A key factor in career planning is preparation. This chapter focuses upon the suggested process to achieve a successful nursing job search, including resume development and interview techniques.

To initiate a job search, it is recommended to first determine the clinical area of greatest interest and the skills one has already attained that will help make the right fit. Conducting a self-assessment often reveals information that helps with decision making. Receiving feedback from faculty, mentors, friends, and nurses with experience provides insight into an individual’s strengths and abilities. Career success is dependent upon understanding oneself, goals, challenges, and desires.

Once a desirable clinical area has been identified, then long-term goals can be established. Llife long learning can continue as one is positioned for future career opportunities. There are multiple resources available to assist in job searches including: the newspaper, bulletin boards, employment telephone lines, job fairs, agency sites, the media, and the Internet.

Resumes are commonly used in a job search process. A resume is a summary of an individual’s background, training experience, and qualifications. According to the author, effective resumes get employers attention, identify key characteristics of an applicant, are tailored to the needs of an employer, create a positive first impression, communicate that one is the right fit for a position, and exemplifies that one is appealing.

Elements of a resume include: headings, career objectives, employment data/professional experience, military experience (optional), formal education and training, professional memberships, awards and honors, and references. Two types of resumes, the chronological and functional resume, are discussed. Samples are also included that demonstrate how to develop the documents.

Tips on writing a cover letter, thank you letter, electronic resume, and letter of resignation are reviewed. The chapter concludes with preparing for an interview, highlighting typical interview questions and potential responses. To ensure that the most is made of the interview process, questions that applicants should consider asking of an employer are also reviewed.