450 Resumes sent. 0 call backs.

Published

Hey guys,

I'm not here to complain or whine about no job. I know it'll come soon. I was just wondering if there is something wrong with my resume. I graduated May 2012 with an ADN in Illinois, with no nursing experience except for clinicals. I do have some volunteer time under my belt at a hospital. So while I'm playing the waiting game, I've had to get a job to get money flow in. In the meantime I have become a Support Manager at a company. I was hoping since I lack nursing experience, having managerial experience on my resume would help. I even used "buzz" words like assign, delegate, and instruct in my resume. So basically is there anyway I can get a leg up? Do I need to do CE's? Unfortunately, I can't volunteer now since I work. Every person I have come across, I have asked if they know any nurses I can get in touch with. Just looking for suggestions. Hope everybody's doing well!

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family practice, emergency.

Just keep applying. I know that is horrible to hear, I've just been hired FT after doing 1 year of working per diem, flu shot clinics, even retail. I sent out 1-2 apps everrrrry daaaaay and I had two interviews total. (Not counting staffing agencies and recruiters, even open houses, but that's a whole other thread...) The right job will snag you up, and I hope that it's soon. Best of luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had the same thing only I wasn't a new grad. Probably 200-250 resumes without an interview. I decided to hire a company to do up a résumé for me. To test it out I sent out only one résumé to my dream job at a children's hospital..4 days later I got called for an interview. I'm not saying you have to pay a bunch of money but get someone to at least look at your resume.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah, I've had a professional do my resume around Resume 250.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a lot of friends in IL and I know that finding a hospital job with an ADN is really, really tough. Most hospitals in that area ask for BSN only. The job market for nurses in the Chicago area started picking up last year, so that is a plus, but they are still looking for a minimum of a Bachelors. Have you tried applying to clinics or other non-hospital jobs? You will have a better shot with those types of institutions - just get your foot in the door.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In following the IOM recommendation that 80% of nurses hold their BSN by 2020 (some say 2018) I would suggest that you take two steps. 1) enroll in a RN to BSN program. Online is helpful with busy schedules. Arizona State University has a wonderful program that I am graduating from after 8 months. 2) Continue to volunteer. Experience is in your favor. Blessings on your search. Who did your resume?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Who did everyone use for resumes?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I'm convinced there are no nursing jobs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would not recommend enrolling in a bachelor/masters program before you have SOME type of job - any paying job. Does not matter if it's nursing. You need to have some way of paying on your loan even if you have someone else paying all your bills for you (which, is not really a cool thing to be doing). A BSN is no sure thing, or even much of a step towards a job in a flooded market. Remember educational loans are not forgiven, ever. If you default, you may lose your license come renewal time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Are you considering LTC at all?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you should start with a resume overhaul and also a few good cover letters tailored to the fields you are trying for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a Dec 2012 new grad. Soon after passing the board, I got ACLS, PALS, and NRP certification to make my resume look good. I have been working in the same place as floor manager for over 10 years, and during the meantime, I obtained a real estate license and open a small business while continue working. Yes, I was doing three jobs at the same time and decided to quit real estate to go to nursing school. Maybe my relentless self improvement is what caught HR's eyes. I got my first interview a month later from a skill nursing facility (not my first choice) and was hired on the spot for part time position. I continue to apply PT/FT at the hospital that I want to work at and stating that I'm working on the BSN. Few weeks later, I got a call from the hospital for an interview next week. Don't be discouraged, keep your head up, and I'm sure your hard work will pay off.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion