bad interview

[c6ndy012]

I went for a labor and delivery interview. I graduated and passed my nclex over a year ago, but I Didn't apply till now. The interviewer knew this before selecting me for an interview. So when I went she introduced me to the floor nurses and told me that "if the interview goes well I can meet them...or maybe NOT." She said this in an angry tone. She didn't ask me any interview questions other than why I didn't start nursing right away or do something physical to keep up to date. She was yelling at me the whole time, just so upset. She didn't like any of my responses. All of her questions were rhetorical and were rapid fire. I left so confused as to why she took the time to interview me knowing my background already...just to blow up in my face about it. Is this typical for interviews? Will I be haunted by not starting right away in every interview. If she wasn't happy she could of ended the interview sooner and not have been shouting at me. I never ever would have guessed my "interview" could have turned out so bad.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I'm sorry but I have to agree with the other posters. Your response to the OP is typical of that when a person finds the courage to come forward and report abuse. It's seems like the norm in our culture to blame the victim (either they must not be telling the whole story or they did something to provoke the abuser). That's not ok and that's why so many people (women and men) stay quite when they are harassed or abused both at home or in the work place. I totally believe that the interviewer could have yelled at her. There are millions of people who mistreat, abuse, steal, and even murder so why is it such a big leap to believe that someone could have taken out their frustrations on the unsuspecting OP?

To the OP, I also had a gap between me passing my NCLEX and when I started working. I'm sorry for your experience but realize the interviewer is the one with the issues, not you. Don't give up and keep applying! I was able to land an L&D job a year after passing my NCLEX. I was honest with the interview panel about having a baby and waiting until I was ready to dedicate the time and focus necessary to be successful in the position. Good luck!

I absolutely did NOT 'blame the victim'. I said there are two sides to every story and we only know one. OP's story doesn't make a lot of sense. And in my experience, persons who are put on the spot sometimes interpret pointed questioning as 'being yelled at'. I am wondering if there is not an element of this going on as well.

[c6ndy012]

Sapphire light,

Thank you SO much for your encouragement!! I will definitely keep your advice in mind. I'm sorry for your experience as well, but it is encouraging to see you grew from it as well.

My family keeps telling me to send an email to her about the situation and see what she says, or at least tell someone above her about it. Im just worried that the higher ups will not take me seriously compared to someone so accomplished that's established in their company.

[Ambersmom, BSN, RN]

Sorry for your experience. Better to be rid of this place if that is how the culture is. It maybe worthwhile in your cover letter or on resume' to just add a line that you were caring for sick relative. I know people who did this and the places they interviewed at knew the details, made it easier. Good luck.

[c6ndy012]

Sorry for your experience. Better to be rid of this place if that is how the culture is. It maybe worthwhile in your cover letter or on resume' to just add a line that you were caring for sick relative. I know people who did this and the places they interviewed at knew the details, made it easier. Good luck.

Thanks for the helpful information. I'll definitely incorporate it into my cover letter at the very least.

[labordude, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry but I have to agree with the other posters. Your response to the OP is typical of that when a person finds the courage to come forward and report abuse. It's seems like the norm in our culture to blame the victim (either they must not be telling the whole story or they did something to provoke the abuser). That's not ok and that's why so many people (women and men) stay quite when they are harassed or abused both at home or in the work place. I totally believe that the interviewer could have yelled at her. There are millions of people who mistreat, abuse, steal, and even murder so why is it such a big leap to believe that someone could have taken out their frustrations on the unsuspecting OP?

HUGE difference between these two things. One is asking for additional information, the other is victim blaming. It's all in how it's worded. It is perfectly acceptable to ask questions to get the whole picture and anyone doing an investigation would be remiss if they didn't do this. Information gathering doesn't end when an accusation of a certain type is made, though admittedly some techniques for gathering information are better than others.

In this case, I'll just accept that OP is telling the truth as long as they understand they are a less desirable candidate given the break between school, NCLEX, and work which might confuse or annoy a manager who may not have had a say in who they interviewed because HR likes to stick their noses in things. All things considered, it seems like a bad fit anyway.