Had an interview yesterday... what do you think?

estrogen · Jul 7, 2005

noone has any opinions for me?

cursenurse · Jul 7, 2005

So I had an interview yesterday.
Everything went really well in my view, untill it came to the pay question... I wrote down in the application questionnaire in the section about my pay expectation, that I would like to have $22 an hour. When the nursing manager looked at it, it seemed like her demeanor changed just a tad from animated, almost excited and very friendly to just a little bit cold and distant. She said, that $19 is as high as she can go and she asked me "How long have you been a nurse?" in my mind just kind of referencing (hint-hint) to the fact that I have only been a nurse (LPN) for two years and allready want so much money... I tried to be very friendly, polite and positive and I told her this: "The reason I wrote down twenty two is that with this job I would be working less hours than in my previous (I was payed 18$ and that's what I also wrote down in the questionnaire) and that since this one is without benefits I will have to substitute for health insurance. But it you could give me at least 20$, that would be okay with me".
She said, that she will have to talk to the administrator and if she could call me tomorrow.
Now I wonder, if I made a mistake by bargaining. I could have taken it at 19 but I thaught, since I'm going to settle, it wouldn't look right eighter, if I didn't stand my grounds at least half way... What do you think???
It is a part time - Friday, Saturday night shift only and the lady made an impression, that she'd have a hard time to fill such an odd shift. I can't imagine they would have too many people interested in this job. Also, I'm an LPN comming to a nursing home from a med-surg hospital floor. I assumed that would be concidered an asset... When I was leaving there and she was walking me out, we ran into another employee who asked the manager jokingly: "You're letting her leave?" ....She answered "Not for long though...". She also said to me "I think that you would fit in great here."
Now it's three in the afternoon the next day and she didn't call yet. I'm getting nervous. I would really like to get this job. The hours a ideal for me, the place is just a couple block from my home and I really like this nursing home... Do you guys think that I made a mistake by bargaining with her? Do you think that she'll call? ...And, do you think, that if she doesn't call soon, I should call there and follow up with her?

i don't think that you did anything wrong. i don't understand why jobs have the thing on the ap about how much you want to be paid if they are not willing to bargain. for ltc, $22/hr is reasonable. i don't know what state you are in, but i think lpn's in MI are getting around $22. perhaps you should look elsewhere.

live4today, RN · Jul 7, 2005

It's not a good thing to let on that you are desperate for a job anyway. State what you want from them....they will surely do the same with you:rolleyes: so don't feel bad. You and only you know your worth, and what you should settle for. Don't back down on how much money you asked for. If it shocked her, it should have if they are paying any less, especially because the job comes without benefits. I bet guys don't stutter when asked how much they want to be paid, so women...cut that out. Be assertive with what you want. If they didn't want to hear everyone's truth, they shouldn't bother asking the question in the first place. :rolleyes:

baby&mommynurse · Jul 7, 2005

I have always been taught to write "open" or "negotiable" when it comes to the expected salary question... even if you want a specific pay. This makes you look more interested in the job. Often employers use this question as a way to screen potential employees and giving them too much information too soon can eliminate you as a candidate. You could always discuss your salary during the interview anyway. And if the job can not offer you at least what you got paid at your previous job or what your willing to work for, than you should look elsewhere.

Oh, and always follow up with your interview with a thank you note. That way, the nursing manager will remember you and keep you in consideration.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 7, 2005

I, too would write "negotiable" or "competetive" not a flat number. I have never asked a specific number in the application process.

estrogen · Jul 7, 2005

Those are some good suggestions - writing negotiable or competitive and sending a thank you card. Cool! I'll use that in my next interview. Thank you guys! :)

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 7, 2005

My posts to another interview help request thread:

Dress neatly and relatively conservatively. Most places, pants for women are fine. I found office casual works in most nursing interviews. Overdressing is not a great idea, either. I am not going to church, but an interview. I would observe what HR/management are wearing and dress up "just a notch" above that.

Keep perfume/cologne to an absolute minimum, or preferably, none at all. Nails clean, clipped and minimally dressed (artficial nails are not allowed in most clinical areas, anyhow)

Keep jewelry and make-up (if you wear it) tasteful and again, minimal.

No gum chewing. (surprise)

Turn OFF your cell phone! (many forget to do this)

BE EARLY! They may be ready for you early, as I have often found. If not, at least you were ON TIME. There is never a second chance to make a good first impression.

Have your questions for THEM on a notepad and ready.

BREATHE, and relax. You will be OK!

Have your thankyou notes ready and written, just make sure the names and titles/addresses are right and then commit to mail those thank-you's the very day you have interviewed! Make sure you re-iterate your express interest in the position you are applying for and thank them for taking the time to consider you.

Be prepared to call if need be, to follow up, if you don't hear back in a reasonable time (I have allowed a week or two, at the most).

Good luck.

And some links for you:

http://www.hospitalsoup.com/interview.asp

http://www.hospitalsoup.com/employerquestions.asp#EmployerQuestions

http://interview.monster.com/

http://interview.monster.com/archives/tips/

Hope this helps.....

TracyB,RN, RN · Jul 7, 2005

Was also taught to write "open" or "negotiable" on apps.

The thank you note is an awesome touch & may help to seal the deal.

Good luck.

estrogen · Jul 12, 2005

So this manager finally called today. A WEEK LATER, after she told me, she'd call the very next day. I'm sure she was waiting to see if anyone else would be interested, who would work for less money. I don't know it kind of turns me off now.... It wouldn't have if she wouldn't have said that she'll call "tomorrow"... Too bad because I really liked that place. But my gut feeling kind of tells me, that this lady would probably be trouble in the future too. Like say for instance, I'll ask her for some info, vacation, aproval on something... and she doesn't get back to me untill a week later...

DDRN4me · Jul 12, 2005

soo, did you refuse? i have had to negotiate like that before, but it always worked out for the best. some places have lots of red tape to go thru before approving a salary increase.

utahliz · Jul 12, 2005

.....