When Should New Grad Nurses Apply for Jobs?
New grad nurses can be overwhelmed when they first enter the field and while they may have a long list of job possibilities, they may not be sure when to apply. This can be an intimidating and often confusing process that requires detailed research, preparation, and a plan.
Create a Timeline
Creating a timeline is a great way to ensure you don’t miss out on any important deadlines or miss the best opportunity to apply for your ideal nursing job. Consider when you will be graduating and how long it will take to prepare your résumé and cover letter. Depending on the earliest hiring date, you should consider submitting your application:
- 2 – 3 Months Before Graduating: Begin your job search and research the hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities you would like to apply to.
- 4 – 5 Weeks Before Graduating: Make sure your resume and cover letter are up to date and that you have sent them out to some potential employers.
- 2 – 3 Weeks Before Graduating: Reach out to potential mentors, shadow professionals in your field and network with other healthcare professionals who can provide guidance and advice.
- 1 Week Before Graduating: Follow up on any applications that you have submitted and contact potential employers for interviews and additional information.
- Post Graduation: Once you have graduated, continue to monitor job listings and reach out to employers in case any positions become available.
Do Your Research
Applying for a new grad nursing job can be time consuming and will require extensive research. Make sure you have taken the time to find out as much as you can about each of the facilities you are applying to. Look into the benefits they provide, the salaries they offer, their expectations of nurses and the nursing teams they have in place. All of this information will help you make an informed decision and ensure you feel more prepared when it comes time to apply.
Prepare Your Application Thoroughly
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential employers, take the time to prepare your application thoroughly. This includes having your resume, references and cover letter ready to go. Make sure your documents are well written and clearly demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.
Follow Up
Lastly, make sure to follow up after submitting your application. This is a great way to show potential employers that you are serious about the job and can be a great opportunity to reinforce why you are the best candidate.
Applying for a new grad nursing job can be intimidating, but with a little preparation and research, you can ensure you find the job of your dreams. By creating a timeline, doing your research and preparing your application thoroughly, you will be well on your way to the new nurse of your dreams.