Interviewers like me, but I don't get hired. What's going on?

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I got my RN license last year in May. Since then I have been working in case management, but I've been looking to find a job at a hospital. I've been to 5 or 6 interviews, and each time the interviewer tells me that they really like me, that I have excellent credentials, they think I'd be an excellent fit for their team and that they'll be in touch with me soon regarding a position. They even give me a tour of the hospital! And each time, I don't get a job.

I send interview thank you notes, and I call back to follow up and I either never hear from them again, or they say they're still in the interviewing process.

The most recent one was where the Director hired me on the spot, and then called me back later that day to tell me that HR told her she had to interview more applicants first, and that I should just hold on. It's been over a week now and when I called her to follow up she said they were still looking for experienced people to interview. Well, if they're looking for experienced nurses, then I don't think I'll ever get the job at all.

What's going on here? =/

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It makes more financial sense to pick a candidate with relevant nursing experience then a candidate whithout the experience because the training costs are significantly reduced.

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It makes more financial sense to pick a candidate with relevant nursing experience then a candidate whithout the experience because the training costs are significantly reduced.

I understand that, but then why interview with me at all? Or why not tell me straight out that they're looking for a candidate with more experience. I just don't understand.

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Are you focusing on acute care hospitals only, or have you applied to rehab hospitals as well? Your case management experience can be considered relevant to rehab nursing, making you a competitive applicant.

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I understand that, but then why interview with me at all? Or why not tell me straight out that they're looking for a candidate with more experience. I just don't understand.

Sometimes employers are fishing to increase their pool of potential hires in case their first pick doesn't work out.

Sometimes it is human resources policy to interview a certain number of applicants, (usually at least three) they keep a record of the interview results as proof that they did not make a biased decision.

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I did apply to a few around here, but they all told me they wanted someone with experience. I think I will try again since I have a year of case management experience under my belt now.

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I understand that, but then why interview with me at all? Or why not tell me straight out that they're looking for a candidate with more experience. I just don't understand.

That's exactly how I feel. I have interviewed for two positions, one was kind enough to tell me they hired someone else, the other hasn't called and it's been over a month. I would rather them tell me that they hired someone else. Then there's all the jobs I have applied for and they won't give you an interview, but they won't even let you know whether they are considering you or not. How can you get experience if nobody will give you a chance.

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Same here. What makes it worse is that I've been doing my pca for 3 years now. I just got my state certification. I'd like to work in a hospital setting instead now. But I don't want to work at a nursing home.

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Apply to nursing homes. I hear so many RNs say they can't get a job. I'm a new RN (December 2012) and I recently got a job in a nursing home. The pay is equal if not higher than a acute hospital and its great experience. Would you rather be out if school 2 years with no experience ? Or would you rather work in LTC to start and have RN experience to put on your résumé?

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I for one would like to have the time I spent jobhunting back....Lol.*

Seriously though, most nursing homes, rehab facilities and clinics by me heavily emphasize their desire for acute care experience. Still it's really worth a try.

The worse the facility seems the better!! Think of the kind of place that you or a family member would NEVER want to end up in. Ask yourself....... Are employees getting fired left and right? Does the place have a rediculously high turn over rate? Does it seem that people who lack a masochistic personality run away screaming/crying?*

If yes.... That's AWESOME!!!! We might be lucky to score a job!

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I am a recent grad, with some experience. I went the nursing home route as suggested here. It was a horrible place, no one I encountered was there longer than one year. I happily took an RN position to use my skills and gain experience. The problem with this is you are the RN on shift, responsible for all sorts of things and other people. Without details, this was a situation with trouble waiting to happen. Several incidences with fellow employees and very limited orientation, I figured out, quickly, that my precious license I worked so hard to earn could be threatened by this situation. Luckily, I had enough sense and private duty caregiving to see this. It seems none of the hospitals want to hire new grads, so I will look into LTC again, but just be wary of where you take a job.

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The good news is you're getting interviews, which is hardest part. It might not hurt to ask for some feedback if you didn't get a job somewhere. In the interviews, ask what qualities they're looking for in a new hire. Even if you don't get that job, you may get a little more insight on things you need to be saying about yourself in future interviews. Also, a job interview is no time to be humble, don't be afraid to sell yourself!!

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