LVN Job Search: How Do You Handle This Situation?

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Hey Everybody,

I'm trying to find the best way to handle a situation that I'm currently in while searching for my first LVN job. I've been calling back places that I've applied to and of course none of them are hiring. Now I've been calling this one place several time a month, and the DON WILL NOT RETURN MY CALLS. Everytime I call, they send me to her voicemail, they don't page overhead or anything. I understand that you're not hiring, but at least have the curtesy to call me back and say so. I hate it when they ignore my calls. How would you handle that situation? All opinions and personal experiences welcome.

Thanks

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Have you ever thought about sending "Thank You" cards to each of the facilities where you have previously submitted your applications? These cards are intended to thank these people for reviewing your employment application and resume. Address these cards directly to the hiring manager, HR person, or DON. Send them through the U.S. mail.

After enough of these cards are received, perhaps the managers will remember your name and begin to think of you in a positive light. Good luck with the job search.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Thank you for the tip, I will actually do that since I do have some blank cards.

[didadi_826]

Hi, I will suggest you to also stop by some facilities near your area to drop off your resume.

Try to meet with their DON or Hiring manager in person if possible.

One of my classmate got his job because he personally stop by and leave a good impression to the front desk person.

I was also a new grad LVN and been looking for job almost a year in bay area.

Don't give up and believe in yourself.

[nursel56]

If you haven't been interviewed and they've told you they aren't hiring I have found it much more common that they will not call you. To be honest, I don't think an overhead page on the PA to come talk to you on the phone is a very realistic expectation in most places.

I agree that going over to their HR in person may help-- it does put a face and personality as to who you are. If you are called in for an interview and it ultimately doesn't work out for that job, be gracious and ask the interviewer to keep you in mind should something else turn up.

I was an inch close to getting a job at a nearby Cancer Hospital, but the recruiter nurse was over-ruled by her superior for lack of recent acute care experience. The recruiter had said she thought I would be a good fit on their unit and offered to keep me in mind for openings in sister facilities. Calling her back every few weeks would have been appropriate since we had already developed a rapport.

Human nature being the way it is, calling several times a month and leaving messages for her to call you back may actually harm your chances. Sorry to be so blunt but that is what happened to me!! Good luck!!

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Thank you all for feedback. The place that I was talking about was a LTC facility, so paging overhead for a phone call is very common. In the hospitals they usually don't do that unless it's for a doctor.

I actually did go in person to drop off my resume and put in an application, gave it to lady in the front desk. I did ask if the DON was available and at that time she wasn't going to be in until later. I didn't have much time to stay as I had to return to school to attend my microbiology lab class.

IMO, I just think it's common curtesy to return a call. Who knows I may be on the hiring committee when this person decides to apply for a job in the acute care system. :)

Thanks again for sharing your experiences, it does help.