Bad Interview

[Ahhphoey]

Hi everyone. I need a little advice. I've been looking for a job within the my current health system away from the bedside, but still in nursing. I've gone on various interviews and am hoping something will come through. Well, one job I'd interviewed for opted for someone with more leadership experience, but asked if it was okay to pass my resume on to another manager that had an opening similar to the one I'd already interviewed for. I said that was fine and sent a follow-up email to that manager expressing my interest. Well, this morning she called me for a phone interview. First of all, I've never really done a phone interview and plus it was at 0900 after working 3-11 last night and not getting to bed until about 0130. I did set my alarm so I could wake up early and kinda mentally prepare myself though. However, I think the interview went pretty bad anyway. I don't know if it's because I was still sleepy or what, but she made me feel like I was asking the dumbest questions. I asked about the similarities in the position I'd interviewed for with the other manager and the position she had available, and she said "I thought I explained myself, but..." I can't remember the exact words, but she made me feel stupid for asking the question anyway. She explained the position by saying " we do the same thing as the other team, but with physicians and not staff." That was jus not a clear enough explanation to me.

Anyway, I usually follow up my interviews with a thank you email and a "hope to hear from you soon" message. I thought I wanted this job and kind of still do, but if this manager always speaks like that, it wouldn't be a good fit anyway we will definitely not get along. I don't deal well with feeling like my intelligence is being insulted and that is how I felt. So, should I still send an email thanking her for her time and "hope to hear from you soon?" I was considering still pursuing the position by stating it sounds like what I'm looking for in a career change, etc. etc., but as I said, I don't know if I could get along with a manager like that. Sorry so long. Any opinions?

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Send an email thanking her for the interview. The ball is in her court, so just be well mannered and let the chips fall where they will fall.

[allthingsbright]

I second the thank you--you never know who she knows! :) you wouldnt want to get a bad rep!!

[shellsgogreen]

i would send a thank you, also....you never know, she might have been having a bad day and may turn out to be a great employer.....having said that, though, if they do offer you a position, go over the package completely before making a decision, and trust your instincts.

best of luck! let us know what happens

[Ahhphoey]

I took everyone's advice and sent a thank you email. I did, though, clarify that I understood the position and clarified what my questions were. I didn't want here to think I didn't understand the responsibilities or think I wasn't listening to the answer. At this point, I don't care if I get it or not, but I don't want her to think I'm not qualified. Another position in that area may open up and I may apply later down the road, so I want to keep a positive image. I'll let you guys know what happens.

[CHATSDALE]

i think you handled it well

[sheluke]

May I ask where you are in VA? I am in Va too and know there are probably experienced nursing positions away from the bedsise in our area-

Btw, agree, never burn your bridges, someone may have just not had the best morning, may have had back to back meetings immediately after, or any of a myriad of other things going on-sometimes hard to get a realistic feel over the phone. You did the professional and adult thing by still thanking via email.

[Ms Kylee]

I've gotten many jobs after I thiking I had given a bad interview. Sending the thank you note was good. As one other poster said, she might have been having a bad day and maybe she was a bit "off" too.