"I thought they liked me..."

[Marshall1]

A coworker of mine (who is relatively new to nursing) is looking for a position where the schedule meets her families needs better than her schedule now. She applied for and interviewed for a position where the hiring manager was VERY persistent in contacting..both before and after the initial interview.... The first interviewed was over 3 hours, second interview,

was the following day with additional staff - for an additional 2 hours. She was told there would be "one more interview" and she would "hear soon" about that "final" step. She completed the application, required testing and has spent a total of 7 hours so far between driving, interviewing and test taking. She has heard nothing since the 2nd interview. She left a voice message and sent an email to the hiring manager - both ways the hiring manager has communicated with her. She has received no reply to either. She said to me today" I thought they liked me..I thought this was a done deal. They talked like I already HAD the job."

I have heard this many times before from other coworkers.."they acted like I had the job, I thought they liked me" - I can't seem to make the newer nurses understand that because an HR person is professional, personable & even may have common interests (I have a poodle too!) as the applicant, that in the end - that means nothing. It's not a promise or a guarantee of anything. Unprofessional in my opinion - yes. Surprising, no.

[Emergent, RN]

That sounds like a ridiculous amount of time for interviews, wow!

It's true though, when it comes down to it, they'll pick the candidate they believe will work the best for them. They probably did like her, but liked someone else better. That's life.

[llg, PhD, RN]

One time, years ago ... I applied for a leadership position ... and was brought back 2 or 3 times to interview with different people. It really looked like I had the job. Then suddenly, things slowed down and I didn't get the job. Fortunately for me, the HR person told me what I think is the truth. They had been planning to offer me the job. Then, at the last minute, another applicant applied who was more qualified than I was.

Sure enough, when I found out who got the job, I could see that the successful candidate was more qualified. I can't really blame them.

Stuff like that happens -- and it's nobody's fault. There isn't always as "bad guy" to blame.

[ottersloveoysters]

Since she was called back for a second interview, they likely did really like her. However, "stuff" happens. The cousin of the nursing director suddenly needs a job so she gets hired. The hospital loses money, budgets get cut and managers can't fill openings. People go on vacation, get sick, go on maternity leave or whatever and the hiring ball gets dropped. Sometimes hiring managers are truly choosing between two candidates they really, really like and one has to get the cut. I think the important thing to remember is that when an employer wants you, they call. It's good to follow up and leave a voicemail or send an email but then leave it at that. Move on and apply for other jobs.

[AutumnApple]

Two things:

I think calling the "friendliness" unprofessional is a bit harsh. We are living in hard times with people doing very violent things to one another.

HR and all other parties involved will keep that friendly demeanor present for everyone.......love you or hate you. You will be far removed from them when you find out which it is. They can't (and shouldnt) risk someone over reacting to an interview going sour. Not to mention, they don't want people accusing them of being different with different applicants.

Second, they have to do a certain number of interviews. So yes, sometimes you are called in just to fill the quota. That is a bit unfair perhaps but sometimes they find the person they want in the first couple interviews. So, they call you in and waste your time.......but try to be nice about it. They don't have much choice in the matter.

[caliotter3]

You kind of think they like you when your next visit consists of looking for your specific new assignment, but when the staffing person walks back in to tell you that you will not be working for them after all, you realize that things can change after the hiring paperwork has been completed. Nothing is set in stone and dry concrete can be wet down and deconstructed.

[Marshall1]

I will clarify..unprofessional meaning not responding to tell the person they have not been selected - to me that is no different than them offering her the position and her ignoring them. They may need to move on but often times a candidate hold out - false hope - about a position far too long because the employer fails to communicate they have found someone else or the person is not selected for whatever reason..I don't think timely and clear communication is too much to ask on anyone's part

[Marshall1]

I agree about the quota ect but it still wasted her time and caused her to lose time at her current job..yes, that's the risk she runs, as we all do when looking for a job while employed elsewhere, however, a 3 hour intervie wthen a 2 hour interview..little much

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

How many families does she have? The applicant that is.

Sorry, that typo glared at me. I jest with love, I promise.

Yeah, the job I just knew I landed almost a year ago now does not exist. The project is on hold indefinitely and while I'm still on their list to be called, I've almost given up being told it's a go.

Unfortunately, all other alternatives for comparable jobs expect experience of at least 1 year. Pray tell, how do I get experience as an NP if no one will hire me?

At least I can work as I have been (as an ER nurse.) But it would be so nice to do what I've been working so hard to do for so long.

I have faith that it will fall into place as it should, but dangit, I'm not as patient as I seem, sometimes.

[NurseCard, ADN]

This has happened to me so many times. So, tell your friend that I feel their pain.

[mrsboots87]

I was once literally told by a unit manager "I really like you. I will be having a talk with HR today after my last couple interviews and you are at the top of the list. Expect a call in the next couple days for an offer." Seems pretty straight forward, until a couple days later I got the "thanks but not thanks" rejection email. Because of what I was directly told, I contacted the hiring manager (in a non-confrontational way to ask about what happened). She was very nice and I was basically told one of the interviewees after me was more qualified and a better fit.

It ia what it is in the hiring game. The interviewer probably did really like your friend and had intent to hire. Then someone better came along. Taking 7 hours of her time really sucks though for sure.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

Ain't no deal is done until you sign right on that dotted line....