Seeking first job with no luck.

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I am a new graduate; recently passed the NCLEX and received licensure.  I have applied to several places recently with no luck thus far.  Currently stressing, as I'm seeing many of my classmates landing jobs.  I'm wondering if it is my resume/cover letter.  I went into the ADN program with no experience in healthcare.  I live in a small town and not many opportunities listed, even with COVID.  In case it is my cover letter, I wanted to post it here and maybe someone could point me in the right direction.  I appreciate any help.  

Dear XXX,

I am writing to express interest in the registered nurse position available listed on XXX.  I am a new graduate from XXX nursing program.  I am confident that my vast experience in customer service and highly developed interpersonal skills ensures that I meet the qualifications expected in this position.

My long-standing role as a server has contributed to my ability to manage a diverse workload under pressure and prioritize tasks efficiently.  Furthermore, it enabled me to become accustomed to the fast thinking and decision making needed while working as a nurse.  My prior skills cohesively aligned with the expectations within my clinical experience.  I demonstrated the ability to provide individualized patient care with compassion and respect while utilizing my exceptional communication skills.  Additionally, my calm and patient demeanor allowed me to excel in patient care situations.  I am confident that my training, dedication, and hands-on experience with patient care make me the ideal candidate that you are looking for.

I am eager to speak with you about the opportunity to join your team.  Please refer to the attached resume, which details my skills and qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.  

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Everything is first tense My and I....

Nothing about why you are interested in THIS facility.

How can your skills help facility's mission?  Why did you select them?

What are the main aspects of job description and how you can contribute?

 

Under allnurses Career Forum, check out Nurse Beth's Career Advice section.

Beth just published Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job.

 

Best wishes on landing that first position.

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19 minutes ago, brandnewRN1617 said:

I am a new graduate; recently passed the NCLEX and received licensure.  I have applied to several places recently with no luck thus far.  Currently stressing, as I'm seeing many of my classmates landing jobs.  I'm wondering if it is my resume/cover letter.  I went into the ADN program with no experience in healthcare.  I live in a small town and not many opportunities listed, even with COVID.  In case it is my cover letter, I wanted to post it here and maybe someone could point me in the right direction.  I appreciate any help.  

Dear XXX,

I am writing to express interest in the registered nurse position available listed on XXX.  I am a new graduate from XXX nursing program.  I am confident that my vast experience in customer service and highly developed interpersonal skills ensures that I meet the qualifications expected in this position.

My long-standing role as a server has contributed to my ability to manage a diverse workload under pressure and prioritize tasks efficiently.  Furthermore, it enabled me to become accustomed to the fast thinking and decision making needed while working as a nurse.  My prior skills cohesively aligned with the expectations within my clinical experience.  I demonstrated the ability to provide individualized patient care with compassion and respect while utilizing my exceptional communication skills.  Additionally, my calm and patient demeanor allowed me to excel in patient care situations.  I am confident that my training, dedication, and hands-on experience with patient care make me the ideal candidate that you are looking for.

I am eager to speak with you about the opportunity to join your team.  Please refer to the attached resume, which details my skills and qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.  

I don't do any hiring, and I'm not one to write a cover letter, so take this with a grain of salt. It seems like a bit too much in a few different ways.

The emphasis on customer service is overdone, and I would leave out specific positions (server) as well. It almost seems like you're applying for a retail position in the beginning ...but then, you suddenly become the most over-confident nurse who has never actually worked as a nurse.

I find myself wondering if you've listed all your clinical experiences on your resume, which can be off-putting or seem cluttered to some. I have a feeling that you have a lot of irrelevant things on it, but that could be the pessimist in me.

You touch on opportunity at the end, but not in any specific manner. I think I'd expand on that to create more balance and a more customized letter. Talk about what you hope to gain from this wonderful employer, as well as what you have to offer. Approach with hope of a symbiotic relationship.

Good luck! I don't think it's particularly easy for anyone out there right now.

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5 hours ago, brandnewRN1617 said:

I am a new graduate; recently passed the NCLEX and received licensure.  I have applied to several places recently with no luck thus far.  Currently stressing, as I'm seeing many of my classmates landing jobs.  I'm wondering if it is my resume/cover letter.  I went into the ADN program with no experience in healthcare.  I live in a small town and not many opportunities listed, even with COVID.  In case it is my cover letter, I wanted to post it here and maybe someone could point me in the right direction.  I appreciate any help.  

Dear XXX,

I am writing to express interest in the registered nurse position available listed on XXX.  I am a new graduate from XXX nursing program.  I am confident that my vast experience in customer service and highly developed interpersonal skills ensures that I meet the qualifications expected in this position.

My long-standing role as a server has contributed to my ability to manage a diverse workload under pressure and prioritize tasks efficiently.  Furthermore, it enabled me to become accustomed to the fast thinking and decision making needed while working as a nurse.  My prior skills cohesively aligned with the expectations within my clinical experience.  I demonstrated the ability to provide individualized patient care with compassion and respect while utilizing my exceptional communication skills.  Additionally, my calm and patient demeanor allowed me to excel in patient care situations.  I am confident that my training, dedication, and hands-on experience with patient care make me the ideal candidate that you are looking for.

I am eager to speak with you about the opportunity to join your team.  Please refer to the attached resume, which details my skills and qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.  

The internet makes it hard to convey tone but just know I am not being mean here. I always write a cover letter that I modify for each facility. Cuts down on the cookie cutter feeling.

At first read, your letter has too much info and needs to be pared down a bit.  First paragraph I'd cut back on the superlatives, and re-tool the last sentence.  Create new ones, tailored to the position or facility, "my past work experience makes me a good fit for the part time med surg position at XXX."

Second paragraph is a wall-o-text and full of long sentences, again cut that back to just the essentials.  If you have the time, look up the Mission Statement for that facility and write a sentence that speaks to it

"My commitment to serve all people aligns with point two of your Mission Statement"...

Last paragraph is fine, I'd use the phrase "looking forward to speaking with you" instead of "eager"...but that's a personal style thing.

Best of luck to you!

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Thank you all for your comments.  I will fine tune my cover letter and take what you have said into consideration ?

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Might want to consider that your cover letter is a bit wordy.  Basic structure should start with Paragraph 1 - Purpose of your letter.  Paragraph 2 - Support/Item of Interest on why to look at your resume and you.  Paragraph 3 - Conclusion/Result you want.  You should also only use the word "I" 2-3 times max. Of course, good punctuation, form, spelling is a must.  A balance between what you know and your willingness to fill the needs of the organization is a must.  Don't oversell your confidence as most of the time new grads don't know what they don't know.  Most supervisors would rather have a new grad who is willing to ask questions then an air of over confidence.  As a new grad, you should be prepared to consider any position with an offer of training and support when needed. Be brave and jump in with both feet and stethoscope.  Nursing is not for the faint of heart.  Good luck!  

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Specializes in oncology.

May be I missed it but where do you say your licensed as a professional nurse?

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I am licensed in Michigan.

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