Long-Distance Job Searching - How To Do It?

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

Hi Everyone,

How does one conduct a job search across the miles? I have never done it before, as my last move (NY to FL) occurred with me without a job and I found one after I moved. But there is the possibility that I will complete a nursing program in a state different from where I ultimately wish to work. So for those of you that have done it before, how did you go about an interstate job search? This also includes interviewing, which I assume is different considering you just can't pick up and go to one at a moment's notice. And I am talking about cities or states that are considerably far from each other (ones that would normally involve air travel between them).

Thanks!

[chloecatrn]

The Internet is wonderful. It will allow you to do a lot of searching and applying without any difficulty. Most facilities have websites where you'll be able to submit your resume and cover letter right through the website after you've found the jobs you wish to apply for.

Some facilities will do phone interviews. Others will want a face to face interview. When you start getting face to face interview requests, I would try to clump them all on one day and fly out once, if it's at all possible. Ask if they'll do a phone interview, given your distance, but if they sound at all hesitant, be willing to go to them and do an interview. This may require finding a day in your schedule that this is a possibility, but if it is the only option, you'll have to do it. Forcing their hand for a phone interview will likely leave a bad taste in their mouths.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

The Internet is wonderful. It will allow you to do a lot of searching and applying without any difficulty. Most facilities have websites where you'll be able to submit your resume and cover letter right through the website after you've found the jobs you wish to apply for.

Some facilities will do phone interviews. Others will want a face to face interview. When you start getting face to face interview requests, I would try to clump them all on one day and fly out once, if it's at all possible. Ask if they'll do a phone interview, given your distance, but if they sound at all hesitant, be willing to go to them and do an interview. This may require finding a day in your schedule that this is a possibility, but if it is the only option, you'll have to do it. Forcing their hand for a phone interview will likely leave a bad taste in their mouths.

Thanks for your reply, it is pretty much what I was expecting. I am not opposed to applying online for jobs. However, despite the benefits of the Internet I am concerned that many of my applications would go into that "black hole" that people talk about when making online applications and never get calls either way. I am more inclined to have a more personal approach as much as possible, if at all possible from miles away. Would recruiters/headhunters be of benefit in this regard? I have heard they used to be, as they do much of the groundwork for you on your intended turf. But due to the market saturation of nurses I am not so sure this occurs much anymore.

[chloecatrn]

I don't think there's a reason that you can't do that work. You can e-mail and call and follow up on your resume. I think that would show more initiative on your part than simply hiring someone to do that work for you.