STILL can't find a job

Chocholate · Nov 14, 2016

I know it is hard, but if you are still early 20's, it is one choice to go outside of Ontario and come back with experience.

If your friend already got a job, try to connect them. It is better than applying online.

anxiouspn · Nov 14, 2016

My best friend went through similar in another HCP field. Sent out tons of local applications, no responses, then took a chance on an Alberta position and was interviewed and offered the position within less than a week. Personally I graduated from RPN same time as you and did not get an offer until a week after my HFO expired. Today was my first day @ work. All I can say is, I know it's corny but don't give up, and if the opportunity arises to take a position elsewhere, take advantage. I have worked abroad myself (before nursing). It will be a worthwile experience trust me. :yes:

joanna73, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2016

Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'd relocate if I were you. Competition is fierce in ON, and you could sit there another 6 months waiting.

tiina · Nov 15, 2016

Recently I returned to Ontario from the US and found myself having difficulty landing a job as well. I have several years of nursing experience in both Ontario and US. Canadian university graduate with BScN. CNO took a year to reinstate my RN license which delayed my application for jobs. So there is a gap in my resume which I suspect is acting as a big negative.

Anyways, I somehow finally landed a part-time job but it is not enough financially. I am still looking...doing the same thing as you. Sending 3-4 resumes/day.

I recently paid$$ and got a professional to write my resume and cover letter. This strategy was recommended on the RNAO website as well. The service is pricey, but think about a month wage I am losing by not getting a job offer, I thought it's worthwhile.

Caution: If you use a professional resume writer, be careful and selective with the service. Some websites do not even have their company address/contacts.

anxiouspn · Nov 15, 2016

Recently I returned to Ontario from the US and found myself having difficulty landing a job as well. I have several years of nursing experience in both Ontario and US. Canadian university graduate with BScN. CNO took a year to reinstate my RN license which delayed my application for jobs. So there is a gap in my resume which I suspect is acting as a big negative.
Anyways, I somehow finally landed a part-time job but it is not enough financially. I am still looking...doing the same thing as you. Sending 3-4 resumes/day.
I recently paid$$ and got a professional to write my resume and cover letter. This strategy was recommended on the RNAO website as well. The service is pricey, but think about a month wage I am losing by not getting a job offer, I thought it's worthwhile.
Caution: If you use a professional resume writer, be careful and selective with the service. Some websites do not even have their company address/contacts.

Hi, can you please PM me with the name/contact info of the service you used for your resume? I have a feeling I will have trouble finding work when my Hfo job ends

joanna73, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2016

I would suggest instead that you review sample cover letters and resumes on the internet to get a feel for your options.

I will never believe that a resume writing service affords someone a greater chance of landing a position, especially given the prices.

I've screened hundreds of resumes, different styles. What employers look for is clarity, spelling, and grammar. First and foremost, however, is this: how closely do your skills match the listed requirements?

How closely does your cover letter speak to the mission vision and values? Someone who starts out telling me they are compassionate is really telling me nothing, for example.

Have someone proof read your resume, but try to avoid using a pricey service if you can.

tiina · Nov 16, 2016

Joanna has a good point. Professional resume writing service is not everything. I used it but I am revising here and there to match the individual job posting I am applying for. What I learned from the resume professional though, is that "key words" must be included in the resume/cover letter. I was missing a lot of key words. If your resume/cover letter do not have the key words that match the job posting, the HR is not going to pick you which means you are not visible to the managers who are hiring. It is good to know the hiring side of view.

There is a good book I read: "Knock 'em Dead, ultimate job search guide", and "Knock 'em Dead, resumes" by Martin Yate. They also have a website knockemdead.com

I found this book at a library. There were so many eye-opening tips for interview/resume/job search. I'd recommend reading this book if you feel stuck. A lot of the things written here is what the resume writer told me about, so I would think you can write a great resume using a book like this as well (it's free if you can borrow it from a library .

On a good side, I am glad I spoke with a resume writer because it worked as an individualized job counseling for me. I felt really stuck and was losing confidence in finding a job (I was even thinking about leaving nursing, the profession I love!). By talking to a job search professional, I felt much more confident. And of course I learned valuable tips as well :up:

I would suggest instead that you review sample cover letters and resumes on the internet to get a feel for your options.
I will never believe that a resume writing service affords someone a greater chance of landing a position, especially given the prices.
I've screened hundreds of resumes, different styles. What employers look for is clarity, spelling, and grammar. First and foremost, however, is this: how closely do your skills match the listed requirements?
How closely does your cover letter speak to the mission vision and values? Someone who starts out telling me they are compassionate is really telling me nothing, for example.
Have someone proof read your resume, but try to avoid using a pricey service if you can.

CanadianRN16 · Nov 18, 2016

James Bay area is in desparate need for nurses, if you don't mind going up north!

My facility in Ottawa and others in my area are also looking for nurses, no one wants to work in long term care apparently.

Goodluck!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2016

To give you some perspective on the job market, one of my manager friends informed me that he recently received 200+ applications for an LPN position. Of those, he'll interview 10. It's really the luck of the draw.

I did the same when I ran a unit. Many great resumes, no time to interview everyone. Pick 10 that look good, the rest are filed to HR or garbage.

My point is, it's likely not your resume. However, if you're willing to work rural, you'll find a position. Small towns are always in need.

Frost_RN · Nov 23, 2016

Thank you all for your advice. I had my interview(Was not expecting to have so many med/surg scenario questions :dead: ) and was offered a full time position. I'll suck it up and relocate for 1 year. Hopefully the experience I gain will help me find a position in the future in Toronto/GTA!

tiina · Nov 23, 2016

Congratulations! :up: