interview for 3 jobs at once but i *really* want one...

[sashamay]

Hi =)

I've searched the forum for your wonderful answers regarding other new grad jobs and interview stuff.. but I have a question I was hoping to get help with!

I graduate in a couple months (8 wks!) and recently started applying for new grad positions out of state (damn economy!). And I actually got a call back and request for an interview at a huge major teaching hospital halfway across the country! Its with 3 of the unit managers of the 3 floors I applied to..Oncology, med/surg and endocrine floors.

However...

First, I've never had a phone interview, and i've really had very very few interviews at all (5 years of hospital CNA exp though). Secondly, i *REALLY* want the Oncology position... i use to work Oncology as a CNA, and through nursing school, i specifically sought out Oncology patients.. very strong interest/desire for this specialty. Extremely emotionally challenging at times but i love it with a passion.

How do I express this strong desire and passion, w/out sounding bad to the other floors?! Cuz i mean honestly, ill be very happy if i can land any hospital nursing job at this point hah esp in that area.. and at that hospital but im not sure how to well, go about expressing that i suppose.. How can i talk up Oncology w/out being a turn off to the other floors at the same time?

Thanks! And of course, any general phone/new grad interview tips welcome but thats not what this post is after =)

[asfreeasabird]

Just remember people can tell when you are smiling on the phone. I would shoot for all three instead of the oncology dept, you can always transfer later. It is a great oppertunity to work at a teaching hospital. Be calm and courteous to all of them. You might ask your nursing instructor how to prepare for an interview(what types of questions to be prepared for) they can be a great resource. Be happy with anything at this point even if it is not oncology, any of those floor will grow you as a nurse. Congradulations on landing an interview, please let us know how it goes.

[GM2RN]

I wouldn't play up any one over the other at this point. In my opinion, you might as well be interviewing for only one manager if you do that. The others may think you are qualified for their floors but will wonder if you will be happy their and how long it will be before you transfer to oncology. They will not want to risk spending tons of money training you only to have you leave in 6 months to a year when an opportunity presents itself.