Bad Interview...

[violet_violet]

I just came back from an interview and I really feel like I didn't do well.... now I'm beating myself...

One thing I don't understand is this... I applied to a position (I am a NG) that I once interned for 1 summer ago. The nurse who preceptored me also interviewed me today along with the nurse supervisor. Now, it's been awhile since I've seen my nurse preceptor but today during the interview, she only had one question for me... the question was, how do you plan to be dedicated to our hospital when your bf lives 3 hours away? I remember when I precepted with her, I had told her that my bf of 9 years lives 3 hours away.

My reply was that, "I plan to stay for at least 2 years but things may change. He and I still have issues we need to sort out. My bf and I have discussed this and he understands what committment I will have to take on if I am offered a position. I understand that training a NG is expensive and I don't have any plans to abruptly leave. I plan to relocate to the area if I do get hired on."

Now when I think back, I feel that my reply was a terrible response. Is it? I feel like I'm doomed for letting my nurse preceptor know about my bf and the fact that I won't be staying long if hired. Now what???

I really don't know why today when I saw my nurse preceptor I was intimated by her and bc of that, it made very nervous throughout the interview.... I just felt that she wasn't supportive of me....?

[bewitched]

I think your response was good... but that her question was inappropriate and had nothing to do with your aptitude as a nurse. I could be wrong, but your personal relationships should have nothing to do with getting a job or not.

[SlightlyMental_RN]

Well...Yes, you may have doomed yourself for that interview, from the sounds of it. In the future, when someone asks about your personal life (relationship status), don't answer, but deflect. An example for your case, " Now, (preceptor's name), I don't think my love life is of much concern to you all. I think that what you really want to know is, am I in this for the long haul. The answer to that, is, yes. If I am hired, I will stick around so that you get return on your investment in me."

Even if this is not true, don't let them know otherwise. There are plenty of other grads out there that are willing to commit. Remember, your personal life isn't any of their business.

More illegal interview questions:

Illegal Interview Questions

[regularRN]

Yes. Questions relating to one's personal life are completely inappropriate during an interview for any job. I think you came up with a great reply. But to be honest, it's none of their business and you may consider taking the issue to their HR department, because this could be considered a form of discrimination.

[TickyRN]

The bf question was so illegal!!!

[JB2007, ASN, RN]

My question to you is do you really want to work with someone who is so willing to hit below the belt? That was a personal question and really none of her buisness on how you will handle your relationship with your bf and your job. Lots of nurses have to be away from their loved ones longer each day than what we wish, but are perfectly willing to make that sacrifice. We all have to do what we have to do in order to have a job that pays halfway decent in today's economy.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I agree that your former preceptor took advantage of her position as your former co-worker and used "insider" information, so to speak. You were completely caught off guard.

I think your response was as good as it could be, considering the circumstances. Try not to think negatively until you hear back from them (or don't). Most of all, use this as a learning experience and be prepared to deflect personal questions, as advised in another post.

[anonymurse]

OK, this is good. It shows you should run some scenarios for future interviews. Maybe an intrusive Q demands a snappy answer, like "Well, we'll just see if he really loves me, now won't we?" Everyone but the questioner likes a snappy answer. It shows either that you can think on your feet or that you've taken the time in advance to think through all the pitfalls and how to deal with them. Both are equally valuable to an employer.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Wow I am so sorry! How unprofessional!

If you do not get a call back from them. I would think about writing a very professional letter to administration. You really would have nothing to lose if they choose to eliminate you because of this, I am sure that other units would quietly inquire why you were not advanced in the process. Just let them know that you felt you were treated poorly, and that they were questioning you inappropriately.

[violet_violet]

I will have to wait for Friday for an answer. I really feel that if they don't hire me, it's because of my bf.... now I'm starting to feel that I shouldn't get personal at work. I just hope that the supervisor knew that the question my preceptor asked me was inappropriate and will not weigh it against me when she makes her decision.

[Bean79]

You did fine, but I will say her question was COMPLETELY innapropriate and I am not even sure they are allowed to ask questions like that during an interview. Your relationship status is completely irrelevant to the actual job and I probably would have stated that. Ugh, How unprofessional. But considering her lack of tact and professionalism I think you gave a fair answer. Good Luck to you :)

[Roger Roger]

I don't think asking you a personal question was appropriate for the interview. I come from a corporate background and currently going into nursing. My only advice in this situation is to keep in mind that an interview goes both ways. They are not only seeing if they want you to work for them but if you want to work for them as well. If they conduct an interview in such a manner as to ask you a personal question and using that as a basis of hiring you then, I would simply just walk away. It shows just how unprofessional they are. I would also send a letter to HR. If you still want to work there you could try another unit. You might have a better experience.

Good luck!