Share Here- Maybe your good luck will rub off on someone!

NC Girl BSN · Sep 15, 2009

Since this is a first year after licensure- share your tips on how to make an impression and stand out even though you are a new grad! What do you think your interveiw ettiquette is? How many days should you wait to call back? How should you dress? How do you negotiate salary? Resume tips? How did you land your job, especially in such a tough economy. Im hoping that someone will say something thatll rub some good luck onto me!!!! Help us new grads out!

Well, I am 5 months into my first hospital job as a RN. I think that you have to show alot of intrest when interviewing and make great eye contact. You MUST be flexible. I work 7p-7a and I never once let them know in the interview that I was not intrested in the position. Don't tell them you can't do this or that as far as schedule. Don't mention children during th interview. Wait at leat a week or two for a call back. If you have not heard anything sent a thankyou card to the manager and give them a call. Dress professional. Nice dress pant suit is acceptable. Have a resume on hand and reference page. In the hospitals, you don't negotiate salary with the manager, HR determines that. And I don't see how you can negotiate considering you are new with no experience.

The nursing market is tough. Don't just set your eyes on hospitals. Apply anywhere that is hiring. Good luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress.

VM85 · Sep 15, 2009

you are right abotu the negotiation lol I guess I also meant how do you know what you are worth- Ive researched and have found a "value" and the facility I applied for did have a set starting pay- Bt how do you now if that is a low ball mark or not. I want the job no matter what the pay is and I hope I get it even though I think the pay is low. I am actually hoping that turns off other candidates so I have less competition lol! But its been 2 weeks and i have sent a thank you 2 days after and called a week later- she said they were still gonig through the information from the candidates, so i sent an email last night(which was a week after I had called) reiterating how much I liked the facility and staff and really wanted the position and if possible for her to send a date when a decision is going to be made or if one already has been made to please let me know- didnt know if the timing or the way I went about it was appropriate which is why I started this thread.....thanks!

86toronado, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2009

I agree with the above poster about dressing professionally, and the not mentioning children, and being flexible, etc.

Another thing I would add is when writing up your resume, cover letter, and thank you note pay close attention to spelling and grammar. I noticed a few errors in both of your posts, and it's something that's so easily fixed but it really turns some people off and looks really unprofessional. (not trying to be mean in any way here, just some constructive criticism)

VM85 · Sep 16, 2009

I agree with the above poster about dressing professionally, and the not mentioning children, and being flexible, etc.
Another thing I would add is when writing up your resume, cover letter, and thank you note pay close attention to spelling and grammar. I noticed a few errors in both of your posts, and it's something that's so easily fixed but it really turns some people off and looks really unprofessional. (not trying to be mean in any way here, just some constructive criticism)

no offense taken! I admit I am a bit lazy when it comes to typing and chatting online on my free time- but always use spell check on my resumes, cover letters and thank you's. LOL but I am all about constructive criticism, especially if its something said thatll improve my chances of getting a job! Thank you!