The Online Nursing Application
As with almost all other employment areas, applying to become a nurse has now been made easier thanks to the Internet. That’s because there are now now an abundance of places where you can fill out an online application, which will then be considered by those who do the hiring at various hospitals, clinics, etc.
However, just because it’s easier to fill out an online application doesn’t necessarily make it a better job-search approach. Especially for a field such a medicine, it’s always better to create a resume and cover letter and send those to the facilities with job openings. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind as you complete the online application.
1) Before you start answering any questions, read the entire application. Before you waste your time on it, make sure there are no conditions on it that would preclude you from being considered.
2) Make sure you follow all instructions to the letter. If they ask for full name, don’t use initials. If the application says they need references, then provide them. Don’t assume that anything there is not important enough to follow precisely. Nurses are expected to be able to follow instructions, and to be detail-oriented.
3) If you plan to send a resume to the medical facility, then you need to be certain that the information on the application matches that on your resume. For instance, if the application says you worked for one employer from 2003 to 2007, but your resume said it was from 2004 to 2006, there’s a good chance that someone will catch the discrepancy.
4) Never volunteer negative information. Here’s one of the unfortunate truths that you need to understand about the difference between an application and a resume: Whereas a resume is meant to find a person with the perfect skills to match an open position, an application is designed to weed out those who just don’t fit. That’s why they’re full of places designed to reveal negatives (such as criminal background, schooling, etc.). So there’s no need to give them any additional negatives regarding you and your past. If the application doesn’t ask about your grades in college, then why tell them you received C’s and D’s? If the application asks only about felony convictions, why mention that you’ve had seven speeding tickets in the past two years? Whenever positive, put on a positive face.
5) Here’s a tip suggested to me by a friend, that seems to have merit. If there’s ever a place with plenty of room to type freely, after you’ve answered the question, include something extra about yourself that lets them know you are uniquely qualified for the position. Try to tie it in to the question itself, though. For instance, if there is room to type after the question about your education, after you’ve included the expected degree and college name, insert additional information about extracurricular activities.
6) An finally, before you click “send” or “submit,” check over the application. Make certain there are no mistakes. Send it and forget it. Move on, then, to your next job prospect.
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