New Grad Resume (haven't taken Nclex yet)

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Nov 12, 2014

Here is an example of my cover letter:

October 15, 2014

Dear Hiring Manager,

Your organization’s recent advertisement for NICU staff nurse piqued my interest. After reading further details about the position, I am confident that I would make an outstanding addition to your medical team. My resume confirms dynamic leadership skills, the ability to provide high quality patient care, and to competently handle any emergent situation.

My relevant qualifications include my Bachelor degree in Nursing. Also of note is my most recent position as a sleep technologist for XXXXXXXXXXX. Please review my attached resume for more details on the following qualifications:

- Proficiency interpreting EEG waveforms.

- Proficiency at interpreting cardiac rhythms.

- Proficiency at identifying respiratory disturbance episodes.

- A 135 hour Capstone placement at XXXX Children’s Hospital Level IV NICU (XXXXXXXX, XX)

I’d be happy to provide greater detail about my skills and experience during an interview. Please call me at your earliest convenience.

Thanks in advance for your time. I look forward to your call.

Best Regards,

XXXXXXXX

Enclosure: Resume

I would avoid any negativity in your cover letter " I understand that hiring a new graduate, poses some concerns for many managers". You are trying to sell them on you. Highlight why you would be the best candidate for the job.

cp1024 · Nov 13, 2014

Awesome! Thank you for your feedback! I feel really uncomfortable "selling myself" on paper. It always makes me feel pretentious and like I'll come off as a know-it-all. I know it's what's required, but it doesn't come easily to me. In person, I'm feel more comfortable, because I'm confident in my ability to convey my meaning clearly. I really wish we had been properly educated on how to do this...it's been a complete mess.

If you have any further suggestions, please share them!

RunBabyRN · Nov 14, 2014

First, remove your personal information from the document. It's easy to edit and see your info.

Next, I agree with Don1984, no negativity, no self-doubt. The overall feel is very insecure. Don't go into your HESI score. Is your test scheduled? You can say that you look forward to taking the NCLEX and are studying hard in the meantime. Are you working on any certifications?

Think about what DOES make you stand out above the rest. You HAVE to sell yourself, especially in this market. I know it feels so counterintuitive, but if you don't, you'll be just another resume in the stack.

Here's a copy of one I sent. The more you can tailor the letter to them, the better. For each hospital system, I speak to their mission statement in the letter I've written for them. When I'm applying to a more specific position, I try to speak to my experience related to that job.

Dear recruitment team,

This letter is to express my interest in the RN positions with ****. I strongly connect with ****'s holistic approach. True health is a balance of physical, emotional and spiritual health, and we must tend to each of these needs. I strive for excellence with every patient interaction, and I believe that showing our patients respect for the individual that they are leads to improved patient outcomes. Each patient encounter is sacred, and should be treated as such. I take the experience I provide my patients very seriously.

My experience in healthcare has prepared me for working with patients in a variety of settings and situations, and I have obtained knowledge and skills that go beyond those of an average new nurse. During my clinical rotations, I effectively cared for four or five patients at a time when other students were still caring for two. In order to expand on my existing skills, I have obtained ACLS and NRP certifications. I am actively pursuing other certifications and will immediately work toward any unit-required or preferred certifications as well.

Having been a hospital corpsman and then a nursing student, I've had many opportunities to test my ability to work under high-stress, real world conditions and to utilize my resources. As a result, I work well in a fast-paced environment, I am a quick learner, and I am able to think fast and act safely while respecting patient dignity and preferences. I am compassionate and empathetic, and I believe that patients are the experts. By listening to my patients, collaborating with other healthcare providers, and applying my knowledge and clinical judgment, I provide care that is both safe and effective, and that leaves my patients feeling respected and truly cared for. I strive for excellence in every patient interaction.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss what I can bring to the team. Please call me at *** or e-mail me at ***.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

This is all about why they should take you above all of the other hundreds of applicants. You must sell yourself!