Not hired due to lack of sunshine oozing from my pores

[nurseerina]

I recently applied for a job in a new town my husband I moved to. The interview went great I thought. After the interview, the lady who interviewed me chatted with me about random things for almost an hour. When she introduced me to the other staff working in this particular unit I was cordial to everyone she introduced me to as well. I felt sure that I had this job in the bag. A few days later she emailed me and informed that I was not chosen for the position, but did not offer an explanation. I replied and asked why considering that I was sure I had the job. I was told that the other candidate and myself were equally qualified for the position, but the other candidate was "more personable" than me. I honestly dont see how I could have been anymore "personable" than I was without being fake and untrue to myself. I feel absoultely horrible now though and am wondering if there is something wrong with my personality. I've never had anyone tell me that I'm unfriendly or unlikable. All of the patients I've ever cared for have always told me about the warmth I emit when I care for them. Has anyone else ever had this happen to them? Like I said this is the first time that I've ever had anyone say this to as long as I've been alive. Am I wrong for getting my feelings hurt by this?

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Do not take it personally. One job and more than 1 applicant. For whatever reason they picked the other person. Maybe they liked her eye color better. I would forget about this and move on.

[caliotter3]

I was going to make the same comment about the eye color. Or, who knows, maybe the other person graduated from the same nursing school as the person doing the interview or maybe they attend the same bridge club on the third Wednesday of the month and she was encouraged to apply by the interviewer.

[nursel56]

One of the worst feelings in the world is feeling that you have a job, everything is thumbs up and everyone seems enthusiastic and then the shock of having the whole deal fall through -- I mean you pretty much know when things aren't looking so great, but when all systems seem to be go it's like--- huh?

It's happened to me on several occasions. The reason she gave you may or may not be accurate - it is just as possible that someone came up with a friend who needed a job, or any number of behind-the-scenes scenarios.

That person who answered you has much less invested in the accuracy of her reasoning than you have a need to make sure you are presenting your best possible self. I tend to be quite introverted in person, though I've never felt "aloof" my shyness is transmitted that way, so I've learned to try extra hard to smile, engage people in conversation, make eye contact and extend my hand when meeting new people.

If nobody else in your circle of friends and family perceive you that way, you'll just have to brush it off and move along. Sorry about that disappointment, though. There are still some jobs that I think to myself, damn I wish it had worked out.

A time or two the person they hired over me didn't work out, so they called me in a pinch, I said I was sorry but I had already been hired someplace else- I wasn't really sorry. :)

[mnf4ever]

I hate when employers give false hope. I know the feeling--I was given a new hire and benefits packet, introduced to other staff as their "new nurse," given a tour of the facility, and really clicked with the nurse recruiter and nurse manager that was interviewing me. 2 weeks later she leaves me a voicemail to call her back. I call her back (all excited thinking I was finally hired) only to find out they went with someone else...I didn't ask why, but a friend of mine who works there found out the person they went with spoke 3 languages and has practically been a nurse since she was 12, taking care of her grandma.

I'm still trying to recover from the shock. Just gotta pick myself up and try again--and you should do the same!! You sound like a great nurse...good luck and don't give up!!