CHRISTY MERIWETHER, SENIOR DIRECTOR

DONNA BALKO, EMPLOYER RELATIONSCAREER SERVICES CENTER

Steps to Help You Land the Interview and Get the Job

Steps

Step 1 Self AssessmentStep 2 NetworkingStep 3 Constructing a Winning ResumeStep 4 ReferencesStep 5 Cover LetterStep 6 Letters of RecommendationStep 7 Thank you notesStep 8 The Interview

Begin with a Self Assessment

In preparation for your career, think about:What is your starting point?

What makes you unique?What are your strength and

weaknesses?Where you are headed?

What are your goals in 1, 5, 10 years?

Reconsider these questions throughout your career.

Networking

In some industries, at least 60% of jobs are found by networking.

Direct approach – Ask for job leadsLess formal approach – Ask for information or advice

What is a resume?

It is usually the first impression you will make on a potential employer, so create interest by telling them why they should hire you!

Summary of relevant experience

Screening tool (good and bad)It is an invitation for an interview

Career planning tool

General Tips for Resumes

No more than two pages in length Name at a 16 font sizeHeaders (Education, etc.) at a 12-14 font size

Use a horizontal formatText underneath headers is at an 11-12 font

sizeReadable and clear font Acronyms spelled out when not commonly

known When spelled out do not put acronyms in parentheses

unless using them more than once

General Tips for Resumes

Do not write in first or third-person, except in the Objective Statement where you can use pronouns, “I” or “me”

Use action verbs to describe school and work experiences and use proper tense

Use bullets for lists – not for one itemNo pictures, graphics or URLsIf your resume is two pages, put your name on

the second page.

Finish strong

Proofread and have others proofread! Watch caps!

Print on resume paper and use a quality printer Also use for cover letter and reference page

Sample Elements of a Resume

Name, Address, Phone, EmailObjectiveEducationClinical Experience Related Work ExperienceCertificationsHonors/AwardsCommunity EngagementProfessional Memberships

Objective Creation Tips

Keep it concise, targeted and relevantFocus on your skills how you will benefit the

employer Should be crystal clear about career directionVaries depending upon the job you want

Objective Format Example

Begin with what you are seeking Add what you will bring to the positionEnd with how you will help, benefit or

improve the hospital, etc.

Keep to one sentence

Example:To secure employment as a Graduate Nurse in which I can

utilize my ______ skill(s) to_________.

Education

Name of school plus city and state Bold the university and/or college names Do not list high school

Degree, month and year (do not say “anticipated” graduation date)

GPA Optional (if over 3.0)

ExampleTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, TXBachelor of Science in Nursing, May 2014GPA: 3.0

Documenting Clinical Experiences

Relate bullets to your objective Use bullets that begin with action verbsTwo lines or shorter in lengthThink in terms of a processHospitals want to know your performance in

the following areas: Competent bedside care Use of high level equipment Performance in high level procedures Good communication skills Teamwork

Education with Clinical Experiences

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, TXBachelor of Science in Nursing, May 2014GPA: 3.0

Clinical ExperienceUniversity Medical Center, Lubbock, TXOncology, Fall 2013 or Oct. – Nov. 2013

• Observed hospice referral and was mentored on easing the emotional impact of impending death

• Assisted….Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University Medical Center, Fall 2013

• Conducted hourly neurological checks on a patient suffering with coup contrecoup lesion

• Translated for the nurses and physicians on the unit for a patient who only spoke Spanish

• Placed a nasogastric tube on a patient in the SICU

Clinical Experience as a Separate Heading

University Medical Center, Lubbock, TXOncology, Fall 2013 or Oct. – Nov. 2013

• Observed hospice referral and was mentored on easing the emotional impact of impending death

• Assisted….Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University Medical Center, Fall 2013

• Conducted hourly neurological checks on a patient suffering of coup-contra coup lesion

• Translated for the nurses and physicians on the unit on a patient who only spoke Spanish

• Placed a nasogastric tube on a patient in the SICU

Use the Job Description as a Guide

Job Responsibilities: Implements and monitors patient care plans. Monitors, records and communicates patient condition as appropriate. Monitors and documents patient's condition and effectiveness and timeliness of care and/or interventions; evaluates, updates and revises plan of care to facilitate achievement of planned and expected outcomes. Serves as a primary coordinator of all disciplines for well-coordinated patient care. Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing protocol. Notes and carries out physician and nursing orders. Assesses and coordinates patient's discharge planning needs with members of the healthcare team. Assesses educational needs of the patient and significant others considering cultural issues and other special concerns. Provides teaching and educational material as appropriate. Validates and documents patient and family understanding of teaching.

Related Work Experience

Place of employment, city, state, month and year of employment

Position held under place of employment If you have limited space, put the position in front of the place of

employment so it is on the same line

Bulleted experiences beginning with action words

ExampleHospice of the South Plains, Lubbock, TX June 2011-August 2011Nursing Assistant Provided hospice-related healthcare in nursing homes, assisted

living centers and patients’ residences Assisted patients with ……

Other Headers

CertificationsAmerican Heart Association, CPR/BLS and First Aid Certified

HonorsTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center Dean’s List, Spring 2013

Community EngagementMarch of Dimes Walk America, Volunteer and Fundraiser

Professional OrganizationsTexas Nursing Students’ Association, Member

References

References Available Upon Request Last item on the resume

Signals the end of the resume May help you stand out

Reference Page is Separate from Resume Include your Page Header at the Top Center and title the page “References”

Name, credentials, title, address, phone, email Left justified

References

References

Meghan Rowen, MSN, RNInstructor, TTUHSC School of Nursing3601 4th Street, MS 6264Lubbock, TX 79413Office:806.743.2730, ext. 540Cell: 806.500.5555meghan.rowen@ttuhsc.edu

Cover Letter

Your marketing piece when you are not there Remember, do not repeat the information in your

resume Include why you became a nurse Be specific. Don’t just tell them you are qualified.

Give examples.

www.ttuhsc.edu/son/career Library of ResourcesCover Letter Planning Guide

Cover Letter

First paragraph - Introduction Introduction with information about the job you are applying to.

Second paragraph - BodyWhy are you interested in the position?Why their hospital?Why did you go into nursing? What sets you apart?Be specific

Final paragraph – Closing Indicate you hope to meet with themMake reference to your contact informationThank them

Letters of Recommendation Process

Think of the image you want to put forth and choose people who can write to support that image

Meet with each of them and tell them what you are applying for and why

Ask them if they would be able to provide you with a strong letter of recommendation Give them 3-4 weeks notice Provide them with information about the job,

who/where to mail the letter, deadline and resume Be prepared to provide them with a summary of your

accomplishments.

Thank you

References are important and deserve a BIG Thank you.

Handwritten notes are the bestFollow up with your references to let them

know you what job you landed

Items to Remember

When applying online Resume Cover Letter

When applying in person Resume References in case they ask for them

Generally, references are requested during or

after the interview

Prior to the Interview

Do your homework Review the hospital’s website and learn facts Saves interviewer’s time and is impressive

Get the name of the person you will interview with and use it as it is music to their ears

Review the job posting againBe prepared to answer and ask questions

Arriving for the Interview

Take resume, references and samples of school work

Turn off the cell phone or leave it in the car! Do not be seen absorbed in your phone

Arrive 10-15 min. early Treat everyone you see politely

Types of Interviews

Phone interview (usually for screening candidates)

Face-to-face interview with one person. Usually a nurse recruiter or human resources

Group interview with several nurse managers

Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are very common among hospital recruiters because past behavior is a predictor of future behavior

For example: Describe a situation when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.

Be preparedMock Interview

www.ttuhsc.edu/son/careerLibrary of ResourcesBehavior Questions PDF

Steps to Answering Behavioral Questions

Describe a situation when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.

Describe a specific situationIdentify hindrances or challengesExplain the action(s) takenDiscuss the results or outcomesEvaluate or summarize what was learned

Behavioral Questions

Practicing your responses will help you recall past situations

Avoid the following pitfalls: Not giving enough detail Being unprepared Being too rehearsed/polished

During and After the Interview

Shake hands and have good eye contact upon greeting the interviewer Practice, practice, practice

ListenThank the interviewer following the

interview and shake handsSend a handwritten

thank you note ASAP

Note Example

Dear Ms. Adams,

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the _____.

I am very interested in the job and feel that I have the skills you

desire. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about _____

and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Additional Comments…..Questions?

Resources

www.ttuhsc.edu/son/career, For Students

Career CounselingDonna Balko, Career Counselor/Employer RelationsChristy Meriwether, Senior Director

Resume Builder (Optimal Resume)“How to Guide”

CareerShift Job Search

COMING SOON!! Internship information

Resources

Library of Resources• Resume Building PowerPoint• Resume Planning Guide• Cover Letter Planning Guide• Action Verbs• Interview Planning Guide• Top 10 Interview Questions• Interview Questions (Sample Behavioral Questions)

“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” –Arthur Ashe