First job interview feel like I flubbed it! Anybody else feel like that?

iwanna · Jan 29, 2009

I can empathize with you. I do not like interviews at all. After my interview, I kept thinking about all of the wrong things that I said. I did make sure to send a thank you note. Also, I called her to let her know that I was interested in the job and would accept it if offered. We had left it at the end of the interview that we would talk in two days. She told me to decide if I really wanted to work there. At the time, I was undecided because I was going to work for Maxim in Private Duty. But, after really thinking about it, I decided that I would like to work in this place. Also, I was a bit leery about working in a nursing home. But, this one seems adequately staffed for 93 residents there are 5 or 6 nurses. Also, the med nurse is responsible for meds and charting. And, there is a separate treatment nurse. This nursing home has had good ratings.

Now, I wish that I would have appeared more confident. But, I just freeze in interviews. And, I am scared to return to nursing after being gone for four years. Mainly, because I have had health issues, and I am worried that I may end up getting sick again, if I work too much. However, I am only starting out PT. But, the FT sounds very inviting as their benefits are decent.

But, I hope my interviewer took into account that I was just nervous. My sister hires medical assistants, and she realizes that there are some people who just don't interview well. She takes that into consideration, if they have good work history and references. I am certain that my former employer would give me a glowing reference.

daelia · Jan 29, 2009

Hello iwana,

Thanks for your post....well I didn't get the position and have been depressed about it for 3 days now. My situation is a little different as this position was for nurses who are GN's as well as they were opening it up for nurses who have been out for awhile (10 years for me). I used to work there so it was really upsetting to me that I had to go through this interview and well it has taught me that I can do better next time. I am also having to renew my license to go back to work so I decided to wait until I have license in hand before I return. I have never worked in a nursing home before. How is it? I don't mind old people and thought that I could probably deal with it. And I am going to apply at agencies too. Let me know how it goes for you.

arelle68 · Feb 3, 2009

I had two interviews today. I wasn't prepared for either of them. I didn't know that they interview you on the spot when you walk in to ask if they are hiring. A DON asked me, "What did your nursing instructors say was your weakness?" I said, "They said I ought to hold my head up, and act like I have confidence in myself." All at once, I noticed that I had my head down, and that look I get when I wish I could hide. I felt like an idiot. :sofahider

daelia · Feb 3, 2009

Well you aren't alone! I have another interview on Thursday and now that I have been through the one that I didn't get the job for, I am more comfortable for this next one. I did ask the HR director if they use the behavior techniques and she said that yes they did but it's not as bad as some of the others she herself had been through. She sounded very positive and I have a good feeling about this one...now I just need my license to get here! Chalk it down for experience and who knows you may get the job....but it is frustrating isn't it?

caliotter3 · Feb 3, 2009

I feel like somehow I mess up every interview I go to. I just don't seem to interview well. The funniest one was when they were hiring me, went through all the paperwork drill, signed up for a mandatory class, updated everything, waiting for first assignment, went in to the office, and got told that I was being "unhired". Although there were special circumstances, that one sure took the cake as far as I was concerned. I no longer take interviews seriously. I just assume that they can do whatever they want, either way, whenever they want, and the interview is just a formality. Never assume anything until you get your first paycheck.

daelia · Feb 3, 2009

Oh my goodness, you have got to be kidding me? Well the one I screwed up on was I felt their fault, because the HR director failed to call me first of all to tell me the interviews had been changed and when I sent an email asking her what happened she got on the defensive. She told me 3 different things after that and I really feel that is what made me so damn nervous. But you're right, the first two jobs I got as a nurse there was nothing to it. I walked in basically had the job anyway. I can't figure out why skills aren't enough? Oh well

iwanna · Feb 4, 2009

daelia - I am very sorry. That must be very frustrating when you were employed by them for 10 years. I would think that would be bonus points for you.

caliotter3 - Wow, that is scary. Was that an agency? That is how Maxim was operating. I went and filled out bookoo paperwork, paid for my own background check. They told me to go in and talk to the clinical director and take their class on ventilators the same day I was just starting to get a bad feeling about it. They always have ads for my locality. The recruiter told me they were really hurting for nurses. That was a red flag for me. The turnover rate is too high.

But, I won't feel officially hired until I start working. Also, there is a 90 day probation period. After the 90 days, I will breathe a sigh of relief. I must admit that I am very scared, and there are moments when I think maybe I should do something else besides nursing. But, that is just the fear in me. I remember my last job took me about four or five months before I felt comfortable.

iwanna · Feb 4, 2009

callioter3,

I just reread your post and realize that it was an agency job. I decided that I was not ready for a nursing position where I was on my own. My only experience is in behavioral health. However, have worked with geri-psych. Someday, I would like to work HH, but for now I need more experience. I just hope that fellow nurses are willing to help me make the transition.

daelia · Feb 4, 2009

No, it's been 10 years since I worked there, but I did work there for 5. A lot of that was PRN though. I have another interview tomorrow with another hospital....and the HR director said that they do behavior interviewing too, but she said it's not so bad. I wish she was interviewing. I hit it off with her right away....oh well....let's hope my first experience out there helps with tomorrow. I like what someone else said on this post, that she just doesn't let them worry her anymore. I am sick of being a nervous wreck for a few days and can't act natural when I am with these people. I have to just be myself and answer the questions to the best of my ability. I am a usually talkative person to strangers like in the grocery store so that is how I will be tomorrow! I hope.... :lol2:

RN2783 · Mar 13, 2009

I had my interview today too and I'm completely sure I flubbed it. The topics that I studied weren't asked and those that were asked, I have already forgotten. Ugh! I sounded like a complete idiot during the interview, it was so embarassing... I am really depressed right now, I feel like, how am I ever going to get a job if I can't even get pass an interview? Anyway, I have a question out there, can an RN work as an LVN eventhough you're not a licensed LVN? At this point in my life, I'm so desperate to land a job that I would be willing to work as an LVN or even a caregiver just so I can have a job... I'm not sure if I can get hired as an RN without any experience... any ideas out there?

WhichWayIsUp? · Mar 13, 2009

Okay, everybody take a deep breath. Let's review. An interview is made possible because an employer has a need to hire an employee with the appropriate skills and experience to fill a position that they have vacant. In this economy there are a lot of RNs that are listening to the news and applying what they hear to their personal employment options. This is stinky thinking! Stop it!

Obtaining a job is actually a sales job. You are "selling" your skills and experience to the employer. The interview is the opportunity to explain to the prospective employer why you are a good fit to their open need. You should be prepared for this sales proposal by reading books on interviewing. I highly recommend "Knock 'em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide 2009" by Martin Yate, CPC. It is a great primer on how to interview and get the job you really want.

Now there is a dark side to this market we find ourselves in. For the thirty-one years I have been in nursing I have heard that there is a nursing shortage. In fact, there is a report just recently published by AACN that says we will be still be short 500,000 nurses by 2025! So why all the difficulty finding jobs? Two reasons: 1, short term revenue falls and, 2, HR fatigue.

The first issue is obvious, health care facilities are pulling back, looking at the economy and trying to determine how they are positioned. If inpatient and outpatient surgery is falling rapidly then cash is in short supply. Funding positions is put on hold as that is the quickest way to conserve cash. You can't un-pour concrete for the new parking deck but you can not hire the 92 RN positions that were budgeted but unfilled.

Next is HR fatigue. As an ex-nurse manager I can tell you that my colleagues an I always kept asking "why don't they just send me some applicants so I can interview them and fill my empty positions?" Of course their answer was that there weren't any nurses applying. Chronic problem. Now all of a sudden nurses are beating down the doors of most hospitals and home health agencies looking for jobs. HR is being told by administration to "go slow" and the HR folks are just absolutely worn out from the stress and the juggling acts they are forced into. That is why you can apply and get an email back that says thanks but no thanks. Getting an interview these days is a win.

So remember this, there are as many reasons why you didn't get the job as there are people on the planet. You must remember that you have something that the employer needs (skills and experience) and they have just as much need to convince you to work there as you do to have them hire you. It is a two way street.

Buy a book, learn how to interview. Apply at as many places as you can. Be flexible. If you get rejected after the interview send the interviewer a letter and let them know that you understand their decision but you would like suggestions on how to improve your interview skills. Some will respond. Most will not. That is okay.

I recently decided to return to bedside nursing afte a 15 year hiatus into the corporate world where I had much success, obtaining the positon of CEO/President. I couldn't even get an interview for a RN position! :banghead: LOL! I finally got an interview for a nurse re-entry position and had the behavior based interview. I thought I blew it! And I have been interviewing people for years! Got a phone call from the interviewer and he gave me some pointers on how to handle my next interview session. Very useful. I followed the same advice I just wrote here and begin to interview at any place that would give me an interview. I ended up 30 miles outside of city, interviewed and got the job! And I was there only for the interview experience! I love the facility and the people that work there.

Nurses are persistent in the face of adversity. :banghead: We do it everyday in our jobs. Looking for a job is no different. Just keep at it and you will find a job! Good luck!

PS: If you are interested Floriday Hospital Orlando is having a big recruitment fair, check them out! :yeah:

PSS: This economic slump will turn around. Employers need to keep this in mind as Nurses have long, very long memories....:chuckle