Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

The page is great. I was able to learn a great deal from a variety of areas.

My question lies within the medical field. I will be a new graduate as of Aug 96, with a degree in Nursing. I am interested in out of state jobs. Is there a right way and or a wrong way to search for positions out of state?

Also from viewing your pages I had a question regarding my objective on my resume. I state it as A staff registered nurse position in a general acute hospital. Is this not focused enough?

Thank you for the informative page and help.

From: Bret Reynolds, Senior, Texas Christian University


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Bret -

I have several strategies in my book for out-of-state job search. Following is a summary of some of the major points:

1. Make sure you include a local contact address and phone number on your resume, if available.
2. Include the specific geographic area in your objective.
3. If you are planning a trip to the area, state so in direct contact and any cover letters summarizing this fact.
4. Plan a trip to your target geography, then begin making phone calls to all the target employers (acute care hospitals, in this case) to inform them that you will be in the area. If they have any interest, they will respond (so that they can avoid the later expense of flying you in).
5. Utilize local resources to your target geography. The "Other Alma Mater Technique" in my book details how to use the resources of colleges and universities in your target geography (hint: there's usually no security guard at the front gate keeping you away from using their resources, especially if they are a large state school). In addition, you should contact local professional organizations, which are usually more than happy to help.

Regarding your objective, it's specific enough except for the already mentioned tie-in to the local area (such as "Staff registered nurse position in a general acute hospital in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.") Take out the "A" at the beginning.

Do well! Have fun! And don't give up until you've found the job of your dreams! It's out there waiting for you--but it's up to you to find it!

Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.

All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.