I don't understand.

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I had an interview a couple of weeks ago at a local hospital. I thought the interview went well and really, the interviewer dropped many hints that she was going to hire me and pretty much led me to believe that she was going to. I found out today that I didn't get the job. I have to say, I'm baffled as well as very upset.

I wish that the interviewer had not led me to believe that I had the job. I might be much less upset. I REALLY wanted this job and I've waited every single day for a phone call.

Right now, I wish I'd never gone to nursing school.

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Specializes in Oncology.

:( I'm sorry that you're disappointed. I agree that your disappointment is made worse by the interviewer dropping hints about being hired.

What I would do? Send a nice card to the interviewer thanking her for the opportunity. It might not be what you feel right now, but it will keep you in her radar if a position opens in the future.

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That is indeed unfortunate. I think it was wrong of the interviewer to hint that you had the job, when there was not a job offer being made. I can understand why you would feel baffled and upset. You might also be feeling angry and betrayed. But please don't stake your whole future as a nurse on this one interview or job opening. Until the offer is made, there are so many things that can happen. There are lots of nurses vying for jobs and the competition is pretty intense. Who knows, the boss's cousin's daughter might have just called her to ask for an interview as you were walking out of the office. I hate to think that, but anything can happen until you've got the offer in hand.

I have found some interviewing and job search books at the library with really good advice about how to "close the offer" in the interview. Supposedly there is a point at which, if the interviewer is hinting around, that you can say something like, "it sounds like you might be ready to offer me the job and if that is the case, I'm ready to accept." I'm not at all sure this is how it was described, but you get the idea. There are techniques that salespeople use to "close the deal." I ought to look that up myself, since I will, hopefully, be having some interviews soon.

As others have told me recently, there are many opportunities out there. I know what it feels like to be discouraged by a setback and to feel like chucking the whole business. Thankfully that feeling has lessened and I'm ready to get back up on that horse that threw me! I hope you will, too. A bit bruised, but a whole lot wiser! Good luck!

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That is indeed unfortunate. I think it was wrong of the interviewer to hint that you had the job, when there was not a job offer being made. I can understand why you would feel baffled and upset. You might also be feeling angry and betrayed. But please don't stake your whole future as a nurse on this one interview or job opening. Until the offer is made, there are so many things that can happen. There are lots of nurses vying for jobs and the competition is pretty intense. Who knows, the boss's cousin's daughter might have just called her to ask for an interview as you were walking out of the office. I hate to think that, but anything can happen until you've got the offer in hand.

I have found some interviewing and job search books at the library with really good advice about how to "close the offer" in the interview. Supposedly there is a point at which, if the interviewer is hinting around, that you can say something like, "it sounds like you might be ready to offer me the job and if that is the case, I'm ready to accept." I'm not at all sure this is how it was described, but you get the idea. There are techniques that salespeople use to "close the deal." I ought to look that up myself, since I will, hopefully, be having some interviews soon.

As others have told me recently, there are many opportunities out there. I know what it feels like to be discouraged by a setback and to feel like chucking the whole business. Thankfully that feeling has lessened and I'm ready to get back up on that horse that threw me! I hope you will, too. A bit bruised, but a whole lot wiser! Good luck!

You could be right and believe me, that wouldn't be totally unheard of around here.

Thank you guys for the responses so far!

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I have been there and I really feel for you! This happened to me three times and every time was more devastating than the last. Keep your head high, don't get swallowed up in the pain and please don't take it personally. If it makes you feel any better after these three amazing interviews I was so down that I completely bombed a fourth interview. Interestingly enough, the DON called me the next day and offered me the job. There is always hope!

Grieve this loss and move on to the next because you never know what might be around the corner.

Best of luck!

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I had an interview Thursday and one Monday. The interviewer did the same thing to me. I have made up my mind if I don't get a job soon I will go back to teaching. I pretty much think I have wasted 2 1/2 years. The nursing jobs I had I disliked them. I don't think nursing is for me.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. And yes, it sucks, especially when you believe that things are going so well :(

Keep in mind that the interviewer may not have meant to lead you on. There could be a whole myriad of reasons why you didn't get the job, not all of which have to do with you and/or the interviewer.

Sorry it happened to you too. Mourn for a day, then let it go and keep plugging away at the search.

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To trulyblessed: Teach it!!! I would love to have that opportunity. Espically if you could teach high school HOSA (I think that is what it is). I know the money is not great, but it is a great way to use both of your degrees!

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Oh yes now I get a letter in the mail stating I was not selected for the position. Where is the nursing shortage if they don't want to hire anyone?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Oh yes now I get a letter in the mail stating I was not selected for the position. Where is the nursing shortage if they don't want to hire anyone?

The nursing shortage--if it ever really existed in recent years--ended a long time ago. The only shortage there is currently is for nursing jobs. :(

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I agree

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