Wondering why I didn't get hired...

[omni123]

I have a problem...I am sorry this is so long!!

I am graduating in a few weeks and have not gotten a job. I had an interview a few weeks ago and found out they will not be hiring me. The problem is, I don't know why they wouldn't hire me. I know a lot of people don't get hired for different jobs, so I might sound stupid for even asking - but I know several of my classmates that have interviewed at this particular place. All of them got job offers (even the ones that are barely passing school!), some before I interviewed, and some after. I know they are still interviewing, too because I had clinical there. I have another interview at another hospital coming up soon and I have so much anxiety because I think I might have made a serious mistake in the interview that caused the other place not to hire me. I dressed up and I think I presented myself well. I answered all their questions appropriately (I think!), I let them know I am flexible about scheduling and that I am dependable...They even asked for my GPA (which is 3.7!) I really don't know what happened. I haven't been on an interview in 2 years, but the last one I had the interviewer hired me right away - and there were a lot of other people (including people that already worked at the facility) that were trying to get the job!! Plus, I have excellent references, I have been at one place of employment for over 7 years! I have been a CNA for years and in the nursing "field" about 8 years. All my clinical instructors have had nothing but good things to say about me, and most of them teach at the hospital where I interviewed! This leads me to believe I did something seriuosly wrong in my interview! I am so scared I might screw up again! I know there are a lot of posts about what to do in an interview, but is there anything that absolutely shouldn't be done/said??? I just feel like such an idiot now - and I am seriously questioning myself and wondering what is wrong with me - and I really need a job!! Thanks to anyone that has taken the time to read all this, and I appreciate ANY advice!!

[Penguin67]

Some of my students have made the mistake during an interviewing of only being open to a certain area (EX: L/D, OR, ER, etc...) or only wanting a specific shift or days of the week to work. I am wondering if maybe you said you wnated a particular area, and it turns out that particular area didn't have any more openings, but the rest of the hospital had openings and you wen't interested in them. Being open to any area, especially as a new grad, can pay off in the end with an entry level position. Just my two cents here. With the nursing shortage being as it is, I am certain that you will soon find a job. Good luck!

[boopielove23]

No, I have not just applied to certain areas. I have applied to all areas except for psych only because I am a New grad and want to build all my skills first. The way I see it is any experience in being a clinical nurse is good experience. I am a hardworker and easy learner. I also have 4 months of experience as a nurse apprentice. I don't think its a problem with resume or cover letter. I use to be a departmental secretary and they wanted to hire me prior to passing boards.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Boopie,

Don't beat yourself up! As a hiring manager myself, I can assure you that it may have just been a logistical issue. The facility had "slots" for X number of new grads - and those were filled before your name came up.

As a new grad, you are essentially a blank slate - there's not much work history to evaluate. And with a 3.7 GPA, you are certainly at the top of the heap. Don't fret. A year from now, you'll probably look back and see that this was a good thing -- because it led you to a better opportunity.

Life is full of left turns & this is certainly not going to be the worst thing that ever happens to you -- probably not even in the top 50.

[pinksunflower]

It happens to each and everyone of us.Think positive and always pray. You are lucky bec. you are already in that stage.Not unlike some out there who aint got a licence.Think about that.Think how lucky you are...:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe

[nurse32]

I have a similar problem. I received almost 10 job offers and interviews before taking the NCLEX. I explained to the facilities that I had not taken my NCLEX as of yet, the reply was call me after you receive a pass. I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared for the exam so, I turned the positions down. But, now that I have passed and actually have an active license, I cannot seem to get an interview. Can someone please advise me on what I am doing wrong?

I also have a similar problem.

I graduated May 20, and received my license on September 5. I am still searching for a job.

One problem I only found out during my job search is that many hospitals require a BS in nursing just to get the interview.

Like boopie, my GPA is high (3.76) and I have received an award from one of the hospitals that I completed some of my clinical shifts. Even THEY wont hire me with "only" an AS in nursing. It is not good enough for them.

I'm not picky. As of now I am willing to take anything that comes my way. Including traveling, crazy hours (I have kids) and lower pay.

The problem is that I am not even lucky enough to get to the interview stage. All I have been doing is faxing or emailing my resume and then calling a week later to check for receipt.

I'm desperate. I can't pay my bills.

Any advice please?

[steve40]

I don't think I can post not being a premium member but wonder if anyone has any similar experiences or input to my situation. I have been working for a state veterans home for 22 plus years. I was a CNA for 16 and a lpn for 5. I recently became a Rn this past February and had an interview 3 weeks ago and found out I was not offered a position. The "form" letter stated that other candidates offered a "compliment" of skills and experience to fill the positions as nurse clinician 2. The ironic thing about the whole situation is that one of my former class mates was offered a position with no previous experience and also works at the same facility. I basically have a flawless work record...pretty impeccable call in record...and positive annual performance reviews. I feel quite disheartened and would love to tell them where to stick it but have way too many years invested and starting over would seem defeating the purpose given my pay status and seniority at this point.

Thanks for listening.

[Scraggles]

For a few years I was involved in the interview and hiring process of my Husbands company. This was during a few years off from Nursing to assist my husband with his new business. So I think I can offer general interview tips that may be helpful. It is and will always be most benefical if the candidate is enthusiastic and gives off a positive attitude, strong eye contact is essential. Also ASK questions, and offer the knowledge you have researched about the facility/Company. Know going in they ARE going to ask about your weaknesses and Strong qualities and NEVER, NEVER say you are a PEOPLE person!!! it is so cliche and EVERYONE especially Nurses will say it. Remember to SMILE, and at the conclusion ask them when they will be making the hiring decision? Tell them you really want the position and how YOU will benefit and make a positive contribution to their organization,and always follow up with a Thank you Email, or letter to the interviewer, that day after the interview then a phone call within the week and weekly thereafter, being tactful and pleasant.

NEVER be LATE for the interview, NEVER.:angryfire I decided not to hire someone just because they were 30 minutes late. When asked they said it was " Traffic", and seemed irritated that I inquired. On paper they were the more qualified candidate, that's when I realized the Resume is just a small piece of the hiring process.

As some Posters have stated it could be just a quirk and personality issue with the interviewer, its weird you may remind them of someone they detest, or you might be prettier, slimmer than them...of course this is illegal and they will never admit it, but we are all riddled with conflicts and complicated issues.

But you do need to follow up with the previous interviewer and feel them out for feedback that can assist you in your search.

Good Luck

[CityKat, BSN, RN]

Originally Posted by boopielove23

I have a similar problem. I received almost 10 job offers and interviews before taking the NCLEX. I explained to the facilities that I had not taken my NCLEX as of yet, the reply was call me after you receive a pass. I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared for the exam so, I turned the positions down. But, now that I have passed and actually have an active license, I cannot seem to get an interview. Can someone please advise me on what I am doing wrong?

First of all, if you have interviews lined up and you haven't taken the NCLEX, you SHOULD STILL attend those interviews and you should still be putting yourself out there. If you don't, they will look to someone else. They don't have time to waste by waiting, as there are so many applicants for one position. I was interviewing before I even graduated and had things set up for me upon graduation. You can work on an interim permit while studying for the NCLEX. If you fail the boards the first time around, then that is a different story, they may terminate your position at that time. BUT, you should ALWAYS interview and ALWAYS set things up even if you haven't take the NCLEX, it's like a suicide note in this economy if you don't.