looking for a job: applying online or go to HR???

beautsbelle · Jul 9, 2009

Grrr. I just typed a reply and POOF! It was gone!

Okay, here it is again. I have been looking for a job since the first of the year. I have had one interview and that was for a position that had well over 50 people apply, and many in house grads apply also. I believe it was for 5 positions, so I did not get that job.

I have been filling out apps on line, and not even getting a phone call back. I am not sure if others are doing better going in to HR or not. I am curious to see other replies on that.

As for telling them you tested twice, why would you tell them that? You have your license now, why would that matter? We had a funny saying when we got depressed about not getting a good grade on a test in nursing school.

C = RN

Meaning: Yes, we might not have done well on that test, but even if we got all the way through nursing school with a C average, we still could pass, and we could still sit for the NCLEX and we could still be a NURSE. I'd not mention it, but that is just my :twocents: 's worth.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 9, 2009

1. I honestly don't know. Some people have had good luck doing it that way because it does set you apart. On the other hand, I've called a couple of local places and they specifically stated that they only accept applications online and no other way, despite repeated hinting and digging...so I don't think my showing up at their HR offices with resume in hand is going to impress them.

I'd find out what the place of employment prefers--unfortunately, they have the upper hand right now while this economy sucks. If they don't outright tell you No or otherwise discourage it, then consider dropping into HR.

2. IMO, give them what information is considered important. How many times you took NCLEX is not important. However, your nursing license number is :)

catburger · Jul 9, 2009

thanks! yea, i guess i'll just call HR and ask how to apply. BUT what i'm concerned about is, and maybe I should have worded my 2nd question differently in the first place...is when they look at my resume and see that I graduated in December 2008, and it's already July 2009...what if they ask me why I took long to take Nclex?? If they ask, do I tell them I had to take it a 2nd time around? Will that decrease my chances in getting a position???

beautsbelle · Jul 9, 2009

I don't think they will wonder. A license is a license. I would just say that you took some time to study and such. I don't think there is any way they can find out how many times you took the test. Plus, it is a difficult market right now. I don't think anyone would bat an eye about the length of time from graduation to now. Maybe others have different advice??

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 9, 2009

I also don't think they'll ask--they know not everyone takes the NCLEX immediately after they graduate. And while 6 months may sound long, it's not an eyebrow-raisingly long period between graduation and the NCLEX. 6 years on the other hand might stir up some questions :)

You could say you had some personal issues to deal with after graduation, and offer no more than that. That's true in a way--you had to deal with failing the NCLEX...but IMO the employers don't need to know the details.

The only time I'd consider telling them is if they specifically ask if I had taken the test more than once, because then I'd rather be upfront about it instead of telling them "No" and then later slipping up (or they find out).

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 10, 2009

HR recruiters/personnel are very busy.

I think your best bet is to apply on line initially- and then follow up with a phone call (2-3 weeks later). Showing up on their 'doorstep' when they are swamped with a million other things may not be the best strategy.

Good luck to you in whatever you decide!

Best,

Diane