Gone are the days when a nurse could walk through the door of almost any hospital and find a job. With a steady stream of new graduates, more professionals returning to the field, lower nurse-vacancy rates, decreasing patient volumes and hospitals tightening their belts — the competition is stiffer these days.
“We’re seeing a lot of candidates out there applying for anything and everything. That isn’t going to work with hiring managers who are overwhelmed with applications, and trying to find the most qualified people,” said Johnetta Williams, nurse recruiter at Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville. “You need to conduct a smarter search.”
Here’s how to do that.
“Think of your résumé as your sales tool. It has to sell your skills,” said Theresa Brockenbrough, recruitment manager at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale. “Make sure every detail of your experience is in there and that it matches the job description. New grads should list all their clinical experiences and where they worked.”
Recruiters are scanning applications quickly and need to find your skills at a glance. “Make sure that you meet all the minimum requirements listed before applying for a position,” Williams said.
“Prepare what you’ll say when you’re called for a phone or in-person interview,” said Kay Spruill, recruitment director at WellStar Health System.
When faced with candidates who have equal qualifications, hiring managers look at energy and personality to find the best fit.
“Keep in mind that the employer is looking for what you can bring to the table,” Spruill said. “You’ll only have a short time to wow her with your energy and skills, so know your strengths and be prepared to tell how you can contribute.”
Many nonprofit groups such as Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta and the Roswell United Methodist Church Job Network offer free interviewing workshops.
“Be realistic about your expectations and flexible,” Spruill said. “If you’re coming back in, don’t tell a recruiter that you can only work days or a six-hour shift.
“Get into the area you want to work and the right shift will come later. Once you’ve established a reputation for being a great nurse, doors will open.”
If you’ve been out of the clinical arena for a while, take a nursing refresher course, advises Williams.
“Make the most of your clinical experiences, whether you’re a graduate student or a returning nurse completing the refresher course,” Brockenbrough said. “Make a good impression with your managers and stay in touch. If you’ve done a great job and shown a willingness to learn, they’ll remember you and want you on their team.”
With a larger pool of applicants, expect hiring decisions to take longer.
“We’re having to turn down some great people every day, but [we’re] keeping them in the pipeline. A ‘no’ doesn’t mean don’t call us back,” Spruill said.
Recruiters expect more workers will be needed as the economy revives.
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