Searching for any job in this economic climate is difficult enough, but somehow it feels like we nurses are getting the worst of it. Truly, job-hunting is almost a full-time job in itself, so it’s no surprise that we’re running out of time and energy to find that perfect job. If this sounds like the situation you are in as a new nursing grad, don’t get too disheartened just yet because we’ve got a few reasons why finding that job may not be as easy as you thought.

Marketing Problems

If you’ve noticed that you’re sending out a lot of applications or resumes and aren’t hearing back from many potential employers, it could just be that your resume isn’t quite doing you any favors, marketing-wise.

When you’re looking for a job, your main goal is to sell yourself. And in order to do that, you need to advertise what you’ve got, whether that’s experience, loads of qualifications, or simply a good attitude. This is first done in your resume or CV. Here, you need to make a point of highlighting your skills and successes. If you’re a brand-new nurse and don’t have a lot of experience, there are plenty of things you can add to the page – volunteer experience, languages spoken, and your relevant coursework are all good starts.

Don’t forget to pay attention to your online professional profiles as well. Make sure everything is up to date and that you’ve included everything that’s relevant in any way to the job you are seeking out.

No Second Interview

Usually, places of employment will do at least two interviews before they make a decision on which candidate is right for the job. You submit your application and resume to a facility and then a lower-level manager or supervisor might go through them and see which ones are promising. If you’re chosen for a first-round interview or a screening call, good for you! Your information stood out from the crowd as a great candidate!

The problem generally arises after this first talk, when you aren’t considered for an interview with the manager in charge of the actual hiring. One problem may be that you need to practice your interview skills. If you look great on paper but don’t jive with whoever you’re talking with, this could be a sign that you wouldn’t fit in that position.

Take a look at your resume and make sure that everything is truthful and that nothing is exaggerated or false. It’s one thing to choose your words to make yourself sound more impressive but quite another to be entirely misleading. If your resume is accurate, make sure you know what’s on it and that you can talk about it in person. Practice with a friend if you need a confidence boost!

No Networking

When you enter a field as diverse as healthcare, it’s a good idea to start networking. Networking is when you meet people in the same field as you or the one you would like to enter, or in a related field. As a healthcare professional, there’s almost no one that you would not want to add to your network, so if you think you’ve been picky about who you meet, it’s time to loosen up and get out there!

Networking offers a variety of benefits that will help you land that first job. Not only will it help you meet the right people who might know of job openings you’d be suited for, but you’ll also get to practice your interpersonal skills, learn how to talk yourself up, and keeps you motivated to. Check out conferences and other events to meet people in healthcare and pick their brains about finding a job!

You Don’t Follow Up

Following up is key when you are looking for a job. This means that after every contact or interview with a potential employer, you reach out to whoever you spoke with. It is ideal to lead with gratitude for their taking time out of their day to speak with you. You may also consider asking when you should hear back about the position. Doing this will keep you in their minds, remind them of your name, and help remind them what a great candidate you are. It will also show commitment, dedication, and politeness – all things that any employer will value in a nurse!