Writing HR to improve chances of getting job

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I recently applied for a position in an ECF that I really want. The ECF is very well run, excellently staffed and much lower stress than my current position. The pay and benefits would be less, but to me the change would be worth it for my overall well being. I plan to leave my current job ASAP. Unfortunately I don't get along with my manager in my current job and my morale is suffering and I feel depressed. I interviewed with HR and the DON at the ECF and felt the interview went well. The HR manager stated that she was not able to get a hold of my current employer to verify employment and asked for other references. I provided her with several additional references to contact, none of which she contacted.

I wrote the HR manager via e-mail stating that I was still very interested in the job and if employment was available to contact me.

I know this is an aggressive move but I really would like a position in this facility. I have 35 years of varied RN experience and an excellent employment record.

Am I being too aggressive in pursuing this job?

Has anyone ever contacted HR post interview?

Thank you for your time!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Yes, you are being too aggressive. You cannot muscle your way into a position there and if you try you will only convince them that you aren't someone they want to work with. All you can do is bait the hook. You do that by learning what they are looking for and then making it happily clear how you are the person who can/will deliver. You have made your interest very plain. Now you need to apply at other places so you don't feel this is the end-all-be-all answer to your current situation.

What is ECF?

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

ECF=Extended Care Facility

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I'm not an assertive pushy type. But I think stopping by HR in person just to ask if your paperwork is in order or were they able to contact your references is worth it.

Either they want you and will be receptive to your checking in. Or they have already hired someone else and will let you know so you can move on.

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12 hours ago, not.done.yet said:

Yes, you are being too aggressive. You cannot muscle your way into a position there and if you try you will only convince them that you aren't someone they want to work with. All you can do is bait the hook. You do that by learning what they are looking for and then making it happily clear how you are the person who can/will deliver. You have made your interest very plain. Now you need to apply at other places so you don't feel this is the end-all-be-all answer to your current situation.

What is ECF?

Doing as you suggest might give the people in HR something to chuckle about but not necessarily achieve the results you are looking for. Do as advised. Apply elsewhere and respond when you are notified of employer interest to continue the process.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

I don't know...

In the past, I use to camp out on a prospective employer's doorstep until they hired me or told me to leave them alone.

If I really wanted a position nowadays, I might do the same thing.

What's the harm?

Anyway, I kind of enjoy being obnoxious.

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I appreciate all the comments and advise everyone has given me.

I guess it's just my personality. I am a very proactive nurse and have had to assertively advocate for my patients for years. I guess I thought it was time to advocate for myself by writing the prospective employer. But so far it hasn't paid off. So fortunately, I have learned a lesson. I have been in my current position for 15 years, so obviously I am not accustomed to applying for employment in recent years. Years ago, applications were done in person and you spoke to real people. I have several interviews with different organizations this week. I will just be more laid back. If they contact me great, if not, oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I didn't commit a crime or harm anyone except myself by obliterating the chances of not getting the job.

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I once applied for a job but heard nothing. I had actually indicated my interest in 4 different positions, let them know I would be happy in any of the 4.

After a while, I thought it was pretty ridiculous that I'd heard nothing about any of the positions. so I called HR. That was back when you could actually talk to someone live, not just get voice mail like it seems to be today.

The person I spoke to told me that 1 spot was not being filled just then, another the manager was out of town, another was filled, and I forget the 4th.

I asked if she thought I could interview within perhaps the coming week. She made it happen. I got the job. I don't think anything would have happened if I hadn't pursued it.

So, I think you should keep in touch with HR. Better yet, do it the old fashioned way - by who you know. If you know anyone, that is, who could help you get a foot in the door. I once got a job by going to see the hiring manager. No appointment, I just went to her floor and she was there and I told her I was thinking about applying for a transfer to her area and we talked a few minutes. She told me to go ahead and apply and she hired me. This was 40 years ago. I don't know if I was too stupid to realize the risk or it was a different era or what. I guess I figured "nothing ventured, nothing gained".

Don't blame your personality, blame the insane way HR operates these days.

Make sure your application, resume, cover letter contain exact words used in the various ads. Otherwise, the HR software won't even let you be considered. you will be weeded out right from the start.

Best wishes.

Is anyone dependent upon you financially? Do you have a mortgage, loans outstanding, other financial commitments? Can you move in with family or friends and cut your expenses to the bone if things don't work out?

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Thank you everyone for your advice. I am happy to tell you that I got the job after all. So I guess I did the right thing by letting them know that I was truly interested in the position!

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Glad to hear it all worked out. For what it's worth, I have contacted people after interviews. Things get overlooked sometimes and if the worst that happens is someone thinks I'm too interested in working for them and decides I'm not worth it, at least I know I did everything I could. I hope this new position is what you're looking for!

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Thank you so much. I am looking forward to a less stressful work environment!

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

Congrats! No it is not aggressive. I am not an aggressive person and every job I have gotten I emailed HR or the person I interviewed with to thank them for the interview and express my strong interest in the position. If I had not heard back a week later, I would email again. Each job I was interested in and did this landed me the job.

It is proactive and shows interest.

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