Is there something wrong with me?

Trauma Columnist · Oct 14, 2016

Moved to First Job Hunt forum

cleback · Oct 14, 2016

It's hard to tell how someone comes off during interviews over the Internet. You might need improvement there or not.

However, with your preparation, are you taking the time to explain why you're a good fit for their institution? Obviously, you are a type a person who will succeed somewhere, but do you tell them why you'll succeed there specifically? For that, you'll need to research their culture, mission and values, etc

Good luck!

Txp12 · Oct 14, 2016

It's hard to tell how someone comes off during interviews over the Internet. You might need improvement there or not.
However, with your preparation, are you taking the time to explain why you're a good fit for their institution? Obviously, you are a type a person who will succeed somewhere, but do you tell them why you'll succeed there specifically? For that, you'll need to research their culture, mission and values, etc
Good luck!

Thank you for the advice! I have tried to relate all my experiences back to their mission and values. So for example I had experience volunteering for a new grad program that stopped for about a year now. so when i interview for new grad programs I have mentioned that to them and my understanding of what a program is like and what I can bring to the table from that experience. Still hasn't helped me land that job yet

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Oct 14, 2016

Job hunting sucks. Have you asked any of the interviewers why you were not chosen?

TriciaJ, RN · Oct 15, 2016

When you are asked a scenario question, don't try to think of what answer will impress the interviewers. Try to think of what you'd actually do in that scenario. There's a difference. It's okay to ask if you can have a minute to think about it. Then imagine a patient in that situation and what would you do? What would be your priorities? If it's a total stumper, then admit that your first move would be to find someone to consult with.

These questions are intended to test your ability to process information, think on your feet, use the nursing process and nursing judgement and deliver safe patient care. They're not looking for you to know everything and be able to hand them a glib response.

From your post, I wonder if you're trying too hard to impress them. Try to present yourself as a thoughtful nurse who knows her limitations, is willing to work hard, learn from mistakes and accept feedback with good grace. Use the words "reliable" and "conscientious". Good luck and keep us posted.

Txp12 · Oct 15, 2016

Job hunting sucks. Have you asked any of the interviewers why you were not chosen?

I have actually got a response from one interviewer who told me that she chose someone who had more experience than me which doesn't really help me to improve

Txp12 · Oct 15, 2016

When you are asked a scenario question, don't try to think of what answer will impress the interviewers. Try to think of what you'd actually do in that scenario. There's a difference. It's okay to ask if you can have a minute to think about it. Then imagine a patient in that situation and what would you do? What would be your priorities? If it's a total stumper, then admit that your first move would be to find someone to consult with.
These questions are intended to test your ability to process information, think on your feet, use the nursing process and nursing judgement and deliver safe patient care. They're not looking for you to know everything and be able to hand them a glib response.
From your post, I wonder if you're trying too hard to impress them. Try to present yourself as a thoughtful nurse who knows her limitations, is willing to work hard, learn from mistakes and accept feedback with good grace. Use the words "reliable" and "conscientious". Good luck and keep us posted.

i think you're right. I do try very hard to impress them and tell them what I believe may be beneficial for them such as my leadership qualities and teamwork and connect them to my service but I should incorporate your tips as well. Thank you! I will Definately keep you updated!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 16, 2016

The other posters have great advice.

Do keep in mind that you could be doing everything right and still not land the job.

It's not always that something is wrong with you. It could be that another applicant:

had more experience
had related experience (e.g., worked as CNA/LVN)
is an internal applicant
has credentials that you don't have
has another skill that you don't have (bilingual, etc.)
brought something else to the table that you didn't (more flexibility, willingness to work less desired schedules/areas, etc.)
networked and is more familiar to the interviewer
connected with the interviewer better (interpersonal chemistry, which often defies logic)
followed-up better
or just got lucky and was there at the right place at the right time. Sometimes it really comes down to just that.

Plus add in the fact that there is still too many new grad and not enough open positions for them. So you're up against stiff competition.

Keep refining your interview skills and keep trying.

Txp12 · Oct 16, 2016

The other posters have great advice.
Do keep in mind that you could be doing everything right and still not land the job.
It's not always that something is wrong with you. It could be that another applicant:
had more experience
had related experience (e.g., worked as CNA/LVN)
is an internal applicant
has credentials that you don't have
has another skill that you don't have (bilingual, etc.)
brought something else to the table that you didn't (more flexibility, willingness to work less desired schedules/areas, etc.)
networked and is more familiar to the interviewer
connected with the interviewer better (interpersonal chemistry, which often defies logic)
followed-up better
or just got lucky and was there at the right place at the right time. Sometimes it really comes down to just that.
Plus add in the fact that there is still too many new grad and not enough open positions for them. So you're up against stiff competition.
Keep refining your interview skills and keep trying.

Thank you so much for this!!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Oct 16, 2016

When you are asked a scenario question, don't try to think of what answer will impress the interviewers. Try to think of what you'd actually do in that scenario. There's a difference. It's okay to ask if you can have a minute to think about it. Then imagine a patient in that situation and what would you do? What would be your priorities? If it's a total stumper, then admit that your first move would be to find someone to consult with.
These questions are intended to test your ability to process information, think on your feet, use the nursing process and nursing judgement and deliver safe patient care. They're not looking for you to know everything and be able to hand them a glib response.
From your post, I wonder if you're trying too hard to impress them. Try to present yourself as a thoughtful nurse who knows her limitations, is willing to work hard, learn from mistakes and accept feedback with good grace. Use the words "reliable" and "conscientious". Good luck and keep us posted.

With the scenarios, it's oK to say you don't know. You're a new grad, no one expects you to know everything. What they're looking for is someone who is teachable and who will be a good employee and team member. (Have you had jobs before, have you been reliable or do you call out sick a lot, do you take criticism well?) We can TEACH you to be a nurse; we want to make sure you're someone we want to work with.

Txp12 · Oct 16, 2016

With the scenarios, it's oK to say you don't know. You're a new grad, no one expects you to know everything. What they're looking for is someone who is teachable and who will be a good employee and team member. (Have you had jobs before, have you been reliable or do you call out sick a lot, do you take criticism well?) We can TEACH you to be a nurse; we want to make sure you're someone we want to work with.

how can I show that? I have mentioned in interviews of situations in a clinical setting where I had no knowledge of what was happening but I was willing to put myself out there to learn from it and help in any possible way. And my goal in the future is to be an educator since I love to teach and mentor and so I thought it would be beneficial to mention especially since all organization's goals is to educate and teach in some way. My student leadership really helped with my leadership, collaboration and teamwork skills. Is there more than I am missing?? I don't know how else to express all this.

I have said "I don't know" to a question that I was sincerely unsure of. And for some reason it haunted me to say it cause I thought that was what ruined my chances. Sigh I feel so conflicted.

But thank you for your advice/help!