Is there a point in handing in your application to HR personally?

[us2uk4u]

Just want to hear from people out there who have sent resumes. Do you go through via their website or do you go visit the HR in person?

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

It might be OK at some smaller hospitals, but for the most part, HRs won't accept hard copies these days since everything is done online and there are so many applicants.

[smily nurse, BSN, RN]

as above

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

My facility outright tells you that unsolicited resumes and applications will not be accepted--you may only apply through the website.

If a company says "no hard copies, only through the website/HR/whatever" IMO listen to them if you want any hope of success.

But if they don't say anything against it, then it's up to you to weigh the pros and cons of going in person. Some may see it as your setting yourself apart from the rest...and some may see it as you being a nuisance. There's no way to tell what you'll get until you get there.

Best of luck in your job search.

[KeyMaster]

Then again, in my hospital the managers ask for resumes directly because HR is rather famous for being a resume black hole.

[Zookeeper3]

While HR people are VERY busy, and you'll likely only meet the receptionist.... it can give you a feeler as to how they treat people. I returned back to my place of work as a re-hire and was NOT impressed with the hiring process, to the point that I complained. Looking back, it was an excellent view of how things had changed and I was simply a warm body to fill a position.

NOT suggesting this is true in every circumstance... just food for thought. As the first response stated, almost all are on the internet and your detail to completion of a resume is the key to get a call.

Smaller hospitals, absolutely, get face time, be dressed, friendly and treat the receptionist very well. Receptionists are the gatekeepers... if you're at all snarky or impatient with them, they can cut you right off to the very people you need.

[billyboblewis]

Always make an application for the position you desire whether on line or in person. Going to hr may be useful as some places may actually give you an interview on the spot but this is the exception. Resumes whether reqested or not often are just ignored.

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

Then again, in my hospital the managers ask for resumes directly because HR is rather famous for being a resume black hole.

This is how it is where I work. HR is usually less than helpful. I've gotten a job by emailing my cover letter and resume to the nurse manager but I was an internal hire and not a new grad.

[us2uk4u]

I spent time researching all the facilities within 45 miles and was able to get emails and phone numbers for the nursing recruiters. Then here is my next question, if you happen to have the contact information of the nursing recruiter for the hospital do you send her a resume as well after you have sent it to the hospital's website?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

my facility only accepts apps via website. They are busy interviewing and other tasks during the day and cannot stop and talk to drop-ins.

[sameyjaney]

It depends on the hospital. For example, the large hospitals in my area (there are three I can think of) it would probably not be helpful as they get so many applicants that walking into HR is pretty much frowned upon. As a frustrated new grad I hopped in my car one day and went around to some of the units I had put applications in dropping off my resume and cover letter to the unit manager personally. I found it helpful because even though I was not considered for these positions I got much more information than I would have ever been provided by just applying online. I learned the name of the unit manager, often got to speak with them and was told when they would next be able to hire a new grad. I went out to HR of a smaller hospital in my area to try and speak with a nurse recruiter there as well. Mostly because I had applied for many positions that hadn't specified experience and hadn't gotten a response. She was very nice helpful welcoming and appreciative that I drove out to see her. She told me that the positions I had been applying for were for internal applicants only and that they would be able to hire externally in a few months hopefully. Well just a couple weeks ago she called me to tell me she knew of a unit that was able to hire a full time new grad so she had passed my application onto the manager. The manager called me a week later. I interviewed in the morning and was offered the position later that afternoon. So I would say sometimes it is very helpful and other times it may feel like a waste of time. Best of luck whatever you decide to do!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Be sure to take the time to complete the application completely and thoroughly, as painful as they can be. I recently spent hours getting one as best I could with evert detail I could think of, and got a call back. If you can find any way to make your dry, colorless application stand out, do it. I do think it is not inappropriate to send an email to your potential boss at their work email, if you can get it, introducing yourself and putting a more personal face on yourself, but don't be a pest. The best way really is to know someone. Good luck.