How long to wait for an interview

[ksusn]

I have been talking with a unit director on a floor I really want to work on after I graduate (this December).She told me to apply for a position and she would given me an interview. I applied for the position earlier this month, but have not heard back. How long does it typically take for a unit director to call back for an interview? I want to follow up, but I am sure she is busy and I do not want to seem annoying as I have been very persistent about this position already.

[seaofclouds21, BSN, RN]

Did you give your application to her directly or apply through the facility's website? If you applied through the facility's website, she may not be aware that you applied, so you might want to give her a call to let her know. You could call the human resources department and ask them (just say you are inquiring about the status of your application). If you gave it to her directly, maybe give her a call asking about the status of your application.

[ksusn]

I applied through the facilities website and under my job application account it says my application has been forwarded to the interviewing manager. After I applied I sent her an email letting her know I had applied and also attached a copy of my resume. She let me know that she got it. I wasn't sure how soon to follow up without seeming annoying or if these things usually take some time?

[ksusn]

Also, I will not graduate for another month and plan on taking the NCLEX this January. I am wondering if maybe this is affecting the timeline of an interview as well?

[amoLucia]

If it's a 'posted' or 'advertised' position, be assured that there most likely is a voluminous basketful of other applicants that the manager must consider for interviewing also. Sadly some of these applicants may be better qualified for the position than you when considering their education and experience (and a current license). And the position may be offered to in-house transferees who most likely will have 'first dibs'.

Hopefully, she is still interviewing.

Keep watching for on-going posting of the position and make intermittent contact to update your interest in the position.

But you might also want to expand your search for other options.

[Sour Lemon]

Does the facility hire graduate nurses (who have not passed NCLEX yet)? It's possible she may have assumed you'd apply after you were qualified, if not. I've also observed that things tend to slow way down around the fall/winter holidays ...so it could be that, too.

[amoLucia]

Good points, Sour Lemon.

[gpsrn, MSN, RN]

There are probably many variables in the situation and mostly that you do not have your license yet. They could be giving a specific amount of time for the position to be advertised. Once you obtain your license go back to the manager and let them know that you have your license. That could speed up the process. All the best as you graduate.

[cleback]

Sounds like you have done your part. I'd apply for other positions. If you get an offer, you could touch base again with the manager stating that you would love to work there but had another opportunity come up, is there a position available that would be a good fit?

I wouldn't put all your eggs in this basket for long. They may love to hire you but have budget constraints.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

OP: I am an experienced nurse and I do not wait for interviews. I am always applying to multiple positions and talking to multiple people/networking.

You will need to apply to other facilities and/or other departments if you are not known by this director. There are student nurses already working under that director who may grab a new grad position before a student nurse the director does not know. You also may have to wait until your graduate unless you are applying for positions that actually fit your qualifications (PCT, CNA, etc).... So, as others have stated, do not put all of your eggs into one basket. Apply everywhere and apply for positions that will get-your-foot-into-the-door. GL!

[Fiona59]

Let's see, if the system is the same as mine, you have to use the correct keywords in your application to make it through.

Then you are up against any internal applicants.

Example. I applied for a posted job in mid-September. Internal applicant. Interviewed on the second week of November and still haven't heard who got the job.

The job was supposed to be filled on October 1.

Huge systems grind along slowly.

[amoLucia]

To Fiona - yes. Esp Civil Service.