Keep flunking my interviews

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Specializes in Trauma/Surg, Home Care.

I had three interviews for ICU position ( two a year ago and one just this Tuesday) and I keep flunking them.

This interview was different though. I got a call from the HR to come and interview for the next day. So, I really felt like I had no time to really prepare and the job was so important to me ( because it is a great place and close to my home). When I came in I felt like everything was going well with the nurse recruiter and the manager. Then, the manager set me up with three nurses from the unit for a peer interview. That was a disaster, the looks on their faces completely through me off. I felt like I couldn't connect with them, became very nervous and answered questions poorly.

Overall, I know that I am intelligent ( graduated first in my class ) and do fine with any job challenge. But how come I can't convey it to the managers?

The nurse manager gave me her card and she wrote there her cell phone #. Would it be justified to call and ask if she has made a decision ( she probably did and it is not me) and to comment on my interviewing skills? I don't want to annoy her but I don't know what else to do!

Thanks

Sorry for the long post.

How much weight those peer interviews have?

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Specializes in Surgical ICU, Anesthesia.

If you have the manger's business card then I would shoot him/her an e-mail that reinforces your interest in the position, thankful for taking the time to meet with you, ask if any additional info. is required from you in order for them to make a decision and if there was any weak point in your interview then address head on; ask for advice with regards to alleviating the concern. Good luck!

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You sound a bit negative/pessimistic - do you give these vibe off during your interviews? If so, change that. Smile, nod, speak only when asked a question and keep it short and sweet.

I had three interviews for ICU position ( two a year ago and one just this Tuesday) and I keep flunking them.

This interview was different though. I got a call from the HR to come and interview for the next day. So, I really felt like I had no time to really prepare and the job was so important to me ( because it is a great place and close to my home). When I came in I felt like everything was going well with the nurse recruiter and the manager. Then, the manager set me up with three nurses from the unit for a peer interview. That was a disaster, the looks on their faces completely through me off. I felt like I couldn't connect with them, became very nervous and answered questions poorly.

Overall, I know that I am intelligent ( graduated first in my class ) and do fine with any job challenge. But how come I can't convey it to the managers?

The nurse manager gave me her card and she wrote there her cell phone #. Would it be justified to call and ask if she has made a decision ( she probably did and it is not me) and to comment on my interviewing skills? I don't want to annoy her but I don't know what else to do!

Thanks

Sorry for the long post.

How much weight those peer interviews have?

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the fact that she gave her number means that you need to ff-up on the outcome.. I guess she's also assessing if you really are interested with the Job.. Perseverance is the key. Don't be a pessimists. If this is the opportunity for you, GRAB it.. If not, there are other open doors to welcome you.. You did'nt just graduate first in class for nothing, right? good luck!!!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

You did send a "thank-you" note, didn't you?

I think it is Ok to call -- but don't call repeatedly. Simply ask if she needs any additional information, thank her again for her time, and ask what her timetable is for making a decision. Then, back off and don't irritate her.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

tips for the next time:

wondering why you can't get hired or promoted: resume + interview hints!

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Specializes in ICU.

Why are you waiting so long to get started with your career. If it ICU that you want, get into the hospital you want through any route and then when an ICU position becomes available apply to it. You will be considered first before the outsiders.

When you go to an interview, make sure you do some visualization about the interview. Visualize yourself being interesting, confident and even hired on the spot. Spend at least an hour the night before to do that. On your way to the interview, reheorifice to yourself that you are great and will be hired on the spot. This will boost yourself esteem and make you able to convey that to them when you are in the actual interview. I did that in all of my interviews and I got offers right and left and had to choice between them.

Good luck. Never lose hope and keep your chin up!

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Specializes in Trauma/Surg, Home Care.

Thanks to all.

Karen, I actually came across the post you are referring to when I got home from the interview :(. It will surely help me the next time.

I did send a thank you note to the NRec and the manager. I think, I will try to call the manager on Monday to see if there is anything else that can help me to get a position.

As for my experience, I worked Surgical/Trauma unit at Peds hospital for 1 1/2 years and then home care, geriatrics primarily, for another 1 1/2 years.

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