Job hunt roller coaster, mixed signals, rejections. AN, managers too, please advise!!

[Naturalist]

Hello there, fellow RNs,

Hopefully this doesn't come out as too much of rant but I am so discouraged with the job hunt I've had 3 interviews and 2 rejections, and pretty sure #3 will be a no-go as well because I have not heard back. I have an interview next week for an ICU position and I am so anxious! I need to break this cycle quick, only I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

I really really want this ICU job. Honestly, I want ANY entry-level RN job!!! And I will embrace it, enjoy it and learn as much as I can from it! In past interviews I was told, afterward, "I didn't see your passion", "I couldn't get a good read" "I wanted to hear more about you"..... SERIOUSLY??? If I am sitting in your office allowing you to grill me, you better believe I want the job! I answer questions directly and logically. During one interview I got zero questions that gave me an opportunity to tell them about me. Should I ramble on about who I am, whether I was asked or not? I am not a pushy or obnoxious person, but I am learning that NMs actually need to here candidates say "I really want this job!", "I am passionate about ______!!!", "Pick me! Pick me!!". Am I wrong???

I've never had a problem interviewing. I am myself, and what I know I know, and what I don't I don't. I am very honest and I smile plenty, too. I've always been a smiley, friendly person. I don't know what it is about this field. I just don't quite understand what NMs want to see and hear. I have made it clear that, if hired, I intend to remain at this position indefinitely. I just want to grow as a new nurse.

Here are a couple highlights of my interviews:

Scripted questions: ugh! My first interview was nothing but! Especially nerve-wracking when the NM actually reads it word-for-word, so it comes out so contrived! And here's the deal, if I prepare for an ER interview I think to myself, "what qualities do I possess that make me a good candidate for this job?" and so on and so forth, so when I get a question about "why ER?" I will remember to mention my relevant qualities. It is all honest. I just tailor my answers to be more job-relevant.

Another thing is that these questions can be taken out of context, or can be somewhat close-ended, so I'm not sure how to answer sometimes. It's just so hard to remember all of the important things I want to say. Sometimes the interview goes on like an enjoyable conversation, but that is NO indication of what the outcome will be. I do like it when things flow and questions come naturally, and not as these abrupt change-of-subject scripted questions.

Now, if I get a situational question- "name a time when....."- and I honestly have no example to give (I'm a new grad for crying out loud), my first inclination would be to say "I've never been in that sort of position, but if I were then I would ____ _____ ______. I usually handle this kind of situation like blankity blankity blank". Good enough?

I am sorry if I am aimlessly rambling here. Any and all advice would be most appreciated. I am down and depressed , and my self esteem has gone over a waterfall . This just isn't me. I feel I am caught in a vicious cycle and a catch 22. I need a job to be happy again, but I need to look like a happy, confident candidate in order to get that job!

A little background: I graduated in December of last year (ADN), didn't get my ATT until Feb/March and then waited another 3 weeks for results/license (so April when all was said and done). Then of course the market was re-inundated with May's new grads, who got their licenses pretty quickly, as the BRN by this time had ironed out all its wrinkles. (Thanks a lot, BRN! ) The market is brutal here in So CA. Of three local hospitals one takes only RN-BSNs, which I am not, so I only have two options for hospital.

Thank you so much for reading this!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Interviewers want to hire a certain kind of candidate, preferably one who has polished soft skills. The hard skills can be taught to almost anyone, but the soft skills come from within.

Anyhow, here's a link to some common interview questions.

https://allnurses.com/nursing-interview-help/how-answer-most-748905.html

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

If I am sitting in your office allowing you to grill me...

This is the one sentence in your entire post that stuck out at me. I think this holds your answer. I think you need to tweak your attitude about interviews and relax. Do you like nursing? Do you?

For the situational questions, yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say what you would do in that situation if you have no personal experience.

Nurse managers are looking for people who will be a "good fit." This generally means a friendly, open, helpful, resourceful, and innovative TEAM player.

I answer questions directly and logically

Maybe you are coming off as too professional or slightly detached.

Your passion should flow. Be as into them as you would want them to be to you.

[Naturalist]

Interviewers want to hire a certain kind of candidate, preferably one who has polished soft skills. The hard skills can be taught to almost anyone, but the soft skills come from within.

Anyhow, here's a link to some common interview questions.

https://allnurses.com/nursing-interview-help/how-answer-most-748905.html

As short and simple as your comment is, I find it very helpful. Thank you! I have read all three pages of your "How to answer..." article, with comments and found it very useful, too. My first instinct is always to be myself, but I feel it did not work for me this time. I know I just need to relax. There is just so much at stake I'm a nervous wreck, but thank you, Commuter, for your feedback. It is very helpful.

[Naturalist]

This is the one sentence in your entire post that stuck out at me. I think this holds your answer. I think you need to tweak your attitude about interviews and relax. Do you like nursing? Do you?

For the situational questions, yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say what you would do in that situation if you have no personal experience.

Nurse managers are looking for people who will be a "good fit." This generally means a friendly, open, helpful, resourceful, and innovative TEAM player.

Maybe you are coming off as too professional or slightly detached.

Your passion should flow. Be as into them as you would want them to be to you.

Lev

I understand the "good fit" thing, and in my ICU cover letters I emphasize that I am gentle and considerate, thorough and sensitive in my role as an educator of patients’ families, detail-oriented and work well under pressure, and I am collaborative team player. I know I've got all the right things in my heart and in my head. I just can't seem to let it flow when I'm interviewing! Many threads here on AN have helped me a lot, while others just add to my anxiety, but I still have a few days to center myself, and shake off past rejections.

I will keep you posted.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I am so sorry that you (and so many other new grads) are having such a difficult time launching your nursing career. I wish I had some magic elixir to help you with this struggle. I know it's tough when every rejection feels so personal and chips away more of your confidence and self-esteem.

My advice for getting through this rough patch? Try to keep a bigger picture in mind. When you don't get a job, it is not because you are inferior... it's because someone else was a better fit. Interviewing, just like any other skill, improves with practice. Each time you are interviewed, it is a dress rehearsal for the all-important interview that is going to result in the job you are meant to have. It is just a matter of time and perseverance.

In the meantime, take some time to reflect on YOU. What unique skills and talents do you have to offer? Are you a great listener? A deliberate and logical thinker? Do you have a knack for putting others at ease? Are you always a champion for the underdog? These are the types of characteristics that would make you a GREAT co-worker and a tremendous asset to any work group. How can you showcase these to your best advantage?

Wishing you huge job MOJO!

[bcandygurl]

I totally understand your frustrations. I graduated 4 months ago and have been a registered nurse for one month now. I have received numerous rejection emails and not one interview. I have also took the time to personally email nurse recruiters, and I have only received one reply back in which she mentioned that their facility wasn't currently hiring any ADNs. It is truly an emotional roller coaster. Best wishes on your continued search.

[Naturalist]

....Are you a great listener? A deliberate and logical thinker? Do you have a knack for putting others at ease? Are you always a champion for the underdog? These are the types of characteristics that would make you a GREAT co-worker and a tremendous asset to any work group. How can you showcase these to your best advantage?

Wishing you huge job MOJO!

HouTx, I am nothing if I am none of these things! How did you know?? I will do my best to work on ways to "showcase" these qualities.

Thank you so much for your comforting words. I know it is not personal, but that's exactly how it feels.

bcandygurl, thank you, and congrats on getting your license. I'm sorry you have not had an interview. It's early in the game for you so hang in there. Me, I'm starting to freak out that my one year mark is fast approaching!

Update on the interview I thought I would get (bc the NM had emailed me): I got an email from HR saying after careful consideration they were concentrating on other candidates who better fit their needs I was ridiculously sad. Guess I needed a good cry. Honestly I hadn't really cried since my sister passed in '07! Anyway, I'm still feeling the sting- a lot- but I have to move on. Just not sure how....

Now I have a question, and maybe I should start a new thread, but if y'all are still reading I could use your advice: I have the option of volunteering at my favorite hospital, either ER or ICU, or wherever I choose, really, OR I could apply for an RN position at United Blood Services, where they are willing to train new grads. What do you think? The blood thing would give me great IV skills, but maybe the volunteer thing might just help me land a job in the hospital??? I'm not even sure they will be hiring, and it's a county hospital so they move real slow, but I feel like it will really help me get to know some people and vice versa.

[bcandygurl]

I think you should do both if you can. Why not?