Seeking First Job - Need Advice

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

1. My question is this: It has been over six months since I've passed my test, and I have had a huge issue even getting callbacks. When I do manage to find someone to speak with on the phone the responses range from: 1. You graduated in 2013 and haven't had a job? I explain that I've been the primary caregiver for an elderly parent and I took my time studying for my exam. This person told me they (nor anyone from an HR department) was going to care about why I hadn't had a job, or that I'd been taking care of a seriously ill family member, nor how long it took me to pass my test, the only thing they were going to see was that I hadn't had a job since graduating in 2013. How do I help myself dig out of this hole I find myself in?

2. My second question is this: I actually went to the unemployment office hoping to find some help, and the woman there told me to use the experiences I've gained caring for my mom, by putting it down on my resume as volunteer work. Obviously I'm hesitant to do this, because I don't want to lie, and it isn't volunteering it's my mom. I'd do it anyway. What are your thoughts?

3. Also as a bit of a buffer I have begun an RN to BSN Program, but will it help? Will it at least show I'm not just doing nothing while claiming to care for a family member? Or should I quit and just look for a job?

For now I do believe this is it, if I have anymore questions do you respond to comments? And if I were to later post a resume and cover letter do you critique those?

You may have seen my dilemma on here before I think I've posted at least once before seeking advice.

Dear Seeking First Job,

Maybe your situation is better than you think.

Reframe

You became an RN in December of 2014 when you passed the NCLEX. You were not an RN yet in 2013, so on your resume the actionable and prominent date should be Passed NCLEX December 2014” Your graduation date was in 2013. If asked, about the length of time it took to pass your NCLEX, you can say that it took more than one attempt to pass, and/or that family reasons delayed your test dates.

So at this point you are almost nine months out, and still looking for your first job. That isn't overly long in this market, and it's not a mark against you. But...it is time to hustle!

Strategize

I would put all my energies into looking for a job right now. You really want to land your first job sooner rather than later. If you are not getting callbacks, it could very well be your resume.

Your resume is the first and usually only impression they have of you. It has to make you stand out from the other applicants. Is it well organized and no more than one page in length? Is it mistake free and visually appealing (use of white space)? Read Revamp Your Resume for more tips.

You could list January 2015-August 2015 as caring for family member” but I don't see the benefit. It would raise the question of Are you free to work now?” and then you would explain that yes, you are free to work, and then you are simply back to your starting point without added value.

If I were reading your resume, I would see you as a good daughter who is caring and compassionate, but I might also wonder if you'll need to quit your job at any time if your mother has another stroke.

note:I hope your mother is better. Is she more independent now than she was in December, and is there help available so you can work full-time if you land a job? In other words, has your situation changed?

Your resume should be skills focused in your case, as this will highlight your skills and not your gap in employment. Use keywords from the job postings and give examples of your matching skills.

Prepare

You may want to read How to prepare for your interview” and How to Land that Elusive First Job” I wish you the best, friend. You have been pulled in different directions, and I can't imagine the stress. But the most important thing for you now is to maintain a laser-sharp focus towards getting that first job.

I wish I could critique resumes and cover letters, but I'm not able to. Let me know what other questions I can help you with.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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