Struggling to get interviews!

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 21, 2018

It may simply be that you are going to have to branch out. It could be a job market where you aren't one of the better qualified candidates (2 years may only be a drop in the bucket compared to other applicants' experience); they may be choosing to hire internal transfers instead of outside the facility. Are you only applying to one place? You definitely can't put all your eggs in one basket.

Sour Lemon · Jan 21, 2018

Hello, fellow nurses! I'm an RN with 2 years of experience in pediatrics at a major children's hospital, and am relocating to a different metro area to be near family. I've been applying to jobs at the children's hospital there, but have not been able to get any interviews. I've had my resume and cover letters looked over by multiple people, and everyone has said they look perfect. I'm on multiple committees at my current job, have a CPN certification, and PALS. I'm getting frustrated, and want to know if there is anything else I could do to improve my chances. Does anybody have any suggestions?

You might consider using a local address, if you're not already. And if the area is in a different state, make sure your license is ready to go.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2018

When are you planning on moving? When you're not applying for a new grad job that has specified start dates, employers want someone who's ready to start relatively soon. So if you're applying now but not available to start for several months, that could diminish interest. And I agree with RoseQueen, don't limit yourself to just one potential employer.

froggynursej · Jan 21, 2018

I'm applying to a couple other places too, but I was hoping to be able to stay in pediatrics and work at a children's hospital. And you're right about the years of experience.

froggynursej · Jan 21, 2018

When are you planning on moving? When you're not applying for a new grad job that has specified start dates, employers want someone who's ready to start relatively soon. So if you're applying now but not available to start for several months, that could diminish interest. And I agree with RoseQueen, don't limit yourself to just one potential employer.

I could use my parents' address in the new city, but do not have an address of my own yet. The state I'm moving to is also a compact state, so I would have no issues transferring my license over. I'll try using the local address instead of my own. Once I get a job, I'm willing to move immediately after my 2 weeks is up at my current job. I was hoping to not have to put on 2 weeks notice until receiving a job offer in the new city. Maybe that isn't a good strategy?

caliotter3 · Jan 21, 2018

You could consider getting a mailing address at one of the postal box companies like The UPS Store. By not using the four line address, no one need know that this is not your physical address. For a small fee, any mail will be forwarded. You can also get a cell phone with the local area code. People who move around a lot use this idea to keep from missing mail and to stabilize their address. Also good for people who reside in their vehicles.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2018

I could use my parents' address in the new city, but do not have an address of my own yet. The state I'm moving to is also a compact state, so I would have no issues transferring my license over. I'll try using the local address instead of my own. Once I get a job, I'm willing to move immediately after my 2 weeks is up at my current job. I was hoping to not have to put on 2 weeks notice until receiving a job offer in the new city. Maybe that isn't a good strategy?

It's always wise to not resign until you have a job offer in hand. You have family in the new state so relocating sounds like it will be easy enough. In some hospitals, the best way in is through a connection. If you're from this area, do you know anyone who works there or who knows anyone in HR?

I've been a pedi nurse my whole career- 10+ years. There is 1 freestanding children's hospital in my state. But there are several larger hospitals that have their own pedi units/departments. I worked at the one and only children's hospital in my city for 5 years and I don't want to pigeon hole myself into only being associated with this hospital so now that I am looking for new jobs, I am interviewing at several other hospitals that have "children's hospitals" within their larger hospital.