You always want to make the best first impression when applying for a job. Applying to work as an agency nurse is no exception. While there’s a lot of demand for nurses to fill all the available shifts, you still need to get your application right. 

A great nursing agency wants nurses who are highly qualified, meet their minimum standards, and will be great to work with. The best way to showcase this is to assemble an application that ticks all the boxes and makes a great first impression. 

What do you need to do to stand out? Fortunately, it’s simple. We’ve got tips for 3 parts of your application.

Include all the information you’re asked for.

The best way to increase your chances of getting the job, and making the application process faster, is by providing all the information asked for. It may seem simple, but it is one thing that is often missed. 

When you’re completing your application, go through each section carefully. Ensure you’ve provided information for each section, including relevant details. Once you’re done, don’t submit it. Instead, go back over every question to make sure the information is accurate, and every question has been completed. 

Once you’re happy you can hit submit! 

Your Cover Letter.

Sometimes you’ll need to submit a cover letter. This one-page document is your chance to make a great first impression. It’s where you summarise who you are, what your experience is, and why you’re looking at agency nursing. The trick is to keep it concise, professional and well-formatted. 

Name the position that you’re applying for, mention where you found the job ad and the documents you’ve enclosed. Add to that a few words about your qualifications, and specialties that you’re interested in. We love to see your future goals in agency nursing so we can help you meet them! 

Your CV.

Even more important than your cover letter is your CV. This includes your education, work experience, and skills. It’s what the agency uses to work out if you’re the perfect match. To help out, and stand out, here are a few areas to focus on. 

1. Contact details

Getting your contact details right is essential. Make sure your phone number and email are clearly displayed, easy to read, and accurate. If your email address isn’t easy to understand or isn’t professional, set up a new one and connect the accounts. 

2. Timeframes

The timeframes of your career and education should be listed in reverse chronological order. This means that your most recent career achievements and highest education completed go first. It’ll make it easy to read and understand. You should also make dates of employment clear and include some dot points on your achievements and responsibilities.

3. Strengths

It’s a great idea to put your skills front and centre in your CV. Consider which skills you want to highlight. For some hints, look at what’s listed in the description or requirements section of the job listing. This will help you show that you match what the nursing agency is looking for. 

4. Qualifications 

Ensure your training and qualifications are up-to-date and relevant. This is especially important for emergency nurses, rural nurses, or other specialised nurses. List any other relevant qualifications to ensure you showcase that you’re ready for the job. 

5. References

Not every employer requires references in the Healthcare sector. However, it’s often a requirement for nursing agencies. So, it’s a good idea to keep some handy. Put them into your application, and ensure all their details are correct. It’ll make your application process easier when the agency asks for references. 

Conclusion



Having a great application allows you to stand out, make an excellent first impression, and get started faster. You’ll start your new job with the best foot forward, ready to meet your goals. If you’re looking to sign up to FCC, register your interest here.