Help! Turned Down for 5 Jobs

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am an experienced nurse with 11 years nursing experience under me, 4 years as a Registered nurse and 7 as a licensed Practical nurse, I have recently been turned down from five job interviews, I felt they all went great, I cant figure out what I'm doing wrong. I don't get any type of feedback just the rejection letter.

I just acquired my Bachelors degree and I am trained in transplant as well as telemetry and med/surge. My last job interview they said I didn't have enough experience. I need help here I'm currently working a job that's to far from home and having alot of staffing issues and I want to work somewhere else. I'm so frustrated and depressed, what should I do??

Dear Frustrated,

If you are landing interviews, then the problem is not your resume or work history- which is solid- but your interviewing skills.

You are not closing the sale, so to speak. Ask for feedback from a hiring manager who was part of the interview panel. Some will be willing to share their thoughts, and you have nothing to lose by asking.

Are you practiced at answering situational and behavioral questions, such as "Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a coworker" and "What is your greatest weakness?"

In my book below I go over all the most commonly asked interview questions with guidelines on how to respond from a hiring nurse manager's point of view. At this point, it's critical for you to learn these skills.

For example, when asked "What's your greatest weakness?", don't respond with "I'm a perfectionist" as it's too cliche. Likewise, don't respond with an answer that puts safety into question, such as "I'm no good at math". Also don't give an answer that is not germane to the position, such as "I'm not good at public speaking" because it's not relevant.

A good answer is thoughtful and shows insight, but frames you in a positive manner.

"I've been told my English is good, but I don't always pick up on all the nuances and meanings as a second language. I signed up for a course at our community college, and I understand the idioms a lot better. It's really taking me to a new level of communicating".

"I'm working on delegating. I tend to try to do everything myself, but I understand the importance of teamwork. Every day when I go to work, I purposefully delegate at least once or twice outside of my comfort zone. Yesterday, I delegated frequent vital signs to my PCT as I had meds to pass, and it went well. We got everything done together".

"Teamwork is so important, and being able to rely on each other. My natural inclination is to stay over if I admit a patient at end of shift, to get it all done. I'm realizing nursing is a 24 hr job, and we're all there to help each other out and get the job done. Likewise, I go out of my way in handoff to let the outgoing nurse know I'll take care of whatever needs to be done."

Notice I never used the word "weakness" and quickly segued to the positive. Practice, but don't sound reheorificed, be natural. Include short stories in your answers- stories are memorable.

Be prepared with 2 answers for each question. They may say "Great! And can you give us another example?"

Are you prepared for "Why do you want to work here?" Are you researching each facility and preparing your answers accordingly? Do you include the fact that you know their computer system (Epic, Cerner), align with their mission and values, are aware that they are on the Magnet Pathway?

There are excellent examples of every interview question you're likely to be asked in my book, and plenty of insider tips to help you nail your interview and land that job.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!