Are you looking for that next step in your nursing career? It's difficult to think about making professional changes while doing your day job or studying. But the key is getting organised and having a plan. So here are 5 useful tips (and a bonus 1 for good measure at the end!) from RCN Careers Coach Julie Watkins to boost your chances.
1. Take control of your own pathway
It may sound obvious but use your initiative. Be open to grow, learn and develop. If you're a student, use placements to your advantage and seek out opportunities to broaden your skills.
If you're further along in your career, consider shadowing opportunities to diversify your skill set. Put yourself forward to lead on projects – don't wait for someone to do that for you.
If you find yourself stuck in a rut or feeling under-challenged, make sure you take responsibility and ownership of your career.Take some time to think about where you want to go and try to keep a positive approach.
You may get turned down along the way, but you mustn't let this put you off. Be your own best advocate.
2. Go above and beyond: volunteer
Anything that demonstrates you go the extra mile can be a positive to prospective employers.
Volunteering can show them what kind of person you are – the sort of person who will give up their time to give something back.
In most cases, the organisation or charity you volunteer with will offer free training, and you can gain invaluable transferable skills and experience. Not only that, but at a job interview, volunteering experience can offer an interesting topic to talk about and help you stand out.
Volunteering brings benefits not only to the people being helped, but also to those volunteering, and can be great for a confidence boost.
3. Super-charge your CV
Successful CVs are logical, engaging and concise. Most importantly they're tailored to the people reading them, so make sure to adapt yours accordingly by aligning it with the job you're applying for.
Think about the most relevant or most impressive information to give your prospective employer. Studying the relevant advert, job description, person specification and organisation values will provide crucial clues as to what the employer is looking for.
Bring your CV to life with action words. Rather than simply saying: "I did this and did that", attention-grabbing terms like "identified", "created" or "initiated" demonstrate to an employer that you're able to put your skills into practice.
Enthusiasm is key. Who gets the interview or job could end up coming down to who brings the best energy and displays the most enthusiasm. And that starts with a positive CV.
As an RCN member, make sure you're logged into the RCN website so you can download our sample CVs and take advantage of our free CV checking service.
4. Nurture your networks
Networking is invaluable in creating opportunities in life and work.
Without even realising it, you're networking every day. With people you talk to on the way to work, out shopping or meet in the canteen.
Some jobs can come recommended via word of mouth, so networking can help put you in touch with an organisation through mutual contacts.
You may become aware of an opportunity before it's advertised by a colleague or friend of a friend, which can give you a good start above other candidates.
By connecting and engaging with peers you may get ideas for shadowing or feel renewed motivation or inspiration.
Attending events, such as RCN Congress, getting involved with the RCN and joining RCN professional forums or networks such as the newly registered nurse network are all effective ways to build connections and meet people with similar interests.
5. Keep up to date with health initiatives
Knowledge is power.
Do your research. Be curious. Read that journal article you keep meaning to read, keep an eye on health care and RCN news, and look for ways to expand your knowledge.
If you know where you want to work, visit the organisation's website and make yourself aware of what's going on, not just in the organisation or the trust, but in the field as well.
Sometimes interview questions can include: "Can you tell us what is going on in nursing right now?" or "Tell us about the most recent article you read."
The more up to speed you are, the stronger you'll come across.
As well as being good for networking, being an RCN forum member can help keep you in the loop with what's going on within the profession.
It also demonstrates enthusiasm for your field and a proactive approach to professional development and professional activism, all of which employers love.
Finally... a note on nerves
Don't let your nerves get in the way of the job you want. If you get to that all-important interview, look at your CV beforehand to remind yourself of your skills and all you can offer.
Recall good feedback and have confidence in your abilities. Positive thinking can help with combating negative self-talk or nerves.
Read more tips on combating interview nerves here.
More help with your career
Whether you're applying for your first job, looking for career progression or moving to a more senior position as a health care professional, the RCN careers team can help.
Find a wealth of information on our careers pages with sections tailored to nurses and midwives, students and newly registered nurses, and nursing support workers.
Changed jobs recently? Remember to update your details to get the most benefit from the RCN.
