New grad FNP: "Where else are you interviewing?"

[NurseLauraM]

Hello fellow NPs. I am new to this site so I apologize if this post is unclear in any way.

I am writing for some advice regarding my NP interviews. I have been interviewing for about two months now in a variety of locations/settings and there is one question that I'm frequently asked, which I still feel very awkward and uncomfortable answering: "Are you interviewing anywhere else? If so, where?" For those of you who have been asked the same question, what do you say?

Let me start by telling you the real answer, which is that I have been interviewing at a wide variety of places, and have had a couple of offers. So of course, I answer "yes I am interviewing at other facilities" - easy. However, I tend to get flustered when they follow up (and they usually do) by asking me where. Here are the reasons I think I'm getting caught up on this question:

- I want to show the employer that I am hirable and have generated other interest, but also want each prospective employer to believe that they are my top choice.

- I am applying to both primary care and specialty practices (because I have a lot of interests and there are only so many opportunities for new grads). However, I am worried that this makes me appear unfocused. For example, if I tell a potential pediatric employer that I'm also interviewing in a rheumatology practice, they might think I'm not really that interested in pediatrics. Should I just keep things really vague?

- I am interviewing in a lot of different locations, and I find that a lot of places are (understandably) very concerned about employees relocating and then leaving. How can I show an employer that I am enthusiastic about their location, when I'm applying to so many different regions? Just FYI the reason I'm applying to so many different places is that I am a new grad in a highly saturated area... and since I'm single and love to travel I have no problem relocating!

Sorry if this is a dumb/obvious question! I've only had one RN job and it was the first one I interviewed for, so this has all been new to me. I appreciate any insight you can provide! Thank you very much :)

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I always ask this question in interviews!

[missdeevah, NP]

I always ask this question in interviews!

What responses do you like/not like?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

What responses do you like/not like?

I do like to hear that an applicant is interviewing at other places, but it's not really about what I like/don't like, rather its about directing some follow-up questions which I do think are important:

• Are you interviewing at other clinics?
  
• If yes:
  
  • Locally?
    
    • If not locally, what brings you to this area?
      
    • If locally, what made you choose those clinics? Networking contact?
      

    [*]What do you like about those clinics?

    [*]What, if anything, do you think is a drawback of those clinics?

    [*]Have you spend any time shadowing a provider at any of those clinics?

  [*]If no:

  • What made you choose us first?
    
  • Are you looking for a particular environment?
    

That's the basic structure of what I ask. I've found to be an excellent barometer. It seems to push some applicants comfort zone and it becomes very obvious if they are not being truthful.

[NurseLauraM]

Thank you BostonFNP, and everyone else who has replied! This has been extremely helpful and I'm so glad I posted this question!

BostonFNP - You mentioned that you ask interviewees, "what do you like about those clinics?" and "what is a drawback of those clinics?" I am assuming the purpose of these questions is to understand what type of environment the candidate is looking for? For example, if the candidate likes that clinic A has x,y, and z and you also have x,y, and z would you consider this an indication that the candidate would be happy in your clinic?

Another question I have is, if the interviewee states they are also considering another clinic, and you know that this other clinic is very reputable, are you concerned that you may not be the candidate's top choice? As Invitale suggested, is it best to only mention clinics that are 'in the same tier' as the one you are interviewing for?

Also, I apologize if this is a stupid question but when you ask where else someone is interviewing, are you looking for the candidate to give the actual name of the clinic? For example (picking on Boston here since you are BostonFNP ), if I were interviewing at your clinic and I was also interviewing for a position at Boston Medical Center, should I say the hospital name or just say something like "I am also interviewing at a large hospital in Boston"? I've always kept names out of my answer, but now I am wondering if I have been too vague.

Sorry for all of the questions! I completely understand asking this to push the interviewee out of his or her comfort zone. I also agree that one should always be honest in an interview (especially me because I'm a terrible liar anyway!). I suppose the key is just knowing which information to share/not share.

[land27]

I think you answered your own questions.

Yes I am interviewing at a lot of other locations because "I am a new grad in a highly saturated area... and since I'm single and love to travel I have no problem relocating".

Then explain what about the job you currently interviewing makes it ideal or a perfect fit.

If you have received offers let them know, it makes you look desirable

I think an honest answer is best. Not one that skirts the subject.

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

Following Boston's fantastic recommendation, would the following pass muster?

Are you interviewing elsewhere?

me: I have a lead on a community health center.

What made you choose us?

me: I have been an employee partner of this organization for 8 years and would prefer to remain here. Additionally, I think the growth opportunities as a new APRN afford me the mobility to seek challenging growth with your department. I like that getting my foot in the door will support my development as a clinician and provide avenues to continue to do so.

[Jules A, MSN]

I've found to be an excellent barometer. It seems to push some applicants comfort zone and it becomes very obvious if they are not being truthful.

From the other side of the table it irritates me when I feel an interviewer has asked a question knowing it is likely to make to make me feel uncomfortable. Personally I appreciate interviews where I'm made to feel welcome and comfortable which I interpret that as a sign the work climate will be collegial and pleasant.

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

I'll be darned if I didn't have this question on a phone interview today. When he said those words we had already established that I live 2 miles from his office and many more from my present employer. So I answered working closer to home is quite appealing. He also asked didn't I want to work at my current organization as a FNP? Yes, I told him, but their ED where I am as an RN will not take new grads. He is aware, however, that a family practice attached to my hospital holds my interest but has not yet called.

So, pretty straightforward and honest. Easier to portray confidence when I don't have to be overly creative and bend the truth.

I have an in person interview next week.

They offer loan forgiveness but I don't know what else.

It doesn't hurt that one of my preceptors from school works there now.

Wish me luck!

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

Two interviews today. Both went well. Got those questions again. I was honest. The one I knew about as of my previous post asked that if the other made an offer before they did to give them the courtesy of knowing so they can compete for me.

I'm so chuffed!!!!

[JellyDonut]

See I ask the question, How many applicants are you interviewing? What is your timetable for making a decision? and What qualities are you looking for in a NP?

I am a big dork and love the interview process. It allows me to snoop around the practice, ask questions and try to peel away at anything they are hiding. I used to interview as an Nurse Manager and Director and you get good and evaluating an applicant over time and spotting the cray ones. I use to enjoy the bold ones who would ask a few good question (if they as too many its a red flag) and had several interviews lined up. It is impressive when you see an applicant who has their ducks in a row.

[NurseLauraM]

I apologize that it has taken me so long to say this, but thank you all so much for your helpful advice!! I just accepted a job at the end of last week and am beyond excited to start (although it will be a while due to the credentialing process). It is in rural health, which I am truly thrilled about. I have been in the city the past few years for school but grew up in a rural town and am so excited to get back to the peacefulness and nature! The city is quite chaotic for me... I'll get enough of that at work . This practice also seems to provide very extensive training and I will be doing a lot of procedures that I wouldn't necessarily be performing in a city (there are very few specialists to refer to within a 2 hour drive of where I am going).

I will say, juggling different interviewers and offers was tougher than I anticipated! There were times I was given an offer and had to respond within a very short period, while at the same time I was waiting to hear back about a position I wanted much more. Logically, I knew that was likely to happen, but I underestimated how difficult it would actually be to decide. One part of me was saying "Chase your dreams, wait to get an offer from the job you really want!" and another piece thought, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush! Accept the one you've been offered before you lose it! And you need the paycheck anyway!". Thank goodness I finally arrived at a decision I am happy with.

For any other new grads or student NPs reading this, I just want to emphasize that potential employers are not just interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them! During nursing school I figured I would be so desperate for a job upon graduating that I would take the first reasonable offer. Yet this was so far from the truth! I interviewed with practices who expected me to work in an office independently with no training (and by independently I mean no other NPs, docs, nurses or support staff), practices that thought I should immediately see 25 patients per day, practices that had no clue what the NP scope of practice is, and even a correctional facility that had very poor security (I found out later that the vacancy was there because another practitioner was physically assaulted nearly 5 feet from the security desk)! New docs have the privilege of residency... and hey, they pay big money for medical school and go through hell and back so they certainly deserve it! However, because residency is not a standard option for new NPs it is our responsibility to find a position where we will be trained appropriately. I am not saying new NPs should be coddled by any means, but every new NP needs training regardless of intelligence level, quality of clinical rotations or past RN experience.

Anyway, I digress. I want to thank you all again for your input! It was beyond helpful to hear from both interviewers and fellow interviewees. I am so grateful for the community that Allnurses provides and am glad that, after years of just reading, I finally got my own account :)

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

I know what you mean about waiting. I have to give my decision for one offer by Wednesday but I'm waiting for the one I want . Since I work Tuesday and have surgery Wednesday I'll have to do it tomorrow.

But not until I follow up with preferred job tomorrow.