Do I call a recruiter with whom I interviewed with before and did not get the job?

[iridium54]

Hello all,

New grad RN here. Applied and interviewed for a position at what is basically my dream place of employment - or rather it is more like one of my dream health care systems to work for. I interviewed with the hospital's nurse recruiter and a nurse manager for the unit. Ultimately I did not get the job. I felt as if I had a good rapport with the recruiter but I was nervous, not as confident as I needed to be, and maybe even unprepared for some of the questions. Basically, I blew it. The position was super-competitive too, as all new grad positions are.

Well, the hospital has opened up another position for new grads. I'd realllly like this job, even more so than the other one (other one was for a highly technical field of nursing that ultimately not sure my heart was in).

My fear is did I blow it because I did not represent myself well the first time? I feel like on paper I as good an applicant as any other new grad without experience. But I need to represent myself better in person.

So, how do I get that second chance to interview? Do I call the recruiter and just say I'm still really interested in your organization and I hope you'll give me another chance to interview?

I know this probably all seems basic and elementary...I'm just really bad at promoting myself and being aggressive with recruiters. I'd appreciate any advice. And don't worry, not putting all of my eggs in one basket, still applying for other jobs.

[wish_me_luck, BSN, RN]

I am not a manager or recruiter, but instead of asking for a second interview; just explain that you want to work for them, what can you improve on to make you more marketable to them? Then, do what they say and try again. They might be impressed that you are tailoring yourself to their organization. But, don't ask for a second interview right off. There's obviously something that someone else said, did, or something that they picked them. Find out where you went wrong and try and try again. Good luck.

[iridium54]

But, don't ask for a second interview right off. There's obviously something that someone else said, did, or something that they picked them. Find out where you went wrong and try and try again. Good luck.

wish_me_luck, I appreciate your feedback. I actually did request feedback via email after I had been informed I did not get the job. Like I said, I feel like I know where I went wrong in the interview, but I asked because I wanted to hear what he said/show genuine interest. So yeah, I probably am not even gutsy enough to ask for the chance to interview again, but figured I can at least call and explain my interest in the organization/position...that cannot hurt, right?

I think that's my problem...worrying about annoying people and bothering them, but if there is anything I have learned from this website it is that you HAVE to be aggressive.

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

I would definetely contact the recruiter. I would say something along the lines of having interviewed previously, still interested in working for said facility and tell them you've submitted an application for the position you are interested in. It does not hurt, the worst she will do is ignore you, the best, you get an interview! I would send one e-mail and if you don't hear back move on. You don't want to harass her.

Good luck! Getting that first job is always the hardest. You have to be assertive though, sitting back sending application after application isn't going to get you anywhere.

[iridium54]

Does anyone think contacting the nurse manager of the floor directly is a no-no? I talked with a recruiter at a career fair and she said that was the worst thing anyone could do because the nurse managers are there to do THEIR job, NOT HR's job. But I have read on this site people have had success with that technique.

Planning on calling after lunch hour...so nervous.

[cownurse]

I like what you said about being assertive, I am not very assertive. Someone told me to keep applying at a faciltiy that I did not get a job with. I have friends who work in this facility as well. I will keep going back there, and let them know I am still interested in getting a position with them.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I agree with PP advice to re-open cordial communications with the nurse recruiter. A recruiter's job is to locate likely candidates to present to the hiring managers. Your goal would be to leave an extremely favorable impression with the recruiter - so that s/he remembers who you are and keeps you in mind for future openings even if you don't get selected for a specific job.

Don't try to personally contact the hiring manager. In order to ensure compliance with Federal hiring requirements, most organizations have very clear P & P about their hiring processes. Managers can get into serious problems if they violate these rules. Instead, you may want to send a letter (yes, a real one - on paper and everything- LOL) introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position... ending with the fact that you have filled out an application for that job. Enclose a copy of your resume & your contact information. Then, if the manager wishes (and is permitted) to contact you, it will happen. This will not be perceived as an unwelcome intrusion.

Make sure you always present yourself (written or in person) as uber-professional. This will automatically set you apart from the pack. Remember the ages of the people with hiring authority. They are not as comfortable with 'casual' as younger people, nor are they as forgiving of poor grammar & bad writing skills.

Good Luck!!