Notes

1. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. 

• “Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you cross the same river.” The great H. Jackson Brown Jr said these words.

• Use past resources.

• Teachers, preceptors, nurses on the floor, and managers you met in student rotations.

• Current or past jobs.

• Other NPs

• If you are a student, ask if they wouldn’t mind being a reference.

2. Show up with muffins/droughts/ coffee + resume (not kosher)

• Shows immediate interest and availability.

• This is your opportunity to meet the manager. Introduce yourself in 30 seconds. This gives them a face. It’s your window to shine! (For example, say you are bilingual if you are applying for a community clinic). 

3. Get your resume in order.

• Include a skills list.

• Use action words.

• Proofread! 

• Make it relevant to the NP role. 

• EX: If you worked at a coffee shop, talk about customer service skills, punctuality with odd hours…

4. Apply online, and set up a LinkedIn account. 

• Make sure to use the names of people currently working in that facility 

5. Become besties with a recruiter.

• Look online.

• Free resource.

• They have access to a multitude of jobs.

6. Use a different cover letter for each application.

• Tell them why you want to work there specifically.

• Do your homework about that facility.

• Tell them you live close by (if that is the case). This will reassure them you won’t get stuck in the snow or have NO SHOWS.

7. Interview time

• Being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety.

• Always send a thank you note after the interview.

• At the end of your first nursing job interview, express your appreciation and continued interest. Also, highlight one or two reasons why you are the ideal nurse practitioner for the position. After you leave, write a thank you note to each interviewer and send it within two days of your meeting. This will help you make a lasting positive impression.

• Practice makes perfect, be ready to answer common questions:

• Tell me about yourself and any hands-on experience you have had as a nursing student?

• What inspired you to become a nurse practitioner?

• Why are you interested in this position?

• What makes you the best candidate for this position?

• three strengths and three weaknesses

• How have you dealt with a stressful situation or a coworker you exchanged words with?

8. Follow up.

• Make sure they tell you right before you exit the interview when you should hear back from them.

• Follow up after the time they gave you. Let them know you are still interested and waiting.

9. Negotiating salary

• As a new grad, there will be no negotiating.

• After two years, you can apply elsewhere; now it’s negotiation time! 

• If you signed a contract, can’t leave earlier. 

• My biggest recommendation is to take a higher salary rather than a fat bonus.