Is it OK to call an interviewer to ask why you were not hired?

[amyn87]

I've had 2 interviews since I've passed NCLEX-RN, but both have been unsuccessful. I received an e-mail the DAY OF my last interview telling me I was not chosen for the position. I hadn't checked my e-mail yet when I called a few days after my interview, and they said they were still interviewing other nurses and had not yet made a decision. Was my interview really that horrible that they decided not to choose me for the position? Would it be wrong to call and (politely) ask if there's any way they could tell me what I'm doing wrong? Or would that make me seem pushy and rude? I personally got a good vibe from the interview, and they told me they hire new RNs and that the floor I was interviewing for was great for gaining experience. I'm totally confused! Help please!!

[Freedom42]

Yes, I think it's OK to call. It's all in how you phrase it: I wonder if you could help me. I'm trying hard to get a job, and I'm wondering if you could tell me why I didn't get this one so that I do better the next time around. Is there anything I should change in the way I interview?

You might find out that you didn't get the job because they hired someone with more experience, or they hired the manager's niece, or whatever. It might not have had anything to do with you.

Good luck.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Absolutely OK and in my experience it looks good to ask. It shows them you care, But make sure you don't seem whiny or negative or anything. Email (I suggest email to give them time to think about their reply and not put them on the spot) the person that interviewed you. I would do something like

Dear Ms. Smith.

I want to thank you again (if you have already) for taking the time out to interview me. I see your department has chosen to select another candidate. (or look into) I would appreciate if you could offer me any feedback from my interview, any strengths and weaknesses that you saw. This is my first time interviewing for nursing positions and I would like to learn from my interviews on things I can improve upon.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

No I would write more professionally obviously with proper grammar and spelling. But that is the gist of what I would say. I asked for feedback on both my pre-screen (which she gave me on the spot) and in my interview. Which they told they would provide after they selected the person. I got that job though so I never got the feedback. But both people were impressed that I asked.

[slave_diverRN]

As a former hiring manager, I would NOT encourage you to ask WHY you weren't hired. If I had ever been asked that by a candidate, I would not have answered...and would have never considered that person again....ever.

That being said, I like Vida Loca's answer....specifically asking for feedback, or tips on things that you can work on because you would like to be considered for the NEXT opening. And if you GET feedback, THANK THEM...and keep them posted.

Example:

Thank you for the feedback on my interview. In our conversation, you pointed out to me that I did not have enough experience in caring for telemetry patients. To help me prepare for your next opening, I've registered for an ECG course and am looking forward to sharpening my skills in this area.

I just wanted to touch base with you and thank you again for the suggestion. I'm really enjoying the ECG course I registered for after meeting with you for a telemetry position. I've particularly enjoyed learning about transcutaneous pacing and am seeking out opportunities to see this first hand. Would it be possible to shadow a nurse on your unit this month?.....blah, blah.

Just a quick note to let you know that I've finished the ECG course we discussed. I've learned a lot and am eager to put these new skills to use. The teamwork on your unit impressed me when I visited a last April, and I'd like to be part of the team. I wanted to let you know that I've applied for position X and hope to meet you again to discuss the position.

This is how to build a relationship...and with time, you could turn that rejection into an offer.

For future interviews, keep in mind that it is better to get that feedback DURING the interview.......by asking questions like "what do you look for in a new hire? What makes an excellent candidate? Considering my background, do you have any suggestions for me for things to work on now to be successful in your unit?"

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

As a former hiring manager, I would NOT encourage you to ask WHY you weren't hired. If I had ever been asked that by a candidate, I would not have answered...and would have never considered that person again....ever.

That being said, I like Vida Loca's answer....specifically asking for feedback, or tips on things that you can work on because you would like to be considered for the NEXT opening. And if you GET feedback, THANK THEM...and keep them posted.

Example:

Thank you for the feedback on my interview. In our conversation, you pointed out to me that I did not have enough experience in caring for telemetry patients. To help me prepare for your next opening, I've registered for an ECG course and am looking forward to sharpening my skills in this area.

I just wanted to touch base with you and thank you again for the suggestion. I'm really enjoying the ECG course I registered for after meeting with you for a telemetry position. I've particularly enjoyed learning about transcutaneous pacing and am seeking out opportunities to see this first hand. Would it be possible to shadow a nurse on your unit this month?.....blah, blah.

Just a quick note to let you know that I've finished the ECG course we discussed. I've learned a lot and am eager to put these new skills to use. The teamwork on your unit impressed me when I visited a last April, and I'd like to be part of the team. I wanted to let you know that I've applied for position X and hope to meet you again to discuss the position.

This is how to build a relationship...and with time, you could turn that rejection into an offer.

For future interviews, keep in mind that it is better to get that feedback DURING the interview.......by asking questions like "what do you look for in a new hire? What makes an excellent candidate? Considering my background, do you have any suggestions for me for things to work on now to be successful in your unit?"

Great advice. I too would not ask "why didn't you pick me" or anything similar. It's not professionally and seems whiny.

[amyn87]

Thank you everyone! Great answers! :)

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Go ahead and call. Hopefully you will talk to someone wise. If not, so what. They said no already. It might be that they remember you and give you an idea if the brass ring was ever in your reach. Maybe, they might say, that they remember you and that they just heard of another floor hiring... and give you the NM name and phone...