Does "we will be interviewing more people" mean you won't get a job?

BluegrassRN · Apr 8, 2011

No, it means they have several interviews scheduled, they will interview everyone as they planned, and then they will chose the ones who are the best fit for the available openings.

digoe74 · Apr 8, 2011

Definitely not. I am not in nursing yet, but I believe that this questions transcends fields. I have heard that phrase during many interviews throughout my life and have gotten the job in the end. Not to mention I have made that statement myself many times to potential candidates, and often I was speaking to the candidate I eventually hired. I wouldn't worry, this does not preclude you from getting this position. Good luck to you! :)

dudette10, MSN, RN · Apr 8, 2011

Are you a new grad looking for that first job? If so, read on...if not, read on if you wish.

I sense a huge amount of anxiety in your post. Believe me, I've fielded a lot of anxiety from classmates for internships/externships, etc. All of us play that "what does it all mean?!?!" game when it comes to things said to us in interviews.

You will drive yourself crazy that way. I have surprised myself with how much I've accepted that it's out of my hands on hiring decisions. I'm usually not the most positive person when it comes to myself. I'm much better at being positive with other people.

Oh, sure...I do everything I can to ensure that my best foot is put forward, and I network like crazy. But, sometimes, there's nothing more you can do, and you'll never know why you were or weren't picked over the next person.

Know that you did everything you could in the interview. I'm certain that you weren't an idiot during the interview. :) Sometimes, it will come down to hiring the niece or nephew of the hiring manager's best friend on the unit who mumbled through the entire interview and had a less-than-stellar resume, and there's nothing you could do about that. Or, it could be that your tie was a color that reminded her of a very bad experience. I've actually heard something similar to that from a hiring manager who presented to our class. He said that he mentally crosses someone off the list if they don't appear a certain way, regardless of everything else. The examples given were so personally subjective, it was downright laughable. So, if you don't get the job, don't lose hope.

If you do get the job, kudos to you!!!

anzean_rn · Apr 9, 2011

I don't have advice for you, but wanted to let you know I am in a similar situation...well, pretty much that exact situation. It is driving me crazy playing this waiting game! Good luck to you - keep us updated!

FancypantsRN · Apr 9, 2011

i just had a round of about 10 interviews. they all said that to me and i was offered every position i interviewed for (hope this helps you). the one i took, i was convinced i bombed the interview. they ended it with saying that they had 29 other interviews (i was the first of 30). i had no ER and no peds experience, so i was convinced they would take someone who did. it took about 3 weeks, but in the end, i got the job.

moral of the story? it means nothing but what they said it means - there are probably tons of applicants for the job you interviewed for, and even if they wanted you on the spot, they are still going to interview the people they made appointments with. i know how you feel, hang in there! i hope you get the job!

rnccf2007, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2011

I had an interview recently in CA LTC facility. I answered all the questions correctly. I asked them what they were looking for, and then told them that I have the skills for that position. Overall, I felt I did well on the interview. They said they had several positions for full time and part-time and asked me for preference. I told them I would prefer full-time but also can work part-time.
However, they told me, "We'll be interviewing more people next week, and will let you know in 2 weeks".
Do you guys think they won't hire me?

"We'll be interviewing more people next week and will let you know in two weeks," does not mean that you will not be hired. This is basically a standardized reply to many job applicants (whether the facility has few or many applicants), even if you may be the preferred choice. My suggestion to you, if you really want this position; write a letter thanking the person who interviewed you and follow up with a phone call, letter, e-mail, before the end of the two weeks expressing your continued interest in the position. This may sound pretentious, since you were already told that you would be informed within two weeks. However, I once got a job over other applicants who were seriously being considered for the position in addition to myself. Why? I was later told that I was the only applicant who made a follow up phone call. Good luck.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2011

No it could mean they do have more people to interview.

I spoke to a NUM/NMF not long ago & she said she had already got 40 applicants for one job, but she was in two minds about them.

Unfortunately, nobody has a crystal ball so you will just have to be patient. But I would follow up next week and ask how my application was going.

ADD: I used to work in nursing HR and here is an example of one job that was advertised for a general RN:

- They initially received about 5000 applications.

- Spent a week going through these and discarded the obvious unqualified ones.

- They whittled that down to about 500.

- They spent the next 3 days trying to get applications down to about (I think) it was 20 or so.

- They spent another day going through the 20 to see who had better qualifications.

- They had to short list, contact all the candidates, confirm interviews, get all the paperwork ready, get the interview panel ready with times set up.

It all takes a long, long time.

It always amazes me that people who get interviewed think they are virtually the only candidate as well!

It's a long, slow process.

Batman25 · Apr 9, 2011

That's a commonly used line on interviews. It doesn't mean you didn't get the job. They are being kind and honest in that they have more interviews. It is best they tell you that and give you a timeframe so you don't make yourself crazy at home for the next two weeks. Now you know you won't have your answer for at least that long. Sounds like this one went well. Best of luck and keep us posted.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 9, 2011

Markfish,

Welcome to allnurses. We're glad to have you!

The fact that the interviewer said they will be interviewing more people certainly does NOT mean you won't get the position. They are being truthful and letting you know they have several more potential applicants.

I agree with previous posters.. a follow up (brief) thank you email letting your interviewer(s) know you appreciate the time they spent with you, etc, etc.

It's hard, but patience is a virtue. Resist the temptation to call right away and check on the status of your application.

All the best! I'm pulling for you...

Diane, RN

caliotter3 · Apr 9, 2011

Even if the decision was mentally made to hire you, they will interview everyone to preclude allegations. Relax and see what transpires. Good luck.

hope3456, ASN, RN · Apr 9, 2011

No it could mean they do have more people to interview.
I spoke to a NUM/NMF not long ago & she said she had already got 40 applicants for one job, but she was in two minds about them.
Unfortunately, nobody has a crystal ball so you will just have to be patient. But I would follow up next week and ask how my application was going.
ADD: I used to work in nursing HR and here is an example of one job that was advertised for a general RN:
- They initially received about 5000 applications.
- Spent a week going through these and discarded the obvious unqualified ones.
- They whittled that down to about 500.
- They spent the next 3 days trying to get applications down to about (I think) it was 20 or so.
- They spent another day going through the 20 to see who had better qualifications.
- They had to short list, contact all the candidates, confirm interviews, get all the paperwork ready, get the interview panel ready with times set up.
It all takes a long, long time.
It always amazes me that people who get interviewed think they are virtually the only candidate as well!
It's a long, slow process.

5000 applicants??? That is outrageous!! Can you say saturated job market???