Chapter 12

Other

Academic honors, publications, research, and membership in professional organizations

Red flags during the interview

High turnover in the position A newly created position without a clear purpose An organization in transition A position that is not feasible for a new graduate A gut feeling that things are not what they seem

Personal question examples

How would you describe yourself? How would your peers describe you? What would make you happy with this position? Describe your ideal work environment? Describe hobbies, community activities, and recreation?

Acceptance letter

Accept offer, confirm terms of employment, reiterate the employers decision to hire you. Confirm terms of employment (salary and starting date) Ofter a phone call follows this

Other tips about your resume

After you have jotted down everything, you might want to do a summary of qualifications where you can have immodest one-liners designed to let your prospective employer known that you are qualified and talented and the best choice for the position. Tailor your resume to the job you are seeking using only relevant information.

Objective

Answer what, for whom, where, and at what level Example: RN Pediatric pts Large metro hospital Staff

Nonverbal things to consider

Appearance Arrive 10 minutes before your interview time. Stand when your name is called, smile, and shake hand firmly. During interview use interviewers title and last name and hold eye contact. Phrase your questions appropriately and relate to yourself as a candidate for the job. Do NOT say I guess or I feel. Do NOT begin with vacations, benefits, or sick time. Begin with questions of employers expectations for you. Be sure you know enough about the position to make a reasonable decision about accepting an offer if one is made. Ask questions about the organization as a whole Bring a list of important points to discuss if you are nervous.

Background questions

Background questions usually related to information on your resume. Can talk about extracurricular activities, clinical expertise

Career survivalist strategies

Be engaged. Be on the lookout for opportunities. Stay informed. Learn for employability. Take personal responsibility for your career success. Plan for financial future. Develop multiple options. Build a safety net. NETWORKING.

SWOT analysis

Consider using this to examine your nursing career: To decide what's standing in your way and who/what is on your side To determine how you can turn threats into opportunities and weaknesses into strengths Have: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Resume DONTs

Do not: Include photos, fancy binders, salary info, or hobbies Personal info Repeat info Dont use I statements

Why SWOT analysis important?

Doing this will help you make an initial assessment of the job market. It can be used again after you narrow your search for that first nursing position. Can include: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats

Appearance for an interview

Dress in business attire. For women a skirted suit, pant suit, or tailored jacket dress is appropriate. Gray or navy blue is always a good choice.

Three trends among recruiting

Employers are being more creative by using alternative sources to increase the diversity of employees. Employers are using more temporary help as a way to evaluate potential employees. Internet is being used more frequently for advertising and recruiting.

Myths

Good workers done get fired Well paying jobs are available without a degree Go to work for a good company and move up the career ladder Find the "hot" industry and you will always be in demand

Reasons to prepare a resume

Helps complete application fast and right Demonstrates your potential Focuses on your strongest points Gives credit for all your achievements Shows you are organized and prepared Reminds you and gives you confidence Provides intro to employers Serves as a guide for the interviewer A tool to give to others during job search

Researching your potential employer

Important to evaluate your values and goals when researching an organization. The first step in assessing the culture is to review a copy of company's mission statement. This reflects what the institution considers important to its public image. The nursing philosophy and goals should reflect the mission of the organization. (public library, chamber of commerce, government offices, or company website)

Resume DOs

Include following: A clearly stated job objective Highlighted qualifications Directly relevant skills and experience Chronological working history Relevant education and training

Combination format

Is popular Listing work experience directly related to position but chronological order.

Skills and experience

Jot down 5 or 6 major skills required for the position you are seeking

Tips for your resume

Keep it one or two pages Do not use smaller fonts to cram more information Proofread**** Use action verbs, avoid using I Itemize your educational experiences and include certifications State your objective Employers care about what you can do for them and your potential for future success with them Make sure it is readable Bold heading, appropriate spacing, bullets Make sure important facts are easy to spot

What should you know about employer before the interview?

Key people in the organization Number of patients and employees Types of services provided Reputation in the community Recent mergers and acquisitions Other recent news

Pearls of wisdom from career nurses

Know yourself Seek out mentors and wise people Be a risk taker Never stop learning Understand the business of health care Involve yourself in community and professional organization Network Understand diversity Be an effective communicator Set short and long term goals and strive to achieve them

Functional format

Listing work experience but in order of importance to job objective List most important work related experience first* Good if you have gaps in employment or lack experience

Chronological format

Listing work experiences in order of time, with more recent first Good for showing stable employment without gaps or changes Objective and qualifications are at the top

Tips in preparing your resume

Make sure it's legible Paper should be white, off white, or cream Make sure important facts are easy to spot Put strongest statements first Important parts are education, current job, responsibilities and facts to support experience Use spell check

Education

Name and location of every educational institution, dates, degree, or certification START with most recent degree If you are still waiting to take the NCLEX, indicate this

Skills desirable in job candidates

Oral and written communication skills Responsibility and accountability Integrity Interpersonal skills (interacting with others) Proficiency in field of study/technical competence Teamwork ability Willingness to work hard (work ethic) Leadership abilities Motivation, initiative, and flexibility Critical thinking and analytical skills Self-discipline Organizational skills

Standard format

Organized by categories Good for recent graduates or first jobs Personal info Job objective Work experience Education Work skills Memberships Honors Special skills

Personal questions

Personal questions deal with your personality and motivation.

Job search letters cont

Personalize letters Work centered and employment centered Be direct and brief Use active voice and action verbs Be positive Address letters to specific person if possible Do it in a timely manner Be honest

Professional questions

Professional questions are related to skills and knowledge needed in the position available.

Work history

Reverse chronological order (recent first) Explain extensive lapse in employment Include employer, city, state each employer you list Awards or special committees Briefly describe duties and responsibilities

Thank you letter

Send one to anyone who has helped you in your job search. Send within 24 hours to anyone who interviewed you. Letter should: Express appreciation Reemphasize qualifications Restate your interest Provide any info not previously given

Four standard formats

Standard Chronological Functional Combination

How to begin your resume

Start by writing down every applicable point you can think of in 5 categories: Work history Education Objective Skills and experience Other

Two of the most common tools to help you learn about yourself are...

Strong Interest Inventory (SII) compares your interests with interests of those who are successful in a large number of work fields (work style, learning environment, leadership style, and risk taking/adventure) The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality patterns: Extroversion or introversion Sensing or Intuition Thinking or Feeling Judging or Perceiving

To find out more about the institution

Talk to nurses working there Check their website Check library for newspaper and magazines related to the institution

Job Search Letters

The most common are the cover letter, thank you letter, and acceptance letter. Should be linked to SWOT analysis State purpose of letter Most important things first with facts Keep letter organized Group similar things together

Writing a resume

This is a personal data sheet and a way to market yourself. Most job applications live or die within 10-30 seconds as the receptionist or application examiner decides whether your resume should be forwarded to the next step or rejected.

Rejection letter

To decline offer Have given the offer careful consideration but it doesnt fit you career objectives or interests at this time Thank them

SMART

Using SMART may be helpful in career planning S: specific M: measurable A: achievable R: realistic T: timely

Questions you make want to ask

What is this positions key responsibilities? What kind of person are you looking for? What are the challenges of this position? Why is this position open? What is the salary for this position?

Examples of professional questions

What is your philosophy of nursing? What is your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your educational goals? Describe your leadership styles? What can you contribute to this position? What unique skill set do you offer? What are your salary requirements? What-if questions?

Things to consider in whether you are making the right choice

Work climate Job content Development/continuing education Direction/ good supervision and mentors Compensation package

Cover letter

Your introduction. Purpose includes: acting as transmittal letter for resume, presenting you and your credentials, and generating interest in interviewing you. State your purpose and your interest in a specific position. Emphasize strongest qualifications that match requirements Sell yourself. Express appreciation to the reader for consideration. If possible, address to a specific person.

Sites for nursing

careerbuilders.com nurse.om healthcareerinteraction.com