Cried during interview. Did I ruin my chances?

caliotter3 · Feb 18, 2017

Even if you aren't selected, you won't know if this situation weighed more heavily than anything else in the hiring decision. Stop worrying about something that you can not change. This could be a good experience if it allows you to progress to a better interview experience in the future. You are less likely to tear up again. Good luck.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2017

I don't think that ruined your chances. I think it made you look sincere in your interview. I was speaking to my CNO about the possibility of a promotion, and she was telling me thibgs that concerned her about giving me the promotion. I teared up a bit and told her I was embarrassed for doing that. She said to me, "If walls could talk, they'd tell you how many people have cried in this office." I ended up getting the promotion.

TriciaJ, RN · Feb 18, 2017

Judging by your whole post, I don't think you ruined your chances. They required you to relive a painful memory, then you rallied and told them how you overcame difficult circumstances. I personally think you should be a shoe-in. (For what that's worth.) I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

cleback · Feb 18, 2017

Don't sweat it. They told you it was a great interview. It wasn't a social date--they are under no obligation to say such niceties if it wasn't so.

If you don't get the job, it won't be because you cried. But I hope you do get it!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2017

I do not think you ruined your chances. Our repertoire of emotions is a major part of what makes us human.

On another note, my lack of emotional display often kills my chances of obtaining the job during interviews. On occasion I have a restricted affect and can seem rather unenthusiastic about the position for which I am interviewing.

quitor1moretry · Feb 18, 2017

I think it showed your passion for nursing. I would have cried listening to you. You are an inspiration to others.

allnurses Guide · Feb 18, 2017

I agree with the others. You demonstrated the ability to reorient yourself and maintain focus under stress. Best wishes to you! :up:

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Feb 19, 2017

I think you did great. If you don't get that job you will find another.

Sour Lemon · Feb 19, 2017

Nursing is difficult as a new graduate. Honestly, I would worry about someone who cried during an interview and wonder if they were tough enough to make it through orientation without constant coddling. I would be supportive to them at the time, but I would have my doubts. I do tend to be an unemotional person, though ...and the people who interviewed you may have totally different personalities and perspectives.

marrr123 · Feb 19, 2017

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

marrr123 · Feb 19, 2017

Sour Lemon, thank you for sharing your thoughts I appreciate it. As I said in my post, I did not cry because I was under pressure. I graduated from an intense BSN nursing program. Each term was 9 weeks long and we had no summer or winter breaks. The longest break I've had was for about a couple of days after the term. I studied for almost 7+ hours every single day for 2.5 years. Along with studying, my school required us to participate in a simulation lab for 8-16 hours each term where we were required to be under the spotlight. During this, we were given a clinical scenario and had to provide care as a registered nurse while our fellow peers and instructors watched our every move. Of course, I also had clinical rotations during day and night shift. I didn't need coddling even as a nursing student living under pressure every day for years. My point is, I never crack under pressure. I strive under it. Nursing is difficult but very rewarding. I was asked to recall a roadblock which for many individuals, comes with difficult memories.