Didn't get the job

Deeee · Jan 28, 2013

Keep on applying, don't give up:)

perioddrama · Jan 28, 2013

Hey guys,
Well I just found out that I didn't get a job that I had 3 interviews for. I can't help but to just sit here and cry because I really thought that I got it! This is beyond disappointing... If I would've known it was gonna be this hard to get a job in nursing, I may have reconsidered my major 4 years ago. I still have to pay off $30,000+ in loans like pretty much all the rest of us new grads. I'm not even a new, new grad. I'm an old, May 2012 "new" grad. This definitely took a stab to my self esteem, I'm not gonna lie.
Tomorrow I'm interviewing for a part time Tele position at the hospital I work at now as a CNA. A friend of mine, another CNA, interviewed already for that job last week, whose dad works as a nursing supervisor there. I feel like she'll get it, but you never know. I'll be happy for her, but I'll be a lot happier if I get it. I just feel so discouraged.

At least you are getting practice with your interview skills.... better than some new grads that cannot land an interview.

Good luck! Keep applying!

yourstrulyjmc · Jan 28, 2013

I know...that's how I look at it too. As a learning experience. It's just sad that it has to be this way. I really felt like I was going to get the job this time around though...

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 28, 2013

Keep applying...I graduated May 2012, and just got offered a job before Christmas. I went through 3 interviews before I got it right with this job. You will get there!!! :)

yourstrulyjmc · Jan 28, 2013

Thanks, I sure hope so...

FLmed · Jan 29, 2013

Thanks for sharing your heart with us. Keep us posted, and continue to apply everywhere!!

the smack · Jan 29, 2013

I'm so sorry. I'm also a May '12 grad and I haven't gotten a single interview yet. I'm in the Miami area and I'm new to the area so I have it pretty bad. No connections whatsoever. It's pretty depressing. I hope I don't pass the year mark with no opportunities because that will really kick my butt. Good luck to you. Keep at it. That's all we can do...

lisy321 · Jan 29, 2013

I am a nurse since 2005 and I recently moved to FL. I haven't been able to find a job. I applied everywhere. It's very depressing. I sometimes feel like giving up. I had several events in my personal life that hurt my career. ( haven't been in a position long enough) I have great recommendation letters but that doesn't help me. Anyone knows how can I get a hospital to give me an opportunity?

RNdynamic · Jan 29, 2013

Three interviews? Sounds like that employer really liked to give prospectives a big run-around and put you through as many hoops as they delight in. Think positive; they sounded like slimy hirers anyway.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2013

Good day:

What I'm about to share is from the perspective of an employee seeking a job (non nursing; I've applied to nursing school recently though) as well as being in a position where I made hire decisions.

1. Never give up.

2. Always learn.

If you had an interview, review in your mind and go over how the interview went. While you cannot go back in time, think what you need to remember to do differently next time. What can you improve? What needs to change?

3. Whenever you get a an interview, if you've made the decision you want to work for the organization doing the interviewing, let them know at the end of the interview you want to work there.

4. If you had an interview, always send a thank you follow up letter via regular mail.

In the thank you letter, thank the person for their time using their name (did you grab a business card or otherwise write down the name(s) of the person interviewing you), let them know the key points you got out of the interview.

Then list two to three reasons why you believe you are the right person for the job.

End with your hope to hear from them. Be sure to include that you will follow up with them within x period of time where x should be two weeks or less.

Of note, if you don't want the job, still send a thank you letter; but leave out why you are a fit for the job portion.

5. Follow up.

If you didn't get an interview, follow up asking to have an interview.

For key places you want to work, follow up multiple times decreasing the number of follow ups over time. I.e. start off following up once a week for x weeks, then once every two weeks for y weeks, then once every four weeks for z weeks.

6. If you don't get the job, BUT really wanted to work there or are just ... hmmm... I should have at least gotten an offer, call the person who interviewed you, thank them for their time... and now the tricky part... let them know you don't want to change their mind, but could they share why you didn't get the job as you are trying to grow and improve.

While most will either not take the call or just give you kind words (that are lies rather than tell you how it is -- blunt), you will get the occassional person who will give you enough information so that you can learn, grow, and improve for the next interview.

7. Keep track of everything -- dates for sending out applications; date, time, location, person's involved in the interview plus notes you took during the interview; follow up means and results, etc.

Now from the employer hire side of the fence.

* Thank you letters always impressed me. The person valued my time; the person really wants the job.

* How confident was the person during the interview?

* Did the person come across as being honest / a person of integrity?

* Did the person blabber -- T.M.I. (too much information)?

* If I asked hard questions, did they jump on those or give pause or fumble?

* Where they passionate during the interview? Did they show passion for the job?

* What did they dress like? Where they professional? Did they dress like they were going to a party or a date vs. an interview?

* Why should I hire them vs. x number of applicants? What made this person stand out?

There's more... but as you interview... remember human is human. We are all equal; be respectful and kind. Be yourself (hopefully that includes being respectful and kind).

Thank you.

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Jan 29, 2013

the right job will come your way. don't give up , when one door closes another opens. never give up !! keep trying and keep me posted !! someone will be very lucky to have you , the others who didn't take you are the loosers !!