Is it appropriate to e-mail/contact a manager before applying for a position?

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2013

If you are not sure what to say or ask, do not contact them. Now, if you have questions regarding the position, then contact them. Let me ask you this, and I am not trying to be mean, but what's the rationale for contacting them or thinking you need to? I guess maybe that can help me (and possibly others) guide you in whether or not to contact the manager....

born2circulateRN · Feb 22, 2013

It's fine. I do not see you coming off as mean. I wanted to contact the manager to make her aware of my interest in the position. I am unable to transfer or apply since I have not completed 6 months at my current position- which is policy before transferring. I won't be able to apply until March and there is only 1 position available. And I just wanted to know if it is appropriate or not to contact the manager.

Thanks for your input.

BeesMama · Feb 22, 2013

Are you not able to apply? Or would not be eligible until March? If you can apply, I would do so then if you are selected for an interview, you may be able to bring it up then.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2013

I would bring it up closer to your transer eliglibility date. I've contacted managers many times prior to applying to show interest and to see if they'd actually be intersted in my application. It has worked for me.

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2013

I agree that it is a good idea; however, think about why you are calling and that should lead you to what to say. Maybe mention that you are interested and follow up with something like "is there any certifications that would be of help for me to work on obtaining?"

I have called the people listed on postings before; but I had some questions about the position, especially when I applied to my dream position (public health nurse at the health dept).

I thought you were saying you were going to call them and pretty much had no idea why you were calling them.

Good luck!