What Recruiters Look for in Nursing Candidates

Arkansas Hiring and Employment trends in 2021

The following tips can help new nurses find the perfect first job or guide experienced nurses in advancing their careers.

Whether you are a recent nursing graduate or a seasoned pro, there are certain qualities that are in demand by recruiters to keep in mind when you are constructing a resume. If it has been a while since your last job search, you should know that there is now more emphasis on being a team player as well as other skills, such as being tech-savvy. Here are several helpful resume tips for nurses to help make your credentials stand out from the crowd:

A Passion for Caring

Nancy Lee, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, and VP of patient care services of Stanford Health Care of California, believes that first and foremost: “A prospective nursing hire needs to be able to demonstrate to the interviewer a passion about caring for patients, and they must want to make a difference.”

Flexibility

If you are a new nursing graduate looking for a first job, you will need to be flexible in your choice of work location and nursing discipline in order to gain the necessary experience to move ahead in your career. Even if you find that you do not care for a particular location or position, some larger network providers allow for internal transfers, usually after six to 12 months working in one job.

Professionalism

Professionalism is a mindset that impacts your behavior on and off the job, wherein you conduct yourself with integrity and responsibility. A professional attitude includes accountability and striving for excellence in professional development, and may include additional schooling, and internships completed.

Cooperation and Teamwork

Being professional also means being a good team player. You will be an important part of a health care team providing the best value-based care for your patients, so be sure to include examples of how you have worked with others to accomplish professional objectives.

Communication

Developing good interpersonal skills to communicate with other care providers as well as patients is critical to successfully performing nursing duties. Good listening skills, being fully engaged, and asking the right questions are all part of effective communication.

How to Get a Job Through a Staffing Agency

Taking the time to prepare yourself and explore your options can reward you with a good first job in your chosen field, becoming the springboard for a fulfilling career. Apex Staffing’s experienced recruiters can help you through the search process, from crafting a polished resume that showcases your educational and professional accomplishments to finding the perfect opportunities to begin or advance in your career path.

If you’re looking for a new job, check out our Job Openings page + to see what’s available. Apex Staffing specializes in connecting talented job seekers with high-quality, local employers. Our service is completely free for job seekers and we are always accepting applications.