Depending on what part of the country you live in, and your experience, it can be challenging to land the job you want. But like most things in life, the more you put into your job search, the better your results will be. The key is to have a game plan.
Do Your Research
The first step in any job search is researching places you’re interested in working. Sounds pretty simple, but don’t just stick to the obvious. When you’re doing a job search, it may be time to think outside the box. For instance, in addition to a hospital, consider what settings you may be interested in working. Have you considered home health, sub-acute centers, or correctional facilities? It’s important to consider all your options; research possibilities and narrow down the places that sound like the best fit.
Boost Your Skills
Depending on what area of nursing you’re interested in, you may want to consider giving your qualifications a boost by earning a certification. For example, if you work in oncology, becoming a certified oncology nurse may help you stand out from other applications. Professional nursing organizations, such as American Nurses Credentialing Center, offer several specialty certifications.
Revise Your Resume
Your resume is an important marketing tool in your job search. It should reflect your skills, qualifications, and strengths, as they relate to the position for which you’re applying. It’s important to tailor your resume to each specific position. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a pediatric nurse, add any volunteer or employment experience you have had with children. You may also want to remove reference to anything that is completely unrelated to the job.
Network
One way to find job leads is to network with former classmates, friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Get the word out that you’re looking for a nursing job. Attend nursing association meetings in your area or local chamber of commerce events. You never know whom you’ll meet. Keep in mind, not all nursing jobs are advertised. You might get a tip for an upcoming opening.
Brush up on your interview skills
Your interview is often a key factor that determines if you get the job. If you have been at your current position for a number of years, it may have been a while since you interviewed. It’s helpful to go into an interview prepared. One way to prepare is by practicing your interview skills. Think about typical interview questions and consider how you would answer them. While you don’t want to appear scripted or too rehearsed, it’s helpful to have a general idea of how you would respond. Also, use your interview to find out more about the job and facility for which you would be working.
Consider What You Want
You might be fortunate enough to land your ideal job, but there is also a chance you may not get everything you want. Think about what is an absolute deal breaker. For example, maybe you won’t relocate or accept a job without health insurance. Then consider the areas where you are flexible. Would you work a different shift or accept something part-time? It’s a good idea to look at the whole picture before ruling out any job.
Stay the Course
A job search can be a lot of work. Try to develop a routine and goals each day towards getting the job you want. Meeting job-seeking goals will help you keep the momentum going. Break your goals into mini-projects and set a time frame for each. For example, set a goal of revising your resume, meeting with a recruiter, and checking job opportunities at a few hospitals each week. Lastly, stick with it until you find a job where you are happy. There may be disappointments and some rejection along the way, but with hard work, perseverance, and a little luck, hopefully you’ll find the right fit.
