Will certifications help get a job?

I was told by a couple managers that certifications do not matter. They said a smart manager will disregard that and only focus on your personality, which is something you cannot readily/easily change; whereas, anyone can get certifications.

Nonetheless, take what I say with a grain of salt because I have not been hired anywhere just yet, although, I believe I might be getting one fairly soon! The only thing I had going for me was prior professional experience (no medical) and very high GPA.

It's seemed to help my classmates to have ACLS. There was one new grad program in particular that seemed to look well upon already having that certification: the classmates who were asked to interview for one department there all had ACLS. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. If you can afford it I would do it for sure.

Another thing that is helpful is networking. If you know what area you want to work in, join that professional organization and go to local meetings and network with others there. Keep in touch with your clinical instructors and let them know where you're applying- they might know people at places you apply and be willing to put a good word in for you.

If you can not afford it, don't do it. From experience with managers, they want passion, longevity, nursing knowledge and a personality that works well with existing personalities on the job. I was told that if they want to hire you, they will teach you whatever skills you don't have and polish the ones you do. Most nurses have similar clinical experience in school. They look for what makes you stand out from the other graduates. Your hospice experience, although it is not nursing, can exhibit that you are passionate about the care of the dying. It could make interesting conversation. You should definitely be focusing on the NCLEX before you think about jobs (IMO).

I recently talked to a recruiter for the largest hosptial chain in my region that does new grad residencies. I asked if certification like ACLS would help my chances of getting hired, and she did not think so. Yet, when I see the job postings for these positions, quite a few of them do indicate ACLS/PALS/TACC/ect preferred. My guess: having the certifications may make you stand out in the selection process to get an interview, but how well your interview and sell yourself will be much more important.

You should definitely be focusing on the NCLEX before you think about jobs (IMO).

I disagree. New grads need to be doing both.