job seeker FAQ

I want to relocate out of my area. What kind of relocation assistance can I expect from my future employer?
If you need money to move, you need to rethink this decision now. Most employers provide relocation assistance. We have seen this range from $1,500 to $20,000 depending upon the facility and the cost of living. You need to keep in mind that you will not have this money upfront. In most cases, you will see it in a lump sum, 60 days after your start date. In order to relocate, you must have the financial resources to get you through this time or you could find yourself in crisis.

I have 5 years experience and I really want to move to the another department. My employer says they cannot train me right now. How can I make this move?
You just have to ask, ask, ask. It is usually a matter of timing.  This is common. Really interview the facility to make sure it is somewhere you can plant yourself for at least a few years. If you know you want to make a change, the question to ask in an interview with Human Resources, NOT the hiring manager, is this:” If in the future, I decide I would like to train in another specialty area, does your facility offer residency programs or internships?” The answer you want to hear is obviously, “Yes”. If the answer is no, this is not the facility for you.

I get calls from recruiters all the time. I never talk to them. Should I?
If you are looking for a new position, and you know what you are looking for, talking to a recruiter can be very helpful. If you only want a Travel Position, say so right up front and make sure you are talking to a recruiter who has travel positions? If you would like a permanent position, ask the recruiter, what he or she is working on to see if there is a match for you. Working with too many recruiters can be confusing for everyone, so proceed cautiously. Knowing what you want or what information you want is the most helpful to recruiters.

How do I know which recruiter to work with?
Recruiting is not rocket science. It is about personality, honesty, and efficiency. If you like the personality of the recruiter you are speaking with and you feel he or she has your best interest at heart, that is a good start. Ask for honesty. You shouldn’t have to, but you do. Ask them who they have contracts with directly. Are they contingent contracts, meaning do they get a fee per placement? Is the recruiter working on a retainer? The fee is paid in increments regardless of placement? Or, are they contracting or working hand in hand with the facility? Retained and contract recruiters usually have a more solid process in place with human resources, but that doesn’t mean the contingent recruiter cannot get you what you want. Ask how many placement they have made with that client and how long they have been working with the client. Trust your instincts.

I have never had a resume or my resume looks horrible, can someone help me with this?
Absolutely, resumes are among the easiest to create. You don’t need as much detail as you think. If you want to avoid calls from recruiters who do not have what you are looking for, be as specific as possible. For example: RN with 15 years of Med/Surg experience seeks Med/Surg position for Day shift only in the New Orleans area. If you would like personal, complimentary assistance creating your resume, please feel free to email what you have to us and we will create a resume for you.

I applied directly for a position and I never heard anything. I am surprised by this. What should I do?
Pickup the phone and call the employer directly. Ask for the recruiter and they will transfer you immediately. If he or she picks up, just explain that you want to make sure that your application has been received and perhaps discuss the possibility of coming in for an interview. Leave the same message if the recruiter does not pick up.

What is the best advice you have for a New Graduate?

You should be researching facilities you are interested in working prior to your Senior year. Make an impression. You will not be considered otherwise. If you are really on the ball, call the manager of the unit you want to work on in the facility you want to work and ask him or her how many New Grads they will hire this year. Explain that you really want to be strategic as to where you work and that this facility is your first choice, but if they are not hiring new grads this year, it would be detrimental for you. Call the manager and discuss the probability of New Grad hires for that year. Continue on until you find a facility this is hiring New Graduates in your area. If you cannot find an employer hiring in your area, you can consider relocation if it is that important to you.