New Grad! HELP!

fitzfam2009 · Jul 20, 2017

Arizona is a hard market for new grads =( I'm going to send you a PM.

mrsboots87 · Jul 20, 2017

If you're not getting call backs, it's time to look at your resume and cover letter. Some systems use bots to filter out applicants before even getting to a recruiter. If there aren't enough key words, you get auto rejected. If a system doesn't use bots and a recruiter sees it first, you need to wow them enough to want to call.

Also, if hospitals aren't calling, move on to rehab and/or LTACHs. LTACHs will be acute experience but can be very rough for new grads (I was a new grad in an LTACH and it was intense). Try to avoid home health. Many are sketchy and don't give enough training before you're on your own with minimal help available.

Just keep applying. Summer is a slower time for many units so they don't always hire as much as in the winter. You may have better luck by just waiting it out while continuing to apply.

Career Columnist / Author · Jul 20, 2017

I agree, your resume is most likely the culprit if you are not landing any interviews.

Congrats on getting your license! and for continuing on to get your BSN- smart!

It's important to stand out and catch the recruiter's attention- because of the sheer number of applicants.

Target your resume to each individual employer, and make sure your resume is flawless in term of grammar and spelling.

Apply to positions that are open to new grads, and avoid those that specify "experience required" ("experience preferred is OK").

Are you able to re-locate? Jobs for new grads are less competitive in some areas.

Keep in mind that you have been searching for a couple of months, which is not uncommon. It is important that you land a job as soon as possible as the "new grad status" clock is ticking.

bex3 · Jul 20, 2017

Thank you all for your replies.

I did revise my resume two weeks ago. I have also made a resume specific to each unit and hospital. So needless to say, I have about 20 resumes in a folder.

All of my classmates are not getting call backs either. Which does makes me feel better that maybe it's not just my resume that's being skipped over.

Do you recommend actually going to the facilities and turn in a resume by hand?

I'm a wife and momma of 4 little ones, so relocating isn't an option.

If working for as LTC nurse, I know that would get the new grad name off, but when switching to a hospital after a year would that matter? My goal is to be a labor and delivery nurse. That is where my passion is, but at this point I'll take anything I can get.

Thanks for your advice. It's appreciated.

alliesweetie14 · Jul 21, 2017

I work for Banner, they love new grads just not at the main hub. try them! do you by chance know anyone in the field? reach out to your previous professors!!

hazel30, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2017

I agree with the others when they say that you need to revise your resume. Recruiters get bored looking at the same old resumes so you need to stand out! If you go on Etsy and type in resume templates, you will find some amazing resumes. I paid $15 for mine to be redone and I have received a callback from almost every job that I've applied to. Also, most of your larger hospitals now prefer BSN graduates, so that may be an issue as well. Good luck!

Career Columnist / Author · Jul 27, 2017

Thank you all for your replies.
Do you recommend actually going to the facilities and turn in a resume by hand?
I'm a wife and momma of 4 little ones, so relocating isn't an option.
Thanks for your advice. It's appreciated.

That's such a great question. Here's how I answered in my book "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job...and Your Next!"

Question: Is it ever Ok to walk in to a Nurse Manager's office, resume in hand, to apply for*a nursing job?

You may have considered*it, but you're not*sure if it's such a wise move. Not to mention, it's scary!

So is it bold and brassy but OK? Or risky and regrettable?

Answer: Yes. It is bold, brassy, risky and can be regrettable. Or wildly successful.

Is it Ok to walk in to apply for a job?

Like most risky moves, it could pay off big-time...or backfire big-time!

Is it Ok to walk into apply for a job? The Nurse Manager's view

Some managers will see walking in to apply for a job*as circumventing the process and be irritated. They may pointedly inform*you to apply through HR like everyone else, and dismiss you while looking down at their desktop. That's the risk.

But even managers who are irritated in the moment may inwardly admire your spunk. And when your resume comes across their desk through the usual channels, they'll remember you.

Other managers will size you up when you walk in to apply for a job, and give you a moment. If so, be brief, respectful of their time, and thank them. Say that you are aware there is a position for which you qualify, and you wanted to drop your application off in person.

This is not an interview unless the manager makes it one. But always be prepared for new grad RN interview questions!

They may be impressed enough with your initiative and *presence that they expedite your*application process and hire you. That's the benefit.

My thoughts about walk ins to apply for a job

My thoughts? As a previous manager, this happened to me a lot.

Most commonly, an employee of mine would bring someone (a friend, relative)*in unannounced and I would have to deal with it graciously on the spot.

At times, yes, I did find it irritating that my busy day was interrupted. But...if it was a high-performing employee who I valued that*was bringing in a friend, I tended to pay*more*attention, and extend myself more on their behalf. I absolutely did hire some great employees this way.

Walking in to apply for a job*has a better chance of being effective when you have a connection with someone in the organization, but that's not to say you can't do it on your own.

If you are going to try*this, aim for a Monday or Friday when meetings are predictably fewer and there's a greater chance the nurse manager will be in their office.

At the very least, you can leave your resume, captivating cover letter, and contact information.

"Hello, I understand there's an opening for new grad nurses. I wanted to drop off my resume in person and face to face."

Difficult times call for bold moves.

note: another point is that in some organizations there can be a disconnect between HR and the targeted nurse manager. Somehow, someway, resumes get lost in a black hole. Hard to believe, I know.

bex3 · Jul 28, 2017

Thank you!

So I spent the day and my resume got a makeover. I found a nice template on etsy.

And thank you for your reply in regards to handing one in! I'll go for it. I really really want a job!

bex3 · Aug 9, 2017

So I now have an interview with Banner! Any tips for the interview? My contact did tell me to be prepared for behavior questions, so I've started reviewing some. Any advice would be appreciated!

alliesweetie14 · Aug 9, 2017

they are very situational and want to know how you would SAFTLY handle situations.