Module 1: Cover Letter, Resume, and Interviewing Guidelines

Vocabulary flashcards covering cover letter formatting, resume guidelines, interviewing etiquette, post-interview procedures, health screening detection windows, and illegal interview questions.

Cover Letter Purpose

A one-page document aimed at conveying to a hiring manager that you are unique and the best fit for an organization, serving as your first interaction with the employer.

Cover Letter Recipient Requirement

The exact requirement that a cover letter must be addressed to a specific person, such as identifying the nurse recruiter through internet research rather than using a generic greeting.

Cover Letter Introductory Paragraph

The opening paragraph stating educational status and career intent (e.g., graduating from the University of Tennessee, Health Science Center College of Nursing on December 12, 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

Cover Letter Second Paragraph (Content)

The section of a cover letter where you select 2 to 3 key jobs to highlight experiences that demonstrate responsibility and accountability.

Cover Letter Third Paragraph (Conclusion)

The concluding section stating availability (e.g., 9AM-5PM) and expressing anticipation to meet, which avoids phrase phrases like 'I am an excellent nurse' and excludes all abbreviations.

Cover Letter Closing Formatting

The complimentary close using 'Sincerely', followed by skipping 4 lines before adding your signature.

Professional Objective Statement

An optional 1 to 2 sentence section on a resume tailored to the job that describes career goals and attributes making the applicant an ideal candidate.

Resume Tense and Order Rules

Guidelines requiring education and work experience to be listed in reverse chronological order, using present tense for current nursing roles and past tense for previous jobs.

Resume Certifications Section

The portion of a resume detailing official credentials, such as Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association (with Month/Year expiration date) and Certified Nursing Assistant.

Resume References Protocol

The rule stating references do not need to be listed directly on the resume, but permission must always be requested from individuals prior to listing them as references.

Screening Phase (Interview)

An initial hiring stage involving filling out a job application and completing a personality test, which must be completed in one sitting.

Telephone Interview

A screening interview format where candidates are asked about themselves, work history, reasons for applying, handling conflict, managing stress, and educational achievements.

Interview Dress Code

Professional attire including pant suits, dress suits, conservative business shoes, and conservative makeup, while strictly avoiding blue jeans, shorts, tight clothing, open-toed sandals, perfume, cologne, and bulky jewelry.

Interview Arrival Protocol

The standard where arriving on time is considered late; candidates should arrive approximately 15 minutes early and bring 2 copies of their resume.

Unit Tour Assessment

An interview step (requested if not offered) to evaluate unit climate, nurse-to-CNA/secretary ratios on the assignment board, physician-nurse interactions, and staff reactions to the manager.

Post-Interview Thank You Note

A handwritten note mailed to the unit 1 to 2 days after an interview thanking the manager, specifying the position sought, noting interesting discussion points, and answering unresolved questions.

Recruiter Follow-Up Timeline

The recommended waiting period of 1 to 2 weeks after an interview before placing a follow-up call to the nurse recruiter.

Drug Screen Substance Detection Windows

The timeframe during health screening where marijuana can be detected in a blood screen for 30 days, and cocaine can be detected for 3 months afterwards.

Illegal Interview Question Categories

Prohibited topics during hiring including age, race, ethnicity/color, gender/sex, country of national origin/birthplace, religion, disability, marital/family status/pregnancy, and financial/credit status.