The longer it sits there, the weaker you look as a job candidate. Those people who "hang around the system" without being hired start to look stale after a while.

As people look through the pile of applicants, they see your old generic application that contains an old date on it. They think, "Gee, this person applied a long time ago and no one has hired her. I wonder what's wrong with her. And geez, she hasn't even bothered to update her application. It says here that she really wanted a job in someone else's clinic! I don't want hire someone who is going to leave as soon as the job she really wanted becomes available again."

You should be filling out a new application for each position ... with a cover letter tailored for the specific position. Make it appear as "fresh and new" as possible -- maybe even taking a break from applying there to avoid the appearance of having failed in your job search every time.

Just a thought,

llg

[JJFROG]

I agree with sending a thank you note, and high lighting something that was discussed in the interview. I also have sent my resume directly to the hiring manager/nurse manager. I have had to move due to my husband relocating severaly times over the past 7 years and each place we have moved I went to HR gave them my resume, AND sent my resume to the ER manager. Everytime we have moved, I nailed the job I wanted. Good luck, and GO and get the job you want!