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

CapeCodMermaid, RN · 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.

At the risk of getting flamed, again....

With the market so tight, you need to stand out. Using the word like when it's not needed and using theirs when it should be there's could be the difference between getting an interview or not.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 15, 2011

If YOU don't know your shortcomings, how are a bunch of strangers supposed to figure it out? Or maybe there aren't any shortcomings....it's just a really lousy market. Do you read all of the posts about not getting jobs? It's most definitely not a unique situation :)

DixieRedHead, ASN, RN · Oct 15, 2011

Certainly I would take a call from someone who wanted to know why they hadn't had a call back and be glad to discuss why they hadn't been called. With the job market the way it is, it may be that there are just so many more people with more qualifications. I would suggest that you apply for PRN at several places, that might help.

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · Oct 15, 2011

How is your grammar during the interview? Have you considered having a mock interview with someone you know? This may help you to discover flaws, or perhaps other 'red flags' , which you may display without knowing.

(My teacher gave us a long lecture regarding interviews, looking our best, and putting our best face forward.

Wearing too much make up, cleavage revealing shirts, strong perfume, or wild and crazy colors, are definite no no's. Those long fake nails with strange patterns and colors should be changed to a nice clean looking french manicure.

Using words such as "like.." saying "ummmm" too many times, can also be a turn off to potential employers. Rather than saying ummmm, simply pause for a minute and look upward, looking upward shows thought and is said to be a sign of honesty.

Just some tips :)

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Oct 16, 2011

nsna guide: navigating a competitive job market

terri gaffney and deborah rowe

ilove · Oct 17, 2011

thanks guys! theres nothing wrong im clean but Ive been trying to get a job for so long. you start to wonder....

ucfRN · Oct 18, 2011

If the organization calls you and declines to offer you a position, politely ask: "May I have feedback, please"

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 18, 2011

How do I know if there something wrong when they do a background check or my credit check? Does anyone know how I can find out?

That's easy: order your own copies of your background check and your credit reports. Background checks cost anywhere from $25-100. By law you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report from each of the three big credit agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) per year; if you already have ordered a report for this year additional reports can be between $10-20. It's wise to check all three reports since they can say different things.

Use Google to find out where you can order these.

Meliss214 · Oct 18, 2011

Some of my friends took the initiative to meet the nurse manager and ask if they could schedule an interview for the posted position. I recently resigned from my position as a psychiatric nurse, and if I don't get the job that I just interviewed for, I too will resort to making face to face contact with the nurse managers. HTH

Lifeofanurse · Oct 21, 2011

If you have something on your background check or credit check that could be a problem but....in TX you have to sign a release to let them access those type of records. I just signed the forms myself....but then again I'm not concerned in the least.

I don't have a felony or even a misdameaner (spelled wrong I'm sure)...and my credit is in the toilet...like most of america because of the recession and the need to use credit just to feed our kids, keep the lights on and keep a roof over our heads... Neither will keep me from a job.

Now...what are YOU afraid will pop up? Is there something you didn't disclose to your BON? I don't think you need to worry. If it were something big you wouldn't be holding a license.

I personally have had a difficult time job seeking. I've applied to many many jobs and little response..in fact NONE of the ones I've applied through online resources have panned out at all. I got two word of mouth interviews...and the job I want that I interview for tomorrow...I walked in and asked if there were any openings. Was told no. I then asked if I could fill out an application and leave my resume/references anyway and was told yes.

Less than a week later....I got the call!!! I have an interview!

So....here's the next step. Find every LTC, DR's office, therapy clinic, private school (they need nurses too!) ...anything healthcare... make a database.

Print up lots of resumes.

and get dressed up....really look spiffy. Downplay the make-up and up the professional look and hit the streets. LITERALLY.

WALK in...be confident and talk yourself up. If you hear a negative "oh you don't have much ____ experience" show your eager! Don't lie but do represent that you want to learn. "I learned the procedure in lab while in school. I'm really looking forward to using my ------ skills with my patients." I did this when I heard...oh you don't have actual IV experience... it's worked so far.

Good luck...and don't forget to look outside the box.

ilove · Oct 21, 2011

your story has encouraged me a lot. thanks! i will keep it. never give up! So did you end up getting the job?

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 22, 2011

Did you get your bsn? what was your gpa?