Bad first RN job interview...... :(

Nellie Nurse · May 22, 2005

Maybe your perception of how the interview went was not the manager's. You did say that it was raining outside and that you weren't feeling well so those factors could have made you perceive everything that day in a negative light. If you really want to make an impression in the manager's mind write an e-mail stating how appreciative you are to be considered for this position and reiterate why you want this job. I think that you are being a little hard on yourself. It is your first nursing job and you were understandably nervous, which the manager should take into consideration. Best of luck to you.

Katnip, RN · May 22, 2005

Become less forgettable by sending the interviwer and card thanking her for her time.

It's never bad practice to do that, it's done often in the business world and it jogs the interviewers memory about that applicant.

ckh23, BSN, RN · May 22, 2005

Here I am, ONE week fresh of graduating nursing school, I applied at three hospitals that offered new graduate internship program because I figured it would help ease my transition. Well only one hospital actually called me back for an interview, and luckily it was my first choice so I was so excited, bought a new suit, practiced, worried about it day and night, and did a pretty good job at the first HR interview!!!! She then scheduled me to come back the next day to interview with a unit manager on my first choice floor. The whole day started out bad, it was raining, I didn't feel good about myself, and had the beginings of a cold. While the interview wasn't bad, I was totally FORGETABLE. They have four more applicants on this particular unit and I am so bumming that I didn't make a better impression. I'm going to get the final word thursday if it's a no or a go, but I am such a nervous wreck. I can't believe I didn't sieze the opportunity!!! I'm setting myself up for not passing that interview but I'm hoping I can still interview on other units and try harder. Any body else have any other horror stories to share to make me feel a little better??????? I'll feel so lost, if my first three choice hospitals don't call me back........allt his on top of prepping for the NCLEX!!!
grrrrr
xoxo

I know how you feel. I got an interview for a critical care transition program and it was horrible. Whatever questions I was asked, I didn't seem to have an answer for and the interview was a total bust. However, I recieved an interview for my second choice for transition into the ER and I nailed it. I really feel what happened in the first interview helped me a great deal in the second. Thankfully, I got the job in the ER and will be starting after I take the boards. Just in case you don't get the job, use it to your advantage and learn from it. Also remember, the interviewer usually has their mind made up in the first 30 seconds. Good luck.

Charlie

alintanurse · May 22, 2005

Don't be so hard on yourself---you probably made a better impression than you think. I have interviewed alot recently and as I review my interviews in my mind-I always think of what I should have said or how I should have answered, after I have berated myself--I've been pleasantly surprised and have been offered the position. I have been fortunate enough to be able to choose which job I really wanted. You may be surprised too! Good Luck!!!!!

xokelly2 · May 23, 2005

Thanks everyone, thats what I needed. I did send both of the interviewers thank you letters.....Goodluck to you guys too. Thanks again.....

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · May 24, 2005

Thanks everyone, thats what I needed. I did send both of the interviewers thank you letters.....Goodluck to you guys too. Thanks again.....

Hello! I am waiting on pins and needles to hear back from my first new grad RN interview I went on 2.5 weeks ago! The hospital I interviewed at has a reputation for taking FOREVER to get back to applicants. So far, I sent the manager a thank you card, and called last week, and just now I e-mailed her! So she must know I want the job! But during the interview, I thought I did a really good job answering questions and talking, except I had the worst cold ever! I kept coughing non-stop during the entire interview! I wanted to crawl away under a rock! But the manager was nice and offered me cough drops, which I already had...I kept stuffing cough drops in my mouth one after another! But the waiting part stinks! It's hard to focus on studying for the NCLEX AND worry about this job too!

-Christine

xokelly2 · May 25, 2005

Goodluck, I hope it goes well. I am still waiting, your right, this is like torture. I keep trying to study for NCLEX but my mind is preoccupied.... I wish they would just tell me already. They asked at the end of my interview if I was waiting to respond to any other job offers, so would I need a quicker response, and I said no. After I left I thought maybe i should have said yes, just to get a quicker response. But just my luck they would take that as : Oh well she has other offers she doesn't need to work her....Urghhh....