Should I request letters of recommendation for interview with LA County?

[quietpatty]

I have an interview with the County of Los Angeles for a Registered Nurse I position. I requested a general letter of recommendation from my former clinical instructors so that I can reuse it to apply to other jobs. However, I was informed that my instructors generally do not give out recommendations unless requested by the potential employer. Their reasoning is that it is better to address the specific nurse recruiter. I don't see that letters of recommendation are noted on the RN I job announcement. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and request one anyway. For those of you who have interviewed with the County of Los Angeles, Department of Health Services, did you take letters of recommendation with you to the interview? Or does the department request them if you are a candidate for hire? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[dienne]

I have an interview too on Monday. When I asked what I need to bring they told me a copy of my RN license, BLS/ACLS card and if I wanted to a copy of my resume. They didn't mention recommendation letters.

This first interview is not really an interview, it's part of the exam process. If we pass the interview we will be placed in a pool of qualified candidates. We will need then to call all the hospitals every other week to see if there's any openings available and if we can interview for them. So probably the recommendation letter will come in handy during this second interview which will actually be a real interview. But don't hold your breath for county, I heard of people who had to wait a whole year to get a chance to interview for a job

It's tough out there.

Daniela

[quietpatty]

Thanks Daniela for explaining the hiring process. I guess I didn't really understand that this wasn't the actual interview.

[dienne]

No problem. Unfortunately it seems to be a loooong hiring process!!! But on the other hand, LA county are probably the only hospitals still hiring new grads in the Los Angeles area, so we have to be patient and hope for the best :)

What hospital is your interview at?

[quietpatty]

Mine is at Rancho Los Amigos in a few weeks. Where is yours at?

[dienne]

Monday at Harbor UCLA. I'm kinda of nervous, I don't really know what questions to expect.....

[quietpatty]

I wish I had some advice to give you. Good luck!! I'm sure you'll do very well. :)

[dienne]

Thanks :)

I hope I pass so I'll be eligible for employment......this is my only hope of finding a job as a nurse. I applied everywhere in California and had no luck so far.

Good luck to you too!!!!!!

[strawberryheartRN]

Hey I also have an interview coming up with a recruiter. I know you probably can't give out specifics but any tips at all? This too will be my very first interview as a new grad and have also filled out tons of applications and this has been the only opportunity thus far so I'm hoping this can be my chance. Any help or feedback about how ur interviews went would be SO much apprieciated! I'm practicing lots of interview questions. It would be nice to know a little bit about what to expect. Might take the edge of the nerves...if u know what I mean.

Thanks much and I hope your interviews were a success. =]

[quietpatty]

Sent PM

[kristy.w]

after you submitted your online application to county how long did it take to get the first civil service exam interview information? I applied a couple weeks ago and haven't heard anything

[magnolia42]

hi everyone... i received a letter from rancho los amigos to send in my resume...how long after you sent your resume were you contacted or did you all continue to call the hospital? thank you