1. Chapter 4 Employment Considerations: Opportunities, Resumes, and Interviewing Created by Letty Sandoval & Carrie Reynolds

2. Objectives/Outcomes Unit V Describe factors to consider when searching for a nursing position. Discuss components of an effective resume and a resume cover letter. Explore the essential components of obtaining and participating in an effective job interview. Discuss the importance of attire, attitude, communications, and manners in a job interview.

3. Overview Self assessment and researching prospective employers. How do I write an Effective Resume? The interview process. Sample of interview questions, attire and communication skills.

4. Factors to Consider When Searching for a Nursing Position. Take some time to brainstorm about your career, it’s important for nurses to take the time to create a career plan. Do a self assessment: What are your likes and dislikes, your personal needs and interests, your career goals? Knowing your learning style can guide your interest and narrow your selection of an internship or orientation program. Do you want to work an 8 or 12 hour shift? Days or nights?Rotating shifts? Zerwekh, J and Garneau, A.Z. Nursing Today, Transition and Trends. 7th Edition. St. Louis: W. B Saunders Co, 2012, Print

5. Cont. Do you like making decisions quickly or generally favor a more relaxed approach to clinical problems? Salary? Is there room for advancement for me ? What do you need in a job to be happy? This question does not mean money or benefits, but rather the sense that the job is worth getting excited about. Do you enjoy an environment that provides a great deal of patient interaction, or do you thrive in a technically oriented routine? (ex. PACU, ER) Zerwekh, J and Garneau, A.Z. Nursing Today, Transition and Trends. 7th Edition. St. Louis: W. B Saunders Co, 2012, Print

6. Components of an Effective Resume and a Resume Cover Letter What information is necessary for a Resume? Demographic Data: Who are you? Your name, address, telephone number and email address should be at the top of the page. Professional Objective: What position are you applying for? Describe the position you are applying for and specify what department or area of nursing you are interested in. You can identify areas if you have more than one area of preference. This is your short-term goal. You may also state a long-term goal (ex. transport, quality assurance, case management, transplant team) Akpan, Josep- How to write a professional knockout resume to differentiate yourself. College student Journal ( Dec 2012) Vol. 46, Issue 4.

7. Cont. Education: Where did you receive your education? List your education in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. List the month and year of graduation and what degree was received, if any. This section will contain any certifications and special training you have received, where you received them and the date you completed them. (ex.BLS, ACLS, PALS) Professional Experience: What do you know how to do? It is very important to put this section in chronological order beginning with the present. You want the prospective employer to see what you have been doing most recently. List your current or previous employer, position held, dates from and to, and a brief description of your responsibilities. Akpan, Josep- How to write a professional knockout resume to differentiate yourself. College student Journal ( Dec 2012) Vol. 46, Issue 4.

8. Cont. Licensure: List the state in which your license was issued and expiration date. For security reasons, do NOT list your license number. Professional Organizations: What do you belong to? List organizations in which you are a member or have held an office. List professional and community groups. Honors and Awards: What did you receive recognition for? If you have received recognition for special skills or volunteer work. References: Who knows about you? Be prepared to provide a separate typed sheet that lists at least three references. Akpan, Josep- How to write a professional knockout resume to differentiate yourself. College student Journal ( Dec 2012) Vol. 46, Issue 4.

9. Cont. Provide the names and telephone numbers of three professionals with whom you have worked and ALWAYS notify your references that you have listed them and that they may receive a telephone call about you. Akpan, Josep- How to write a professional knockout resume to differentiate yourself. College student Journal ( Dec 2012) Vol. 46, Issue 4.

10. The Essential Components of Obtaining and Participating in an Effective Job Interview. How do I plan my interview campaign? Keep in mind that agencies usually have specific dates for orientations, internships, and preceptorships. Identify when you want to begin employment. Plan no more than two interviews in 1 day. While you are on the telephone, ask questions about the interview process. How much time should you plan for the interview? Does the interview process involve tours and multiple interviews including human resources, nurse recruitment, clinical managers and possibly staff nurses? If you are applying for an internship, it is not usual to be interviewed by a panel of three or four people. Knowing this ahead of time may increase your anxiety, but it is less stressful than being surprised by this fact at the door. Jackson, Rene, Nailing the Interview. Nursing management Oct 2013 Travel supplement, Vol. 34

11. Cont. Prepare to show your best side. Develop your responses to probable interview questions. If you do not plan possible responses, you will run the risk of looking like a deer in headlights. Rehearse the interview. Role-play a possible interview. Dress for the part. Choose a supportive friend or family member to role-play the interviewer. Practice your verbal responses to sample questions. Ask for constructive feedback regarding your appearance, body language, and responses. Zerwekh, J and Garneau, A.Z. Nursing Today, Transition and Trends. 7th Edition. St. Louis: W. B Saunders Co, 2012, Print

12. Sample of Interview Questions What area or areas of nursing are you interested in and why? Tell me about your clinical experiences? What is the biggest mistake you ever made, and how was the problem resolved? Tell me about yourself. What do you see as your strengths? How about your weaknesses and why? What are your future career plans? Where do you expect to be in 2 or 3 years? Tell me about a time when you went out of your way to assist a family or patient even though you really did not have the time? Zerwekh, J and Garneau, A.Z. Nursing Today, Transition and Trends. 7th Edition. St. Louis: W. B Saunders Co, 2012, Print

13. The Importance of Attire, Attitude, Communications, and Manners in a Job Interview Be aware of your body language; establish eye contact with the interviewer and maintain reasonable eye contact during the interview. Try to avoid or minimize distracting nervous mannerisms. Keep your hands poised in your lap or in some other comfortable position. If you tend to “talk with your hands,” try not to this continually. If you cross your legs, do not shake your foot. DO NOT chew gum or have anything in your mouth. Give a winning smile when you are introduced, and offer to shake hands. Demonstrate interest in what the interview has to say. Do not argue with or contradict the interviewer!! Jackson, Rene, Nailing the Interview. Nursing management Oct 2013 Travel supplement, Vol. 34

14. Do’s and Dont’s of dressing for Interviews Look over your wardrobe and select a conservative outfit. Business- type dress or skirt with coordinated top. The tried-and-true rule for job interview attire is this: Dress conservatively and professionally. Although a nursing shortage may loosen the rules a bit, the impression you convey by your appearance is likely to be remembered. Also, remember that you may be touring the facility, so wear comfortably shoes Be conservative with your makeup and hairstyle Wear minimal jewelry; you do not want to jingle and rattle with every move. Jackson, Rene, Nailing the Interview. Nursing management Oct 2013 Travel supplement, Vol. 34

15. Cont. Wear hose with a skirt or a dress; bare legs may be fashionable, but they are not appropriate for a professional interview. Men: Consider a suit or jacket with coordinated slacks and shirt. A tie is optional. Take a few minutes to look yourself over in a mirror. Akpan, Josep- How to write a professional knockout resume to differentiate yourself. College student Journal ( Dec 2012) Vol. 46, Issue 4.

17. DON’T Wear casual clothes such as tee shirts, jeans, tennis shoes, or sandals. They may reflect the “real”you, but this is not the place to show that aspect of your personality. Be guilty of poor grooming or hygiene. Wear brand new shoes, which may turn your day into a “painful” experience. Bring your children with you. You should leave them at home. Do not expect the staff to act as babysitters. Wear wrinkled or revealing clothing. This is not a date!!!! Akpan, Josep- How to write a professional knockout resume to differentiate yourself. College student Journal ( Dec 2012) Vol. 46, Issue 4.

18. DON’T

19. References Zerwekh, J and Garneau, A.Z. Nursing Today, Transition and Trends. 7th Edition. St. Louis: W. B Saunders Co, 2012, Print Akpan, Josep- How to write a professional knockout resume to differentiate yourself. College student Journal ( Dec 2012) Vol. 46, Issue 4. Jackson, Rene, Nailing the Interview. Nursing management Oct 2013 Travel supplement, Vol. 34

20. Questions or comments?