Average wait time from interview to offer?

Published

Hi everyone. I am an RN who had to take two years off work to care for my family. I am trying to find work and it has been very difficult. I have been looking for a job for 6 months. I have had several interviews (7 to be exact). I know the two year gap on my resume looks bad, but I do have experience behind me which is good.

So I think its happening...I think I am about to get an offer very soon. I interviewed 3 times at hospital "A" and they are now checking my references (my references just let me know this). Hospital "A" is not my dream job, but Ill take it since I have been looking for a while and I am grateful for any opportunity. I had an interview last Wednesday at hospital "B", which is my dream job and the interview went well. It ended with the manager saying, "We will talk about this and get back to you. You will be hearing from HR." Its now Monday. I have not heard from HR. I have a feeling that hospital "A" will offer me a job. Would you accept the offer? I would feel so bad if I got offered my dream job a few days later and even thought about bailing out on a job offer - I am just not like that. How long in your experience did it take from your hospital interview to an unofficial or official job offer? I just don't think its worth sacrificing a job knowing that I may never even get this dream job.

Anyone ever in a similar situation? I feel this job hunting stuff is such a gamble at times!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgery.

It could take weeks. Did they say there were other candidates? If so, did you ask about a timeline of their decision making?

If you do indeed get the offer from hospital A you could call hospital B and tell them that you've been offered a position at another hospital but wanted to check in with them since they are your first choice. There's nothing wrong with doing that.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

For me, it's taken anywhere from hours to weeks from interview to getting the job offer.

IMO, follow Alicia777's advice. However, I would also think long and hard before passing on an offer from Hospital A just to wait on a possible offer from Hospital B...because the odds are good that you'll end up with no offers. More than one applicant has been burned by doing that.

Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks guys...I completely agree. I don't think I could turn down a job offer if I did not actually have a real job offer to fall back on. I thought about calling the HR at my dream hospital to let them know I am considering another offer, but they might frown upon that too. Like I said, this is all such a gamble. Is the phrase, "you'll hear from HR" a good thing? I could read into the interview all day lol!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgery.
Thanks guys...I completely agree. I don't think I could turn down a job offer if I did not actually have a real job offer to fall back on. I thought about calling the HR at my dream hospital to let them know I am considering another offer, but they might frown upon that too. Like I said, this is all such a gamble. Is the phrase, "you'll hear from HR" a good thing? I could read into the interview all day lol!

It's so hard to know what will happen. I'm currently looking for a new grad NP position and have been led on more than once by HR and nurse managers alike. The only thing you can count on is the actual offer!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree Alicia. I just don't think this dream job will work out because they are not acting fast enough. I am just not willing to risk it. In your opinion, if I ask a hospital for a couple days to think about the offer, how long is it ok to think things over? I am just thinking it could buy me some time..stalling the offer I guess. That could be risky too though. I am thinking 48 hours tops if I need to think about it (AKA buying some time).

congrats on the NP & good luck with he job hunt! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgery.
I agree Alicia. I just don't think this dream job will work out because they are not acting fast enough. I am just not willing to risk it. In your opinion, if I ask a hospital for a couple days to think about the offer, how long is it ok to think things over? I am just thinking it could buy me some time..stalling the offer I guess. That could be risky too though. I am thinking 48 hours tops if I need to think about it (AKA buying some time).

congrats on the NP & good luck with he job hunt! :)

Sure, I don't think it would be a situation where you'd have to accept on the spot. HR will give you a chance to discuss the offer with your family. I think 48hrs sounds acceptable, but you're asking advice from someone who still is looking for an offer too, lol!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

guess I shouldn't be frustrated of myself. i'm currently working as a company nurse and is planning to pursue my career in hospital setting. I've been applying for more than a month now, however reading your story enlightens me. I guess i just need to be patient. I know there's also something for me out there. I just hope it won't reach 6 months though. ;)

Anyway, good luck on whichever you're going to take.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired from healthcare.

In the past I have called them and said, "Hi, this is S...." "May I have some feedback on my application?"

In my own case, it seemed to speed up the hiring process.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
I agree Alicia. I just don't think this dream job will work out because they are not acting fast enough. I am just not willing to risk it. In your opinion, if I ask a hospital for a couple days to think about the offer, how long is it ok to think things over? I am just thinking it could buy me some time..stalling the offer I guess. That could be risky too though. I am thinking 48 hours tops if I need to think about it (AKA buying some time).

Its perfectly appropriate to ask some other questions that may give you more time, or simply say...I'd like like to talk this over with my family, can I get back to you --------day?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I agree, it's fine to ask for a day or two to mull it over. I've done this before as well. I actually turned the position down (at a psych hospital as a psych tech, before I was licensed), but wanted to keep in touch with the manager, and made sure not to burn that bridge. Never burn a bridge! :)

With hospital B, be aware that reference checks can take forever. I've been a hiring manager, and getting people to call you back sucks. Try calling your references, and asking them if they've heard from this hospital. Make sure they're calling back if so!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm going through a similar situation. I had my second interview for a job 1.5 weeks ago. I thought it went really well and as I was leaving they told me "we will be in touch with you" which I interpreted as them calling me to let me know whether or not I got the job. I've thought about calling but #1 - I worry it is too soon and I will seem pushy, and #2 - the only phone number I have and the only phone number that is publicly available is the clinic wide number (no extensions)

Should I just wait it out a bit longer? Any thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion