Prepare Early ⌚️

Preparing for your graduate application begins in year 1 of your nursing studies, not when you download the information package for the position you are applying for and ends when you are asked your first question, sitting across from your new manager (potentially).

There is more to Placement! 💥

Your clinical placements are not just for skill development or for you to complete your practical experience or time. Your placement experience is a fantastic opportunity for you to identify the clinical areas and health services you want to work for!

It doesn’t stop there…

Networking is Powerful 💬

Talking with others who are working in areas you can see yourself working in or have similar interests or career pathways that resonate with you can supercharge your progression forward. Starting with your placements, connect with staff, other students and professionals. The more you engage and immerse in clinical placements, the more you will learn about yourself, and gain insight and further perspective on the industry and what you are interested in. At the same time, you are marketing yourself – for the next position!

Research – Knowledge is 💪🏼

Be aware of when and how your health service or program provider recruits for their positions and what they are seeking from you.

If you are an undergraduate and you have additional questions, you may want to consider contacting the hospital educator to ask additional questions and show your interest in the position.

Once the positions are released, read the advertisement carefully for any keywords, download the application information and documentation and be sure to research the hospital and/or health service you are applying for.

Make the Right Decision 🤔

Talk with people in similar professions for general advice on the company and clinical area to see if it suits you, your needs, and your goals.

Prepare 💻

Read the application information carefully and thoroughly to ensure you understand the requirements.

Organise relevant persons to act as referees and provide references for you. Ideally, you will require written references and contacts as a student as well as student documentation, or at least one of these. Plus, a minimum of 2 verbal contacts as well to include with your application.

Conduct revisions and updates to existing documents (Cover Letter, CV, Selection Criteria) and plan the development of anything new that is specifically required.

Ensure you know and monitor the dates, contacts and progress of each application, what you have provided and where you would rather work based on programs, locations, entitlements, conditions, culture, clinical work etc.

Develop, Review & Execute 🚀

Write a cover letter!

Construct or update your curriculum vitae relevant to the position, you and your experience, education and skills in the area of work.

Address each selection criteria if requested.

Organise all of your documentation and particulars for uploading to portals as requested and emailing them to the relevant people promptly.

Be a step ahead! 😉

Get your hard copy or digital portfolio, CV and/or any evidence or supporting documentation ready for the application & interview as you go along the way.

Enjoy the journey & application process!

You’ve got this 💪🏼