When searching for a job, we take a lot of time trying to create a perfect resume. But, is this enough? As Jim Collins says in his book, "From Good to Great", let's confront the brutal facts before we tackle how to structure a successful nursing job application strategy.
- Applying for anything and everything will not yield eventual success. Be specific, be choosy and always play to your strengths and experience. If you are not a strong candidate right from the start, you won't "become one" over time, nor will they "find a spot for you" down the road. This is especially true for new nurses and all those who are “open” to new possibilities.
- Not all resumes meet the requirements of the job. HR Directors and nurse recruiters routinely estimate that roughly half of all resumes submitted for a particular position don't even come close to meeting the requirements of the job and are immediately discounted. Odds are good that your nursing resume falls in to this category. Even if you believe you are perfectly suited for the nursing position in question, your materials might not convey that idea to them at all. Don’t assume they will.
- Only the best of the best is to be chosen. In the current job market, employers have the privilege of selecting from only the very, very best candidates, which goes back to reinforce Fact #1. While it seems counter-intuitive, HR says over and over that it is hard to find qualified candidates these days, which brings us directly to Fact #4.
- From paper to phone interviews, everything is seen. In order to be the best candidate for the nursing job, you have to look the best on paper and other formats. You have to respond the best in phone screens, and you have to consistently demonstrate how and why you're the
best during every interaction from networking to initial application to final round of nursing interviews.
- Shortcuts are not the way to success. Searching for the best nursing job takes time and energy. Being successful means you have to work consistently, constructively, and strategically over time and not take shortcuts. Applications alone will not get the job done. You must connect with people personally and professionally in other ways. Reach out. Learn more. Customize your materials accordingly.
Creating an Outstanding Job Application
- Make sure your resume aligns perfectly with the job posting. Sending out a generic, universal resume and cover letter combo "as-is" is one of the fastest ways to be discounted.
- Typos are another application killer, yet, errors are quite common on resumes. Creating application materials is an exercise in technical writing and persuasive argument. Raise the bar!
- Have you been job searching for awhile now? Be sure to check any arrogance, cynicism, desperation or anger at the door. It is nearly impossible to hide such feelings. If they exist, they'll show. If they show, you're done.
- Showcase your skills in ways that demonstrate the impact you’ve made in your nursing roles. Discuss how your universal or soft skills directly contributed to specific outcomes. Don't just "list" what you can do. Demonstrate how well you serve as a nurse. Your content should be highly relevant to the position in question.
- Acknowledge what you know about the healthcare organization. There is so much information available out there about the hospitals, clinics and agencies that interest you: websites, press releases, LinkedIn, Facebook, Hoover's, word-of-mouth - you name it! Pick one that you're really interested in working for and articulate three reasons why you want to work there without sounding selfish. Is it their patient-oriented culture? Regional impact? State of the art facilities? Do they specialize in care services that are important to you, personally and professionally? Be clear about "what" and "why". Go beyond: genuinely align yourself with what's important to them.
- Apply for jobs in multiple ways.
No, this will not work in every case. You 
might successfully hit small milestones 10-20% of the time with these methods. But not doing so will surely decrease your chances of overall success.
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