Cried during interview. Did I ruin my chances?

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Hi everyone,

I had my first new graduate interview today for med-surg/telemetry with 3 managers. I felt that the entire interview went really well. However, I was asked what roadblock I have had in life. I told them I did poorly in high school because of personal/family issues at home. Then I started to tear up. They gave me a tissue and then I composed myself after about 20 seconds and resumed with no difficulty. I feel really embarrassed. I didn't cry because I was stressed. I didn't stutter and didn't feel any anxiety regarding the interview. I just got emotional because all these bad memories just slapped me in my face. I told them how after HS, people thought I was joking when I said I want to be a nurse because of how poorly I did but then I ended up graduating nursing school with magna cum laude. They told me how proud of me they were and one of the interviewers said "stop before you make me cry." I apologized right after and said sorry I'm not this emotional ever. Another interviewer said, "you should be, we are nurses." I really did not intend on crying. I was extremely prepared for this and had a professional portfolio with me so I just feel pretty embarrassed. Do you think I ruined my chances?

Before I left, one of them made a comment about how this was a great interview.

I really really want this job and to be a part of this facility so I'm feeling really down at the moment. :(

Share your input please!

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

Even if you aren't selected, you won't know if this situation weighed more heavily than anything else in the hiring decision. Stop worrying about something that you can not change. This could be a good experience if it allows you to progress to a better interview experience in the future. You are less likely to tear up again. Good luck.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN

1 Article; 4,094 Posts

Specializes in Oncology.

I don't think that ruined your chances. I think it made you look sincere in your interview. I was speaking to my CNO about the possibility of a promotion, and she was telling me thibgs that concerned her about giving me the promotion. I teared up a bit and told her I was embarrassed for doing that. She said to me, "If walls could talk, they'd tell you how many people have cried in this office." I ended up getting the promotion.

TriciaJ, RN

4,328 Posts

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Judging by your whole post, I don't think you ruined your chances. They required you to relive a painful memory, then you rallied and told them how you overcame difficult circumstances. I personally think you should be a shoe-in. (For what that's worth.) I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

cleback

1,381 Posts

Don't sweat it. They told you it was a great interview. It wasn't a social date--they are under no obligation to say such niceties if it wasn't so.

If you don't get the job, it won't be because you cried. But I hope you do get it!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I do not think you ruined your chances. Our repertoire of emotions is a major part of what makes us human.

On another note, my lack of emotional display often kills my chances of obtaining the job during interviews. On occasion I have a restricted affect and can seem rather unenthusiastic about the position for which I am interviewing.

quitor1moretry

22 Posts

I think it showed your passion for nursing. I would have cried listening to you. You are an inspiration to others.

allnurses Guide

nursel56

7,078 Posts

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I agree with the others. You demonstrated the ability to reorient yourself and maintain focus under stress. Best wishes to you! :up:

CrunchRN, ADN, RN

4,530 Posts

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I think you did great. If you don't get that job you will find another.

Sour Lemon

5,016 Posts

Nursing is difficult as a new graduate. Honestly, I would worry about someone who cried during an interview and wonder if they were tough enough to make it through orientation without constant coddling. I would be supportive to them at the time, but I would have my doubts. I do tend to be an unemotional person, though ...and the people who interviewed you may have totally different personalities and perspectives.

marrr123

5 Posts

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

marrr123

5 Posts

Sour Lemon, thank you for sharing your thoughts I appreciate it. As I said in my post, I did not cry because I was under pressure. I graduated from an intense BSN nursing program. Each term was 9 weeks long and we had no summer or winter breaks. The longest break I've had was for about a couple of days after the term. I studied for almost 7+ hours every single day for 2.5 years. Along with studying, my school required us to participate in a simulation lab for 8-16 hours each term where we were required to be under the spotlight. During this, we were given a clinical scenario and had to provide care as a registered nurse while our fellow peers and instructors watched our every move. Of course, I also had clinical rotations during day and night shift. I didn't need coddling even as a nursing student living under pressure every day for years. My point is, I never crack under pressure. I strive under it. Nursing is difficult but very rewarding. I was asked to recall a roadblock which for many individuals, comes with difficult memories.

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