New Grad Post-First Interview Help

[coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN]

Hi all. I'm a new grad with my BSN and I graduated in April 2012. I have applied for almost 100 jobs and finally got an interview at a Hospital I loved and wanted to work for so badly. I flew down to San Diego from Sacramento and I created a portfolio for an interview. I brought a suit and practiced questions constantly. During the interview I had a panel of 3 Nurse Managers. I smiled and gave specific examples for all the questions they asked. I had terrific feedback as the managers smiled and replied things like, "Great answer", "You're very determined", "I love that you're so dedicated", etc. I ended the interview by reiterating how passionate I am about working for that hospital and how I could contribute. I walked away smiling and feeling so positive about the interview. They also commented on how lovely my portfolio was. Last week I found out I was rejected. I didn't even receive an alternate email so that I may have a chance. Just rejection. I was literally crushed. Maybe if it wasn't a hospital I didn't like so much or maybe if I didn't do so well in the interview I wouldn't have cried. My spirit was broken and I emailed the HR department if I could possibly get feedback from my interviewers about why I wasn't picked, what I could approve on, etc. I got a reply back saying that they will not give individual feedback because they interviewed over 200 applicants and had to choose from 50. I understand, but my question is how do I "improve" myself or try to market myself better in my next interview (whenever that is) if I did a fantastic job and got rejected and received no feedback? I hope I'm making sense. Thank you in advance for your time and advice.

[sharon2012rn]

I know the feeling oh too well. I also graduated in May with my BSN. I had my first interview two weeks ago, with a panel of three RN's. I thought the interview went well too. I was telling myself after the interview that I have practiced, studied amd rehearesed, so I just knew I would be hired. I received the dreaded email last week, saying I wasnt selected. My cousin gave me some words of wisdom, by saying rejection is God's protection, I'm keeping the faith and trying to remain encouraged

[coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN]

I know the feeling oh too well. I also graduated in May with my BSN. I had my first interview two weeks ago, with a panel of three RN's. I thought the interview went well too. I was telling myself after the interview that I have practiced, studied amd rehearesed, so I just knew I would be hired. I received the dreaded email last week, saying I wasnt selected. My cousin gave me some words of wisdom, by saying rejection is God's protection, I'm keeping the faith and trying to remain encouraged

Exactly. But I just feel like I can't believe in hope anymore. My friends and family keep telling me to keep my head up when God has some place better for me. I thought how can he have something better when I've been rejected from almost every New Grad Program in this state (plus countless other RN 1 positions). Obviously better doesn't want me and I don't know what I can do.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

If you got all this positive feedback and felt good about the interview, perhaps the reason you weren't selected wasn't because of anything YOU did wrong but just because someone else out there was a better candidate or someone with inside connections.

Did you send thank you notes or follow-up emails to all the Nurse Managers? Reiterate with HR that you are still interested in their hospital and would be happy to interview for other positions if/when they become available.

HR departments are very busy, I would not expect to get feedback from them on your performance in an interview.