Have you had other interviews???

amystudentRN · May 11, 2012

I agree, I mean it is similar to the one "Why did you apply here?" I kind of want to say.."because you were hiring and I need a job!" or.."Because I want to get my foot in the door, anyway I can.."

Most new grads are putting multiple apps in, of course. I would just be honest, then follow up with why you'd like to work for THEM. What you are looking for out of that position. Mind u, I have had 4 interviews, 2 hospitals, 2 LTC facilities. One LTC is where I have worked for 5 yrs now as a CNA..so Im taking that, for now. But if a good position calls me that I cant pass up..I will have to kindly explain it to my LTC employer! It is days too which is a plus since thats all I've ever worked.

Good luck on your interviews!!

netglow, ASN, RN · May 11, 2012

ANY time you are interviewing, it's going to be that you have sent out more than one app. right? So, wondering what pitfalls there are in answering, "yes, I am interviewing at other places". Are they trying to get you to elaborate on job description/duties that "other places" seem to think you are a good candidate for? BTW, I've only noticed this in healthcare interviewing.

Always to me it seems like a trap. You an change the subject, but I think there might be something they are wanting to hear, or not hear from you.

Damask · May 11, 2012

I interviewed at two large hospital systems. It was hard because I had a lot of experience at the first institution, and was not hired there so I had to field the "why aren't you working for XX?" question at the second. I answered honestly because I had information from the recruiter as to why I was not hired (luckily, it was nothing against me! I think I just was more awkward during my first couple interviews and I was still in the running as a potential candidate). I followed up with the fact that I had great respect for both institutions (as they are both very respectable), I liked that both did a great deal of nursing and medical research, and that I would be well oriented which would improve the safety of my patients... and was hired.

I think they want to see that you do your homework and aren't thrown off by the question, but I can't say for certain. I think it's easiest to answer if you know a lot about the position you're applying for and what you like about the job itself. Also, they want to know what you can do for them to make care better on their unit/floor/facility. Take any opportunity you can to throw that in there.

allnurses Guide · May 11, 2012

Everyone wants to believe the person they are interested in is desirable. The "correct" answer to this question is yes, i have been actively interviewing. The reason I am interested in your position is XYZ.....

And the reason you are interested in them is NEVER that they have an opening and you want to get your career started. Look at their mission statement or patient population and find something that speaks to you.

netglow, ASN, RN · May 11, 2012

Ah, OK not.done.yet. I get it now.

I think I did flub one up a long time ago and have always wondered. I think that once I said yes I am currently interviewing (but let that hang) I got asked where/what would you be doing? Then I elaborated about the positions but didn't mention names... I wonder if I might have lead them to think that I would most certainly take one of the other jobs eg those seemed so much cooler ...they sure did! but, they were put on eternal hold and then not ever filled. So, in essence I talked myself right out of the job currently on the table by describing a better one!

Thanks :nono: won't do that one again.