[Annointed_RNStudent]

Hello,

I am a Minority Male new graduate candidate, from an ADN program, and I applied for a job at a major medical facility, in an area that doesn't have a significant minority population (3%). There was a diversity initiative, so I thought I would get a fair chance?

I interviewed with a Pediatric Manager, who asked me several questions and even commented that I was the only student she had ever interviewed that focused on the family as well as the patient, and she was impressed with that, and then told me on the way out that she was sure I would get an offer.

I dont' understand what happened, but all of a sudden I didnt' get an offer to any of the three positions I interviewed for?

Any Advice on what could have went wrong?

Devastated~

[EricJRN]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Were your references pretty solid?

[Jolie]

Since you seem to have had a good rapport with the pediatric manager, why not contact her and ask for a moment of her time to discuss your interview. She may be able to provide some insight into your strengths and weaknesses, suggest ways to improve your interview skills, suggest other avenues to try in order to be considered for other positions within the facility, or know of similar positions at other facilities.

It is impossible to know why you didn't get the offer unless you (tactfully) ask! There may have been employees who requested in-house transfers, new grads who worked as student interns at that facility, relatives of administrators who applied (I'm only half-way kidding about this!)

Having the guts and professionalism to contact the manager to discuss this may leave a good impresson on her, and she may just keep you in mind for the next opening.

Goodluck!

[llg]

I think Jolie is giving you some good advice. Find someone in a position to know the facts who will give you some advice for the future.

I would not emphasize the "Why didn't I get the job?" aspects of the situation. That might look like you are looking for a reason to sue them and make them defensive and hesitant to speak with you.

Approach them with a positive attitude as a student trying to learn how to succeed with your next interview. Ask for advice: most people love to give advice -- particularly if you flatter them a little when you approach them. Then listen closely to the advice. It may contain a few clues as to what went wrong the first time as well as give you suggestions for the future.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

llg

[llg]

I thought of another thing.

Keep in mind that at the end of an interview, most interviewers say something positive. They don't want to "turn the applicant off" by not being kind and friendly. They may truly like the candidate and hope that he/she is selected. They may simply not feel comfortable saying anything that is not positive and want to avoid an awkward moment.

When I interview someone I am not going to recommend we hire, I don't say "There's no way I am going to recommend you!" ... I say something like, "It was nice meeting you. I hope everything works out for you." etc.

I'm not saying that you misinterpreted the interviews, just that sometimes people are a bit hard to read at that point.

llg