interview: let's do this correctly this time

[nursingosaurus]

Hi all.

I have an interview coming up very very soon. I'm excited, but have some questions.

I was let go from my last position; I didn't do anything "wrong," per say, but it wasn't the fit that they or I was looking for. Before I was let go, however, I let my interim boss know in a professional manner that I had some personal things going on, and would need a week off to address some issues. It was soon after this that I was let go.

At the time, they were going through MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR management changes, and as a new nurse, I really needed a much more stable environment (for example, in a one month time period, I had 3 unit directors, 2 unit managers, 3 clinical orientation RN coordinators, and 3 preceptors due to the changes in management--YIKES!).

Additionally, I was affected by a minor health issue, which I have since taken care of....it no longer affects me.

Lastly, I was going through an extremely rocky part of my marriage, and it was during the last month of my time while employed at this place that I decided to leave my spouse.

I was let go-along with a lot of other people, actually-with only four months of experience. They gave me the "poor progression with orientation," reason, but wouldn't/couldn't tell me where I should be, or what I had done wrong (turns out it was nothing I did wrong, other than the typical new- RN stuff). I am welcome back for employment, however. I also found out that when future employers call to verify my dates of employment, they will be given an 800 number and a PIN so that only the dates will be given, no info along the lines of, "so and so was let go blah blah blah."

That being said, it looks really bad when I interview and a potential boss sees I was only at my previous place for four months. It makes me look like a quitter, ya know? Like I can't take the heat, the pressure, etc.

I had an interview a few weeks ago, and when being interviewed I said (upon being asked) I left the previous position because I didn't feel like it was the fit I was looking for, and as a new RN, I was looking for a unit/place to work without so many changes in the fundamental workings of the unit. I also put a positive spin on it, incorporated the experience as a "learning experience," etc. I made sure that they knew I didn't think I was perfect, that it was all them, etc. I did not, in any way, indicate to them that I was let go-- the state I live in does not require that.

When I interview tomorrow, I want to be able to give a better...read:MORE SOLID....answer, as to why I was only at the previous place for four months.

I've talked to a lot of people (RNs with varying degrees of experience), regarding what I should say during interviews to address the short length of time I was at the previous place. I have been told by half the people to say what I said above, but not mention that I was going through a divorce at the time (It is now finalized, and my living situation & my life are extremely stable btw- a complete 180 from before). I've also been told by other RN's that I should mention that I was going through that experience at the time (the divorce), and combined with the stress of being a new RN and things on the unit, I felt it was better that I take some time to re-assess my personal & professional goals.

What do you all think? The sole reason I want to mention the divorce thing is because I want to have a better, more solid and more reasonable answer as to why I was only there for four months than "well the management was always changing and I didn't like it." I am sure there is a professional way I can address both a)the lack of fit at my previous position and b)the extreme stress levels resulting from my divorce. Help please!

[nursingosaurus]

no replies yet?! hellppppp please

[llg, PhD, RN]

I don't think it matters all that much either way. What will matter most is HOW you say it. If you make a positive impression, the manager will be inclined to give you the benefit of any doubt and give you a chance.

Worrying about it too much will only make you appear anxious and insecure about it -- and that won't help. You want to appear comfortable with your circumstances and confident. So, don't make a big deal about it either way.

[sunshineyday]

I'm struggling with the same situation. Only I was at my past employer for three months and I quit. However, I am "not eligible for rehire" because I left during the orientation period (they actually threatened a bunch of us that quit with this). I'm seriously confused. I personally feel like "It just wasn't a good fit" is too vague and opens yourself up for a new line of questioning that is difficult to put a positive spin on.

[nursingosaurus]

true to both of the latter two posts.

i don't want to say, "well it wasn't the fit i was looking for, la la la" because that can come off as indecisive or wishy-washy....the people I interview with can might ask/wonder, "well, does she even know what kind of fit she is looking for?"

the reason i didn't want to mention the divorce thing was because i didn't want to come off as if i was (still) all wrapped up in my personal issues, or as if I would, upon being hired, always be talking about my personal problems. i just want it to be clear that both the poor fit of my previous position AND The Big D, combined with the normal and expected stressors of "New RN on the Block" syndrome were the reasons I ended up taking some time off....

If I go the route of mentioning the divorce thing, I'd do it in such a way that shows i've personally grown from it, learned a lot about myself, and so forth. I'd be sure to put a positive spin on it. i've removed myself from the entire situation, and I am doing so so so much better now-- I really think and feel I'm in a much better place for beginning the career I worked so hard to get into. anymore advice, especially from anyone who has experience hiring new employees (HR, nursing management people?). any help is greatly appreciated, even if it is just affirmation of what previous people wrote!

[sunshineyday]

I just got back from an interview and they offered me the position on the spot. This place is a prestigious magnet hospital and they told me they had interviewed over twenty candidates for this position.

First, I would definetely NOT bring up the D word. You simply don't know how the person(s) you interview with personally view divorce. And you don't want to seem like you can't handle life/work balance. You'd be surprised what people hire for. One of my friends got a job because the nurse manager that interviewed her was into the victorian era and my friend mentioned that she just bought an old victorian and is restoring it. I guess what I'm trying to say is establishing personal rapport, acting confident, and POSITIVE, during the entire interview process is crucial. So find a common thread that you can connect with the interviewer on. Pay attention to decorations in his/her office or looking for birthstone jewelery and then bring something up about it during the interview. For instance, this hiring manager had Chiefs decor everywhere in his office so before we begun the formal interview, I asked him how he felt about the QB issue and season ticket holders getting a refund. It established rapport and he liked me instantly because people like people like themselves. Also mimic the inteviewers body language, tone, and inflection.

Now as far as what I said about my previous employer:

1. Legally they can only get dates, how much I was paid, and if I am eligible for rehire. This allows me to pretty much pick and chose my answer. I wouldn't suggest lying but in your scenario you can omit the divorce.

2. I said that in all fairness to my former organization, as a new grad, I jumped on the first opportunity that came my way without researching the organization properly. I explained that the culture of the organization did not align with my personal philosophy of nursing nor my values. I then explained how I had a lot of preceptors, lots of changes in administration, and wasn't seeing my preferred target pt population. That I needed a more solid foundation as a new grad. I ended with all positives. Such as "I discovered how deep my passion for nursing was" and I learned how to be flexible and rapidly adjust to change. That's why I have done research on your organization (list reasons why you want to work there).

Good luck and keep me updated on how your interview went!