Why cant I get an interview or at least a job?

ilove · Oct 15, 2011

or is it just my resume doesnt stand out

Tait, MSN, RN · Oct 15, 2011

I would start calling the facilities you haven't heard from and check on the status of your application. It is impossible for any of us here to really know why you aren't getting called back.

I hope you get some feedback soon! :)

Best of luck,

Tait

ilove · Oct 15, 2011

I mean I've called them before they just like we have to look through all the resumes. I dont think they actually would tell you if there was a problem with your records?

Student Mom to Three · Oct 15, 2011

I would think that you would know if there is a problem with your credit history or criminal background. Is there something there that you think may be sending up a red flag to potential employers? Also, I don't think anybody is likely to do any type of background check until they are relatively certain they are going to offer you a position.

Good luck. At least you have gotten a couple of interviews, which is encouraging!

kaufer01 · Oct 15, 2011

I actually think that they are required to tell you if something came back on your background check. (Note: I am not positive on this, so if anyone knows for sure feel free to correct me if I am wrong!)

After your interview, if you don't get the job, write a follow up letter thanking whoever you interviewed with and ask if they have any feedback for you. You may or may not get a response, it's worth a shot though.

Without actually seeing your resume or sitting in on your interview, it's hard to know if there is anything that you could improve upon.

It's a tough job market out there right now, hang in there and keep submitting resumes. In the mean time you could always try volunteering somewhere to keep your skills fresh.

Lucky724 · Oct 15, 2011

An employer isn't going to spend $ to do a background check unless they are going to offer the position and as far as I know the potential employee has to sign a background check form.

All you can do is continue to fill out applications and follow up on them in about a week. Don't just send a resume unless this is what's asked - its going in a pile otherwise.

You may want to think about home health, a doctors office, something other than just hospitals and nursing homes.

diva rn, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2011

I agree, the employers will not even think of a background check until they are ready to extend a job offer. That would usually be after an interview.

They are absolutely not required to tell you if your background check came back questionable.

My guess is that your resume lacks attention getting details...have a professional examine it or ask a friend who is a business executive to look at it. Then perhaps make some suggestions to make it stand out from the hundreds of others that each and every employer is receiving every single day.

I fear that yours is just being tossed into that pile.

Rodoon, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 15, 2011

Did you google yourself and maybe check for pics on your friend's blogs? I mention this because a nurse I know didn't have questionable pics and story on her blog, yet her friends did on a "remember when" type of post with pics. In a world of hard to get jobs don't let the little things trip you up. Google is widely used as a free candidate elimination tool.

mazy · Oct 15, 2011

I remember your posts from a while back. You had been fired from an LPN position and were trying to figure out how to handle that in your interviews and job applications. You were experiencing a lot of anguish because of it.

How long have you been an RN? It is taking new grads a really long time these days to get into the job market. It is just really, really hard.

As others have pointed out, employers are not going to do a background check on you unless they are thinking of extending an offer. It is too expensive. So, if you are not getting any call-backs on your applications, I think it probably has less to do with your past experiences than it does to do with the fact that you are a new grad RN, and the market really sucks.

I would suggest that you sit down with a professional career counselor, who is experienced specifically in nursing HR, and find a way to put together a really good resume and cover letter that highlights your past nursing experience and will get your foot in the door to go to those interviews.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to get some counseling on interview skills and strategies. If you can get in there and present yourself really well, the rest is all workable.

Just focus on the task in front of you, not the past.

ilove · Oct 15, 2011

I know. But like in nursing homes when you fill out the application form. Theirs a backgorund release form which you are supposed to sign. So, I sign those and then they ask for references too.

cherrybreeze, ADN, RN · Oct 15, 2011

I would think that you would know if there is a problem with your credit history or criminal background. Is there something there that you think may be sending up a red flag to potential employers? Also, I don't think anybody is likely to do any type of background check until they are relatively certain they are going to offer you a position.
Good luck. At least you have gotten a couple of interviews, which is encouraging!

I agree with this, wouldn't you know if there was something that was a red flag on your background checks?

There is no way for us here to know why you aren't getting more interviews or a job. Sorry.