My first interview was a disaster

[puddingpie]

OK, my first interview was a disaster and it was not my fault.

I was called in to have a interview with Mrs. X so, it's going well and then Mrs. X tells me we will go see the unit and meet the unit manager.

Mrs X leaves, its me and the unit manager walking around the unit, talking a little- not much because, she is talking to everyone else.

She asks me if I have any questions, I say NO- (thinking to myself all my questions and answers were already done with Mrs. X.

To make a long story short- The interviewer was the Nurse manager not Mrs. X. This hospital has a terrible way of communicating.

So, obviously did not get the job but Mrs. X has asked me to come in and interview for another floor. (the floor I DON'T want to work on).

So, no I'm pretty confused, a little sad, and just think this hospital is not for me anyway. Definately not my first choice. Maybe, it was meant for me to experience this and when the next great job (interview ) comes along- I will be ready and know what to expect.

Why is it sooo hard to get a job in Mercer County NJ.

Now looking at South Jersey and ready to move to Voorhees, Cherryhill area- any suggestions?

In NJ

[llg, PhD, RN]

First of all ... I am sorry that you did not get the job that you wanted. I hope you find a good fit that will make you happy very soon.

Now ... to be successful in your next opportunity ... here are a few tips.

1. Recognize that the miscommunication that happened with Ms. X was, indeed, partly your fault and take steps to be sure it doesn't happen again. You should always know with whom you are speaking. Ask people about their roles and don't make assumptions. You should clarify the role of everybody you meet -- not only in the hiring process, but also on the job. You need to know who is the patient's wife and who is his girlfriend ... who is the medical director and who is the medical student ... who is a new orientee and who is the Vice President ... etc.

2. Always ask a few questions and be sure to appear interested in the job. The person doing the hiring will always ask the people you meet for feedback on your interaction. Be sure that everyone says nice things about you and recommends that you be hired by demonstrating your interest and abilities to everyone you meet. Even if you have asked some questions before, it pays to ask them again. A different person might have a different perspective on an issue and provide you with additional insight.

3. Send a thank-you note to key people you meet in the interview process. Tell them that you enjoyed meeting them and were very positively impressed with their unit and thank them for your time. It is your opportunity to put yourself in front of them one more time. In this case, you can say that you are sorry you did not get the job, but hope they will keep you in mind for the future. That keeps the door open in case they change their mind in the next few weeks (for example, if the person they DID hire doesn't work out.)

4. Learn from this mistake and move on.

Good luck.

[MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN]

Happens all the time. If you are given a tour of any unit, regardless who is giving the tour, you must ask questions and go out of your way to appear interested. The HR front person, has no idea of the unit culture and procedures, but the NM does. Also, be prepared that many NM would rather hire an experienced nurse than a new grad. If it seemed that you were quiet and maybe settling for any job(even though it wasn't true) she may have wrongly decided that you wouldn't be a good fit.

Another thing you have to keep in mind as you interview, many jobs are listed as open, but new grads are steered to other areas that are difficult to staff due to working conditions. Don't be surprised if you encounter this as you continue to look for work.

Keep your chin up, you will find a job. Good luck.

Maisy;)