You learned the right way to study through nursing school. You learned the right way to take your nursing school entrance exams. Finally, you learned the right way to succeed in your nursing certifications but did you learn the right way to find a nursing job?  Finding a good fit both you and your future employer is critical. Too many times, job seekers feel as though the only party that matters is the employee but in reality, you, as a job seeker, should feel comfortable in your new job as well. While there is always a learning and adjustment curve, it should be a good fit from the start. There is right way and a wrong way to look for nursing jobs after you finish school.

Right Way: Submit your resume to open positions. Follow up within several days to ensure they received the resume and have your correct contact information.  Be selective with the companies you submit your resume and apply to jobs for which you are qualified.

Wrong Way: Applying to every medical job within twenty miles of your zip code. This not only frustrates employers when they are sorting through piles of resumes, it can present you in a negative light for a future open position for which you are qualified. Always follow-up with an email or call to the hiring manager.

Right Way: State the truth on your resume. Use appropriate verbiage as well as correct statistics for the success you’ve experienced and the goals you’ve reached. Don’t be modest about what you’ve done in your life so far. Many candidates don’t want to sound boasting but you should boast on your resume. That’s how potential employers know what you can do for their organization.

Wrong Way: Fudge your credentials. In any field it is wrong but in the medical field, your dishonesty can cost people their lives. This is not a field where you can stretch the truth or misrepresent your skills. Lying on your resume will get you nowhere, fast.

Right Way: Be persistent. Once you’ve found a medical facility that you really like, visit it and get to know the staff. Ask about job openings and humbly share your qualifications. The network you create with the team members in this casual setting can be beneficial to you when the time comes for an interview.

Wrong Way: Submit your resume online and never interact with the hiring manager or other team members. Giving up when you aren’t hired for the first position that comes along. Even if you are qualified, there could be other candidates who are a better fit and employers want to find the best possible team member to join them.

Submitting your resume will take time and effort but when you find that company where you fit in well and can provide quality care, you will be glad you did. Employers and employees alike should be pleased with the fit within the team and then overall as a company.

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In an economy where the qualified candidates outnumber the others, you have to stand out. How is this accomplished without seeming obnoxious or arrogant in a job interview?  Putting your best foot forward doesn’t mean compromising who you are or even acting a certain way but rather being true to yourself. If that doesn’t work for the interview, it won’t work for the new position and both parties should be comfortable with their true person. Usually if you have made it to the in-person interview, you meet the basic qualifications so there should be something about you that sets you apart. There are several actions you can take in order to help sway the interview in your favor so that you are remembered for your abilities, personality, and how well you would fit into the role.

1. Engage the interviewer. Don’t just recite answers back to their questions but go one step further by adding some personal information to your answer or even ask them a question after your response. If you are asked about your education, take a couple extra seconds to explain why you went to that school or how a certain class really changed your life. Don’t ramble but try to answer with more than just one sentence.
2. Be personable. From the receptionist who greets you to others in the parking lot vying for that one open spot, show a friendly, positive attitude, because these are potential co-workers and no one wants to work with a grouchy person. While they may not conduct the interview, their input could be heard and you want it in your favor.
3. Know facts about the company. When you’re answering questions about prior work experience, you can tie it to the current interviewer. Use common connections in the industry, clients, and even experiences to show the interviewer that you know exactly who they are and the position they are trying to fill.
4. Exude confidence and knowledge. If there was a new development in your field, talk about it and explain the facts. The interviewer may or may not know about it but it is a win-win either way. You can share some new information with them or you can partake in a lively conversation about what happened. This gives you a chance to connect with the interviewer and for them to realize you know the industry.
5. Common courtesy rules the day. Be on time, don’t chew gum, turn off your phone, keep the cologne/perfume to a minimum, and speak clearly. Treat the interview seriously and you will be viewed as a viable candidate.

Not every interview will be the same but the small details are what will set you apart. These principles can apply to all job interviews you may have, regardless of the field.

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