Why can't I get a job as a New RN Grad?

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2011

References generally aren't looked at until after an interview if they are interested in hiring you, so they don't do anything to get you in the door unless you use your references to network (do they know someone in the unit you are applying to and would they be willing to reach out to that person to proactively speak on your behalf).

Since you have a lot of experience, are you using the people you've worked with to network? Do you tell they you're looking for a job and to keep an eye out for an opening where they are currently? When you apply for jobs do you call to follow up on your application? Have you had your resume looked at for grammar and spelling and format? Same with your cover letter?

Are you doing anything like volunteering to keep yourself busy and further network? Have you joined any professional organizations that have local chapter meetings you can go to?

mkmascare · Jan 31, 2011

Have you had your resume looked at for grammar and spelling and format? Same with your cover letter?

My resume had a typo even after 2 ppl read over it. Take another look at your resume/coverletter.

JenniferSews · Jan 31, 2011

Start with having someone look over your resume and cover letter. I know this is the internet but the lack of correct punctuation in your post might be carried over to your resume and cover letter. History is looked at but getting an interview and a chance to really shine and sell yourself happens before any background check is ever run. Like others have said the references are checked last. In my facility they are a formality before a job is offered. To get in by references you have to know someone who is willing to go out of their way and advocate for you to a specific manager on a unit.

Are you working as an MA or CNA currently? Use those contacts to network and find a job. If you haven't, then tweak your resume to stress your experience as it relates to actual nursing. If you are working in a doctors office as an MA then most hospitals don't look at that as relevant experience. Spread yourself out and apply to every place imaginable! I knew CNAs who worked in hospitals who were promised jobs when they graduated. But by the time we graduated in 2009 things were so tough they couldn't get a job with 5+ years as a CNA and those promises were forgotten. The good news is they were persistent and got jobs by never giving up and not limiting themselves.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 31, 2011

Hi, I could have written your post. I know how hard it is to hear that others have found jobs and you're not even getting calls. I try to remind myself not to compare myself to others; they have theirs and I will get mine in the right time. I started going out from hospital to hospital handing in my resume, and applying to places I would have never thought of, like clinics, homecare agencie and doctors offices. Even if they're not your first choice, they are nursing experience so they will count for something--better than being unemployed as a new grad! Hang in there and don't lose heart--the right job WILL come up for you.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2011

My resume had a typo even after 2 ppl read over it. Take another look at your resume/coverletter.

Yep, my husband found a typo on my resume that no one else noticed (I said I was at a volunteer job from July 2009 to January 2009). It's a tough market and maybe you're doing everything right, but it's still a good idea to quadruple check that you are presenting as polished a front as you can.

kalami08 · Jan 31, 2011

I just got a new grad job after several months of searching, and here's my experience. Hope it helps!

I applied online to hundreds of new grad programs and jobs and did probably hundreds of hours of research, but only got 3 actual interviews. You know how I got 2 of those interviews? By calling the HR department of hospitals I was really interested in and talking with the nurse recruiter.

The human element makes all the difference in the world! Call, talk to a real person, show them you are really interested, well qualified, and are worth giving a chance to. For me, it got my dream job in a new grad program at a top-notch hospital.

FYI, if you just recently passed boards, that may be why you haven't gotten interviews yet. I didn't get any interviews until after I passed my boards, but after I did, I started getting them. Since there's so many new nurses out there, I have a feeling that a lot of hospitals just weed out people who don't have licenses and only look at those who do, because they have too many applicants anyways. I don't blame them - they've gotta do what they've gotta do. But if you just passed boards, things could start really looking up for you soon, trust me! :)

justinek · Aug 5, 2011

Hi Kalami08,

I think I read in a previous thread that you went to APU. Is that true? I just got into the San Bernardino campus for next summer and I'm excited! I was just searching the allnurses forums for people who can give me more info on the school, program, SB location, housing in the area, etc etc. And congrats on landing a good job too!!! Hope to hear from you soon. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. I'd love to be able to ask you questions about APU! :)

Leonardo Del Toro, RN · Aug 10, 2011

I think that as far as a new grad goes they might prefer someone who has no working experience. They (HR) feel you might have some formed working habits which might be hard to change. Try applying as a nurse and forget the new grad idea.

allnurses Guide · Aug 11, 2011

Huh??? If she is a new grad, she is a new grad. The date of graduation and obtaining the license is pretty much what it is. That makes zero sense.