Jobhunting--any tips?

I'm a recent RN graduate and was promised a job at a facility I was an aide for. I had a perfect record there--no call outs, never late, great patient care, but ultimately they decided to hire someone with experience. I felt like I'd been lied to so they could squeeze some extra CNA shifts out of me before I took my test. So I kind of got thrown into the jobhunting game a lot later than my classmates, and I'm feeling a bit jaded about the whole thing. I applied to many places already, no callbacks. I'm going to a career center soon for advice but I wanted to hear from other nurses about what works.

- Resume and cover letter. I know resumes are a given, but if they don't request one (and their policy is "come in and fill out an application"), should I include a cover letter? People have told me definitely do it, other people say it's going overboard.

- Clothing. I have a lovely, work-appropriate blouse and skirt I usually wear for interviews, but everyone's telling me the dress code is "Black blazer, black slacks, white shirt." Will employers really judge me if I'm not in a suit?

- Calling places back to ask if they received my application. I've done this for smaller places where I met someone and talked about the job, and called to say I'm still interested, but what about a large hospital, where I had to apply online? They automatically send e-mails saying "Don't contact us, we'll call you if interested."

- Thank you notes after interviews. Still done? What should I say? I'm thinking "Thank you for the opportunity for the interview" and then I go blank.

Thanks for any help. I'm a bit in over my head here.
A thank you letter for an interview can never be wrong, it shows you have manners and it gets your name in front of them one more time. I am also looking for my first job and we were told to dress nice but a suit was not necessary. Wear your hair, makeup and jewelry as if you are going to work. If you see a job you want to apply for why not bypass the computer application and walk into HR and turn in a resume with cover letter. They may ask you to fill out a paper or computer application but again they have now seen you and had an additional contact. If I am passed over for hire I plan on writing another thank you letter and requesting advice on what I can do to make my self hireable the next time a position comes open (that shows you really are interested in working there) Good luck

Quote from cjungenA thank you letter for an interview can never be wrong, it shows you have manners and it gets your name in front of them one more time. I am also looking for my first job and we were told to dress nice but a suit was not necessary. Wear your hair, makeup and jewelry as if you are going to work. If you see a job you want to apply for why not bypass the computer application and walk into HR and turn in a resume with cover letter. They may ask you to fill out a paper or computer application but again they have now seen you and had an additional contact. If I am passed over for hire I plan on writing another thank you letter and requesting advice on what I can do to make my self hireable the next time a position comes open (that shows you really are interested in working there) Good luck

every interview that I have worn my jacket, top and pants I have gotten a call back from.