Help! Need advice on interview

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Happy New Year everyone!

Well, I"m a new grad. I just graduated in Jan 08. Yes it's been a year and I still have no job! Anyways, I took my boards in March 08, however, I was unable to pass my nclex exam. So I did Suzanne's plan and for the 2nd time I passed in Nov 08. Yes, I know it took me that long to take it again, but I didn't want to risk taking the exam every 45 days if I was unsure of myself. I'll end up paying $1,000 if I took it 5 times!!! No way was I gonna do that!!! Anyways, my concerns are what do I say if I am asked in my interview, "What took me this long in finding for a job?" What do I say to the interviewer? Do I say, "Unfortanately I didn't pass my nclex for the 1st time so I had to take it again, but passed the 2nd time"? My friend told me to never say that because you want to sell yourself to them. So I don't know what to say when a question like that comes up. Do I be truthful or do I lie? Lie--that the reason it took me a long time to take my exam because I had family obligations???

Please help I'm afraid that question might be brought up and I wouldn't know what to say. If I'm honest will that prevent me from getting the job??? Or do I just lie??? Do they really wanna know how much times I took it? I dunno what to do PLEASE HELP!!!!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

interesting..... i agree with your friend, you need to sell yourself. i doubt that you will be asked how many times you took the exam unless you answer the questions regarding a lapse of employment in such a way that it opens up the flood gates. in other words, talk about the positives (what you have to offer and why you would be a good match). this will not be deceitful. if you show them that you have the confidence to do the job, you will be hired. otherwise, your anxiety over having not passed the first time will scare them into thinking you cannot handle bad outcomes and may be a liability regarding patient care. to be honest i do not think employers care about how many times it took you to pass as much as you care. however if they ask, you can turn the experience into a positive and discuss it as a time you failed at something but was able to get back up much stronger. hope this helps.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hi and Happy New Year to you, as well!

If that questions does come up, why not reply that you were studying to take the NCLEX? That is the truth, is it not? I wouldn't bring up the subject of failing, unless I was asked point-blank (an expression) "Did you pass the Boards/NCLEX on your first attempt?" Then, like MBA2BRN said, if they do ask you, you can honestly say that you failed it the first time so you applied yourself and studied so that you would pass it on your second attempt

Good Luck to you, Keep us posted on your job interview!

athena

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I would say that I took some time to take care of personal business before starting work. I would never offer any negative info. No sense in letting them know if you took the boards one or fifteen times. Important only that you passed.

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Thanks guys for the advice!!! I do appreciate it... Now I know what to say in my interview...Thanks!

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