What to ask during a recruitment fair?

[pearlbubbles]

Hello. I have been told that at this recruitment fair I am attending, there might be managers. If I am interested in working in the ICU, what are some good questions I can ask that might help me stand out (in a good way)? Thank you in advance.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

If you're seeking information about their ICU, you may want to ask about the unit's patient population (medical, surgical, age span, etc) and any clinical specialization of that facility... e.g., are they are they a certified stroke center, chest pain center, have CV surgery program, do any transplants, etc. Asking questions about internal training programs for specialty technology (VAD, ECMO, etc) will also provide you with some insight about the educational support and career development they provide.

If you're seeking information about the organization, the areas of inquiry might include nursing turnover, tuition reimbursement, shared governance, staffing, etc.

Take plenty of copies of your resume (neatly maintained in a folder) to hand out to recruiters. Be sure to have a copy of your appointment calendar so that you can immediately respond to requests for interviews. Dress for success - not fancy, but don't look as though you just wandered in from a club or the beach.

Good luck to you!

[Buyer beware, BSN]

OP,

Try saying this. (Version 1)

"Look! I'm very busy so just give it to me straight. Do you really have any good jobs available or what?

Because like I said, I 'm too busy to be toyed with if you only have one or two openings for jobs that no one else wants.

And another thing, look I'm a professional and by the way where's the complimentary beverages and pastries and decaf?

Come on now look alive. I need a job and don't have all day for pete's sake!"

Or this (Version 2)

"Hello there. Thank you so much for personally inviting me to your job fair today. I see that there must be over three hundred people who are probably so anxious to be employed by your prestigious facility. I just want you to know that I really, really need a job and if I don't get one there's no telling what I might do ha ha ha. But not to worry my analyst told me my antipsychotics should be at theapeutic levels just in time for you to offer me a job. Do I make myself clear!?"

(Version 3) "Why do I want to work here? Well I really don't, silly. Just passing time till NP school gives me the thumbs up. But I do so have a passion for patient care you know. It's a calling. Sort of like hearing voices that aren't there."