New Grad Needs Help

If I were you and these programs have not begun yet, I would put on a suit and personally go down to the HR office with resume in hand. I would sit in their office all day if there was the possibility of speaking with someone. If nothing else, the admin in the office will see that you are serious by the way you present yourself and maybe that will help get your resume a closer look, and later an interview.

I have a friend who works in HR and to hear the stories of how people come dressed for interviews and what they say..... you would be amazed, people can be idiots! At least someone in the office would have a face to put with your name and a good first impression!

Good luck!

thanks for the advice... next week is my "go out and get a job" week... so a suit? i was thinking a shirt and slacks, maybe i should do the suit thing after all...

It can't hurt! I bought a suit myself for interviews. Although it's nursing and we wear scrubs, I think it pays to show the same respect to HR and the hiring managers that you would show in any other profession. I think some people seem to forget that. First impressions can make or break your chances of getting a foot in the door. Once you get that far, you can shine. Think of it this way, say 4 applicants walk into the HR office with resume in hand: one in flip flops, one in scrubs, one in jeans, and one who is professionally dressed (I have actually heard of people doing this!). Who would you choose to interview? When all you have to base that first impression on is how one presents themselves, it always pays to be well dressed.

My friend who is the manager in HR tells me stories all the time.... I'm just saying, make a great first impression and then show them how great you are during the interview! :redpinkhe

thanks for the advice... next week is my "go out and get a job" week... so a suit? i was thinking a shirt and slacks, maybe i should do the suit thing after all...

Definitely a suit - it is another sign to show you are interested in the position. HR and nsg managers do notice, and do prefer professional dress over scrubs. (I worked 6 years in HR.).

When in doubt, "over-dress" for an interview.

I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for in terms of orientation, but the place I work at doesn't do a "formal" new grad program, which actually worked out for me because, like you, I missed the "January" start date of those programs due to moving to a new city. I know you are looking to go into a specialty area, but just because a hospital doesn't have a standard program doesn't mean you won't get a good orientation. Good luck in your search!!

Hi,

I graduated in December of 07. I went into nursing as a second career (I am an (Xray tech) anyway, I knew I wanted to work in the ED from the first day of nursing school.

When I graduated, I walked in to human resources and asked if I could please make an appointment with the critical care nursing director to discuss my prospects. I went to the interview with a second copy of my resume, letters or recommendation, and definitely wearing a suit! I found out after I got hired in the ED that he was impressed not only with my resume but with my professionalism. He hired me and designated me as a preceptee in the ED along with at least 2 other nurses at all times. I started on the 13th of february and all is going well. He has also provided me with information regarding upcoming trauma prep courses, PALS, and information on further certification. I am also going to work up in MedSurg for a month and then also in the ICU for a while as well.

My plan is to apply to an ED nursing program as a new grad if at all possible in the fall of 08. If that is not possible at least I will be looking to work in another ED with perhaps different opportunities to learn.

So, it pays to be proactive but also definitely professional in bearing and in dress. Good luck

Carmen:paw:

I also worked in HR before nursing and my spouse still does hiring at his job. A suit with a pressed shirt will go a long way toward making a great impression. It also shows that you are interested enough to make the effort to dress nicely. In addition, have all your paperwork in order, resume (have extra copies), references names and letters and temp. licence or however your state does it. The fact that you are on this website looking for advice says lots of good things about you. I bet you will have the job you want soon.