How does a New Graduate Registered Nurse Find a Job?
How Does A New Graduate Nurse Find A Job?
Every manager tells me I need experience! How do I get experience when nobody will give me a job?
We ALL have felt this way. It is a total catch 22 in over saturated markets, like California.
We constantly hear, “There’s a nursing shortage! Become a nurse and you will always have an awesome job.”
Well, there is NOT a nursing shortage in California. There IS a shortage of hospitals willing to train.
What can a New Graduate Nurse do to stand out and get managers to notice you?
- Have a strong basic resume and cover letter that sells what makes you unique. Example: Can you speak 3 languages? Make sure that is noted within the top 1/3 of your resume!
- Understand and learn about Applicant Tracking Systems and keywords. Basically, you want to target your resume, cover letter, and entire job application to the job you are applying for. When you apply online, a computer is literally judging you. So, tell it what it wants to hear! Hint – Really read the job posting. It usually tells you exactly what they are seeking. Yes, it takes time to tweak your resume and cover letter to each job you are applying for. When the manager calls you directly for an interview, that extra time is priceless.
- Get out there and network! Join LinkedIn, submit articles you find so that managers can see your passion and involvement. Connect with others who have the job you want. Find out how they did it. Ask their advice. Join different groups, comment, and follow posts. Managers do look at social media when seeking new hires.
- If it has been a while since you graduated, or you want a specific unit, seek out an internship, additional CEU’s, and certifications related to your dream job. Yes, it is totally frustrating that we graduated college, passed NCLEX, and now how to pay more money to get noticed, but it can help. Plus it gives you something to talk about on your resume and in an interview! Additional education can be written off your taxes, talk to your tax professional to learn more.
- While you are doing an internship, or even during your last nursing clinical, write a letter to your preceptor’s manager praising them AND set the intention that you’d love to work there / join their team. It just may land you an interview!
- Volunteer! Google “Volunteer” and see what pops up in your area. Example: If your passion is Mom Baby, look up “First 5”. They love volunteers. Find a group who values the same things you do, and somebody may have a job lead for you.
Remember that as a new graduates you are not only up against hundreds of your peers seeking a position, you area also up against thousands of nurses who graduated months / years out, took non acute care jobs, or are still looking, and doing everything humanly possible to land these coveted acute care positions.
- Prep Prep Prep! We cannot stress this enough. If you are seeking a job, especially as a new graduate nurse, you need to be prepping for the interview, those pesky behavioral interview questions, clinical scenarios, and learning about the hospital systems in your area and what their needs are. Hint – the job posting and their website can provide a ton of information, if you take the initiative! By being prepared, you will out shine your competition.
Join us at RNInterview Tools on Facebook.
