Tips from new grads who got job offers

U.S.A. California

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I just thought it would be helpful to all of us new grads who are searching for jobs to get some tips from those who were able to land job offers since it is so tough out there right now. What tips can you guys provide? What do you think set you apart from the other hundreds of applicants? Did you have a high GPA? Did you have work experience as a nurse assistant or LPN? Did you volunteer? I'm sure any tips and advice would be helpful to us job searchers out there!

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Anyone?

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

I had a 4.00 gpa, was hired where I did an internship, I made portfolios and hand delivered them to the unit, did follow up calls and thank you cards, EKG and NIHSS certified

It seems like the people who got jobs easiest out of my cohort had ACLS, followed up, and went directly to the unit

internships are also a huge plus. peruse the graduate nurse forum under the students tab too. there are many threads already discussing this with lots more tips.

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Specializes in ED.

I didn't have a overall 4.0, it was more in the 3.7s. I got the job where I precepted at during the last semester. Some of the other people who got hired were externs on the unit before or knew someone in the department already. Besides being myself and honest during my interview, I think really putting yourself out there when you're precepting gets you noticed. Being open to try/help with anything made a difference. I actually spoke with the manager on my first day on the floor about what made them choose the canidates that they chose. She said she just can feel it in the interview if they'll fit in or not.

On a side note, I did not send out Thank you cards, or follow up with the manager. I only decided to thank her before I left on my very last day of clinical and told her what a pleasure it was to work there and how great her staff was to all of the students. That was it. She said she remembered that I did that.

Try to get an externship at a hospital, that's definitely a great way to get them to see what you are capable of and let them know why they SHOULD hire you. :)

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I would like tips from RNs who didn't go to school in CA. I had to relocate because my husband is in the military I went to school in NC and I'm slowly finding people who can maybe help me.I just received ACLS certification and I'm thinking about taking more courses if it will help me get a job.

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.
I would like tips from RNs who didn't go to school in CA. I had to relocate because my husband is in the military I went to school in NC and I'm slowly finding people who can maybe help me.I just received ACLS certification and I'm thinking about taking more courses if it will help me get a job.

go straight to the unit with portfolios in hand and try to speak to the manager. this got me interviews at palces where I hadnt previously done scholastic clinicals at

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Better have more "clinical experience" than your classmates or your competition. During school, I had the opportunity to acquire additional clinical hrs but it was not through my nursing school and it wasn't a requirement for graduation. I sacrificed my summer but it was all worth it. If it wasn't for this, I don't think I will have the job that I now have.

Try padding your resume with certifications as well. Try to make yourself standout and why you are different from the other applicants.

Try to meet the hiring manger face to face and let them know who you are. Take advantage of new grad open houses. This is an excellent opporunity. I was able to secure several interviews by attending these open houses. Lastly, applying randomly online will not get you anywhere. You may get lucky but it is a waste of time cause your resume will never get looked at.

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Thanks for the tips and advice! I'm not from out of state so I can't really do the whole networking thing even though I know that's the most important part. You guys have any other suggestions on what I can do to make my resume stand out? I'm planning on getting a few certifications in the summer and start applying early in October (I graduate in December). I'm also thinking about putting together a portfolio and flying over to meet the nurse managers and personally giving it to them. Anything else I could do that might help? Would getting some experience as an LPN, having a high GPA, and BSN help at all?

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Specializes in ED.
Thanks for the tips and advice! I'm not from out of state so I can't really do the whole networking thing even though I know that's the most important part. You guys have any other suggestions on what I can do to make my resume stand out? I'm planning on getting a few certifications in the summer and start applying early in October (I graduate in December). I'm also thinking about putting together a portfolio and flying over to meet the nurse managers and personally giving it to them. Anything else I could do that might help? Would getting some experience as an LPN, having a high GPA, and BSN help at all?

A good friend of mine put her picture on her resume and that was the only call she got back, and she starts her new grad program in March... something to think about. :)

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Specializes in ED, Critical Care.

Dress like the Woman or Man that you are. It erks me to no end that people are lazy slobs anymore.

Leave the flip flops,cargo pants, t shirts, ball caps, shorts, etc. at home if your serious about wanting a job.

Put some darn socks on as well! It never killed anyone to wear a shirt and tie or nice dress once in a while.:D

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having any kind of management experience looks good....so does doing a volunteer stint in a foreign country who has no medical to speak of.

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Bilingual, male, young, previous medical experience.

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