No Reference Letters for Interview

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi All,

I have kind of a dumb question....I recently graduated this May 2009.

One recruiter asked if I had any reference letters and I told her I didn't.

I think maybe... she thought there was something wrong with me.

To be quite honest....in nursing school, I never really "clicked" with any of my

instructors. I was very quiet....did my job and didn't ask any questions. I never gave

them any problems what so ever. I didn't ask them for a reference, because I was

afraid they would say No. Anyway, is it so important that I need them to get my

first job? Basically, they would just give some "snow job" reference anyway.

Any opinions on this one.

Thanks

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Well you might be surprised. I used my manager as a reference and we honestly hardly ever talk. Less than a handful of occasions over an entire year! But, she apparently gave me a good reference because I landed a great new position. You could always use references from part-time jobs you had a student. This should you an invaluable lesson as well to network and to not burn bridges. This will not only help you in your career but in life as well.

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omgosh. I was exactly like you in nursing school. I was veryyyy shy. but dont be afraid to just ask. the worse they can say is no. I told myself you will probably never see them again anyways so if they say no oh well. I ended getting references letter from two of my instructors. If i were you i would at least send them an email asking for one. most teacher have one that is pre made anyways. goodluck!!!

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I'm like you too. But don't be shy to approach your current or previous bosses for references. Especially if you work in healthcare in a different capacity, that might help. With all the reports here about how hard it is to get a job, every bit helps.

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I wasn't close with any of my instructors either. I shot a few of them e-mails and asked if I could use them as a positive reference, and they were more than happy to. Just ask... they're there to help. Most of them are willing to. Just don't ask a instructor with a bad reputation.

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Specializes in NICU, Nursery.

the lesson of this story is to build good relationships with the people around you, not only a working one, maybe try to know people on a more personal level. believe me, it really helps. no man is an island as they say.

what you should do is to try to find intructors who are "nice" and "friendly" , the ones who are good-natured and get along with everyone. they probably get asked a lot by other students. if you're still shy to do this, why not ask a friend to go with you that way the two of you can both get reference letters. ;)

in the future, try to open up more to others (your future collegues, supervisors, etc.), because aside from giving you reference letters, employers usually do a character check, and it would be nice if the people around you could put in a good word for you.

good luck! :) don't be shy. you NEED that letter. it's a tough world out there you need to beef up your resume.

;)

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Hi All,

I have kind of a dumb question....I recently graduated this May 2009.

One recruiter asked if I had any reference letters and I told her I didn't.

I think maybe... she thought there was something wrong with me.

To be quite honest....in nursing school, I never really "clicked" with any of my

instructors. I was very quiet....did my job and didn't ask any questions. I never gave

them any problems what so ever. I didn't ask them for a reference, because I was

afraid they would say No. Anyway, is it so important that I need them to get my

first job? Basically, they would just give some "snow job" reference anyway.

Any opinions on this one.

Thanks

Well, to get your first job it is important. Every new grad job or internship I applied for asked for at least 2 clinical instructors' recommendation. Some of them even want it written on their forms (like you send the clinical instructor the hospital based eval and they fill it out and send it back). You could probably still get some recs. Just shoot them an email and ask if they think they'd be able to fill out a good, strong rec for you. Even if they say no at least you tried. They may say yes and surprise you! Good luck!

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

As a manager I never even read any reference letter attached to a resume. Anyone get get someone to write a letter of reference so they did not mean anything to me. I ignored them.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.
...Basically, they would just give some "snow job"

Snow Job?

OMG! You you absolutely cannot just give a name and number of someone that probably wouldn't say anything bad about you.

Most employers are looking for colleagues as references anyway. I wouldn't use an instructor. Do you have any friends? ...from school?

1st thing you ever do for a reference is to politely ask them. Tell them it will be a character reference for employment and ask them if it is okay for someone to call them.

For Protocol! Or hell, just because it's polite. Just don't drop names. Do this for every reference you ever use in your career... your lifetime.

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