How do I stall?

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I had a job interview last week for my first job as an RN. I pretty much am hired but have not yet received a formal job offer. THis is the hospital where I worked as a CNA. I also have a possible interview in my chosen specialty possibly next week. My question is, if my employer offers me a position, how do I politely stall on accepting until I know about the other job? If I got an offer in the specialty I want I would take that job in a heart beat. I just don't want to burn any bridges with my current employer. Do I tell them I have another interview that I'm waiting on? Could they retract the offer then? In this job market, I don't want to mess anything up!

Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

I would just tell them you need a week or two to think it over. No need to mention the other interview.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I agree, ask for a few days to think it over, and there's no reason to mention to them why.

However, don't expect them to offer you an unlimited time period. They may be anxious to fill the position, and they know there's a lot of other candidates out there who'd say Yes immediately. So ask but don't push your luck. And good luck!

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

is the specialty position that is more desirable to you with another hospital? if not, then your chance of landing the other job is probably slim. directors within the same hospitals talk. if your current director is hiring you for his/her floor, then you are pretty much off limits to the other directors. of course, this is not a hard and fast rule. i was able to get a job on a floor that was not the place i worked as a tech, however i informed my current director of my interest. on the other hand, i know of several former techs that tried to get a job without letting their current director know and he/she ended up not getting the other job. in fact, they were never considered as a serious candidate for the position he/she truly wanted. good luck.

btw, i agree with the others that if needed, ask for maybe a week to decide, but do not be surprised if you are only given a few days. this means you really need to think about the worst case scenario of not receiving either position if you wait for one over the other.

yes, it is with another hospital but the same health care organization.

I actually got an offer from my hospital and called the other since I had not heard from them about an interview. They wanted to interview me next week. However, I asked if they would hire new grads into the position and she said no. I'm not sure why they would want to interview me unless they would have offered me something else. At any rate, I ended up taking the position at my current hospital to get experience and I will keep my eye open for anything that comes along in my specialty of choice:)

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