How to Get Hired as a Nurse
Being a nurse is a rewarding and worthwhile career and the perfect nursing job is waiting for you. With a variety of practice settings to choose from, selecting a job you love and preparing for the hiring process is an exciting venture. Whether you are a new nurse searching for your first job, or a seasoned nurse looking for a change, there are ways to impress potential employers and make yourself a shoo-in for the job of your dreams.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Check out job listings in your area. Besides your local newspaper and online employment agencies, hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices list internal employment opportunities on their websites. If there is a particular facility you would like to work for, be sure to check them out online. With technological advances, take advantage of social networking sites and online discussion and job posting boards. Word of mouth works, too, so be sure to tell your friends and family that you are in the job market, which may lead to fresh job prospects that you did not know about. Attending job fairs is also a good way to find out about available corporate and business nursing positions.
-
2
Read job qualifications and requirements carefully. Be sure you are qualified for the job and are able to link your nursing experience with the criteria the company has listed. If you do not have experience in a particular practice setting, be prepared to explain to the interviewer why you are a good candidate. Point out that you are a fast learner and enjoy learning new procedures and techniques.
-
-
3
Be sure your resume is properly formatted and free of errors. Choose a basic font that is easy to read and sized no smaller than 10-point. Summarize your work and educational experience concisely. Be sure your resume includes action words to describe your experience, and points out leadership roles, career accomplishments and certifications.
-
4
Dress professionally for interviews. As a nurse, wearing casual scrub uniforms for work is not an excuse for dressing unprofessionally during interviews. Suit jackets make a good impression and long hair should be neatly pulled back, with jewelry and make-up kept to a minimum. The first impression you make should be one of a professional nurse that the organization would be proud to hire.
-
5
Arrive for job interviews five to 10 minutes early. During the interview, make good eye contact and provide the interviewer with a copy of your resume and references. Be prepared to answer a variety of questions and compile a list of questions you would like to ask. Along with asking relevant questions, learning about the company before the interview shows the recruiter that you are interested and enthusiastic about the nursing job they are offering.
-
6
Notify the people on your references list about your potential job prospects. It is best for them to be prepared, rather than being surprised by unexpected calls from recruiters.
-
7
Keep a copy of your resume, references and the names of recruiters. It can be confusing if you have interviewed with more than one company and this is a good way to stay organized and sound professional during follow-up calls.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always send a follow-up thank you card or email to recruiters. This should be done the day after your interview to show professionalism and let them know you are still interested in the job.
Be prepared to provide your nursing license number and CPR certification date to recruiters.
Do not be afraid to speak highly of your skills and your assets during an interview and on your resume. Employers like nurses who are honest and assertive.
During interviews, new nurses should focus on educational achievements or high nursing board scores in lieu of actual nursing experience.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
