Did I ruin my chances of being hired by a hospital?

[whatsmyusername_RN]

Hi ANers,

I'm hoping someone can help answering my question.

I had an interview today and everything went well. At the end of the interview, the nurse manager asked me if I was scheduled for other interviews. I said yes, that I was schedule for an interview with another hospital in couple of days. Then the nurse manager said she meant to ask about more interviews with this hospital (for different units).

So, my question is, did I ruin my chances of being hired by this hospital because I said I'm having an interview with another hospital? I don't want to lose this chance of being hired, since I've been looking for jobs for several months now I feel I'm starting to get burned out by this whole application/rejection process, like I'm sure most of us are.

Thank you so much in advance for your help!

[RN403, BSN, RN]

I don't have a specific answer to your question. I will say, however, that you should do whatever you can to show your continued interest in this hospital.

Have you followed up your interview with a thank you card or e-mail? If not, you might try that.

Also, follow up via telephone in about a week (or within the amount of I've specified by your interviewer).

Don't be too hard on yourself, OP. we all goof up sometimes and we often over think things and make situations seem worse than they actually are. At least now you know for next time to respond with yes or no further interviews within this hospital.

Also, you're job-searching! They must know that candidates might have other interviews lined up just as they have other interviews lined up with other candidates. So again, don't be too hard on yourself.

Good Luck in the Job Search!

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Most new grads cannot even get an interview, the fact that you got interviews at two different hospitals says a lot about your resume. I don't know what that NM was thinking, but she has to realize that landing the interviews sets you apart from most new grads. I agree that you should followup to let them know you are still interested.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I don't think you "blew it" or anything. Anyone with any sense at all knows that a strong candidate might be getting interviews at multiple places. Don't obsess over it. Just follow-up promptly and let her know that her unit is your first choice.

Good luck!

[whatsmyusername_RN]

Thanks for all of your answers! I feel much better now.

After the interview, I send a thank you card saying, thank you for giving me the time for the interview, that I would be honored to be able to work for their hospital, and giving them my phone number if they needed to reach me.

would that be enough for them to think that I'm interested? Or should I call them to make sure they know I'm interested? I just don't want them to think I'm desperate or worse, not interested.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

I am glad that you feel relieved, OP.

I think that your thank you card was sufficient. It was brief, professional, and to the point.

Did the interviewer specify when you might expect to hear back? If so, follow up with a call at said time if they do not reach out to you. If they did not specify a time then you might reach out to them within a week expressing your continued interest in the position and ask if they have reached a decision/when they plan to. In my opinion, following up within a week's time is appropriate and will not come off as desperate.

[whatsmyusername_RN]

Thanks RN403. The nurse manager said the HR department will contact my references within couple of days, and in the meanwhile, if I had any questions I could call them. I will call them within a week if I don't hear anything from them.

Thanks to those who have responded!

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

I think you left a favorable impression by being honest and genuine. Do not stress over this. Good luck.

[whatsmyusername_RN]

Thanks icuRNmaggie, I hope that they feel the same about me. They did say they value honesty on their unit.

[RNIBCLC]

I think it demonstrates that you are a "catch" and will make the hospital more interested. I don't think it was a mistake. You were not boasting, they asked you. Good luck

[whatsmyusername_RN]

Thank you RNIBCLC, the DON and NM said the HR people will be doing reference check within couple days. If I don't hear anything from them by the end of this week, then I will call on Monday to check (one week from interview day) so that I don't seem desperate, even though I am :)

[SubSippi]

I agree with everyone else! I'd also like to add, that if you are the person they want to hire, they'll offer you the job. They're not going to go for their second pick just because you're interviewing other places. They know you're a new grad and are on a job hunt!

In you other interviews if they ask you that question, it might be good to say something like, "I have some other interviews, but this facility is definitely my top choice," or "I do have more interviews, but I am very interested in working on this unit." Just another chance to emphasize your interest in the job. :)