Jobhunting--any tips?

[paisley87]

I'm a recent RN graduate and was promised a job at a facility I was an aide for. I had a perfect record there--no call outs, never late, great patient care, but ultimately they decided to hire someone with experience. I felt like I'd been lied to so they could squeeze some extra CNA shifts out of me before I took my test. So I kind of got thrown into the jobhunting game a lot later than my classmates, and I'm feeling a bit jaded about the whole thing. I applied to many places already, no callbacks. I'm going to a career center soon for advice but I wanted to hear from other nurses about what works.

- Resume and cover letter. I know resumes are a given, but if they don't request one (and their policy is "come in and fill out an application"), should I include a cover letter? People have told me definitely do it, other people say it's going overboard.

- Clothing. I have a lovely, work-appropriate blouse and skirt I usually wear for interviews, but everyone's telling me the dress code is "Black blazer, black slacks, white shirt." Will employers really judge me if I'm not in a suit?

- Calling places back to ask if they received my application. I've done this for smaller places where I met someone and talked about the job, and called to say I'm still interested, but what about a large hospital, where I had to apply online? They automatically send e-mails saying "Don't contact us, we'll call you if interested."

- Thank you notes after interviews. Still done? What should I say? I'm thinking "Thank you for the opportunity for the interview" and then I go blank.

Thanks for any help. I'm a bit in over my head here.

[cjungen]

A thank you letter for an interview can never be wrong, it shows you have manners and it gets your name in front of them one more time. I am also looking for my first job and we were told to dress nice but a suit was not necessary. Wear your hair, makeup and jewelry as if you are going to work. If you see a job you want to apply for why not bypass the computer application and walk into HR and turn in a resume with cover letter. They may ask you to fill out a paper or computer application but again they have now seen you and had an additional contact. If I am passed over for hire I plan on writing another thank you letter and requesting advice on what I can do to make my self hireable the next time a position comes open (that shows you really are interested in working there) Good luck

[paisley87]

A thank you letter for an interview can never be wrong, it shows you have manners and it gets your name in front of them one more time. I am also looking for my first job and we were told to dress nice but a suit was not necessary. Wear your hair, makeup and jewelry as if you are going to work. If you see a job you want to apply for why not bypass the computer application and walk into HR and turn in a resume with cover letter. They may ask you to fill out a paper or computer application but again they have now seen you and had an additional contact. If I am passed over for hire I plan on writing another thank you letter and requesting advice on what I can do to make my self hireable the next time a position comes open (that shows you really are interested in working there) Good luck

Those are great tips--thanks!

[Mandychelle79, ASN, RN]

every interview that I have worn my jacket, top and pants I have gotten a call back from.