Had interview..Not sure how it went

Nurses Job Hunt

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So I know I really can't say anything until I hear from the clinical manager, but I wanted to share my experience.

So I did end up having an interview with the clinical manager at a short stay unit. I prepared a portfolio with a cover letter, resume, transcripts, BLS card, and 3 recommendation letters. When I went in, I shook the interviewers hands and handed her my portfolio. She was SO impressed with the portfolio and the way it looked. I was prepared for a full on interview but she really asked me only a couple of questions then started explaining what they do on the unit and typical patient population, etc etc. Then I had the opportunity to ask questions. I asked some questions and she was also super impressed by the questions and said "Wow, these are amazing questions, I like them.". After she answered my questions, I received a tour of the unit and I really liked it. I really liked the clinical manager and felt that I had a great bond with her. I felt like things were going great and had a lot of confidence in how the interview went but then towards the end she asked if I had applied anywhere else and maybe should think about applying to other places since I have so much to offer. I told her that I really enjoyed the interview and the tour of the unit and would love to work on her floor. She let me know that she has a few other candidates to interview and I should be receiving a call in about a week but that my portfolio was beautiful. I ended up giving her a hug and thanking her for the opportunity and left.

I'm kind of bummed now because of the fact that she told me to consider applying elsewhere. I felt like the interview was going great and I really would love to work on the unit. I am also kind of worried at the fact that I gave her a hug. Was that too much and unprofessional? I'd like to hear some opinions on this. Has anyone else experienced a manager telling them to apply elsewhere?

llg, PhD, RN

13,469 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Yeah ... the hug was a little strange -- might be very "off-putting" for someone who is not a hugger. It's usually best to keep thing professional.

Are you a new grad? Or close to it? She may know that some of the other people who applied already have experience in the type of work done in that unit. She may like you, but prefer to hire someone with relevant experience. She may be trying to help you by advising you to have more than one application in the works.

But as you say, you won't know until this application process is complete.

Good luck.

hawrsh20

46 Posts

Yes, I am a new grad. I asked her what intrigued her about my resume that she decided to give me a chance to interview and she said that graduates from my college had a great reputation and have done well on her floor so I'm hoping that being a new grad will not go against me. I hope the hug didn't affect anything either lol. It's going to be a long week!

KelRN215, BSN, RN

1 Article; 7,349 Posts

Specializes in Pedi.

In the future, do NOT hug potential bosses. I would advise not hugging actual bosses either.

hawrsh20

46 Posts

Just out of curiosity, is there a reason why? I see a hug as a meaningful and warm gesture and definitely not something you would do if you do not feel comfortable with someone.

llg, PhD, RN

13,469 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
Just out of curiosity, is there a reason why? I see a hug as a meaningful and warm gesture and definitely not something you would do if you do not feel comfortable with someone.

Just because you feel comfortable hugging them doesn't mean they feel equally comfortable hugging you!

Some people are huggers: some people are not. Some people require more physical space than others and those people do not like relative strangers invading their personal space. You can't assume that everyone feels they way you do. In the professional realm, you should respect other people's feelings about such matters.

I, for one, definitely do NOT feel comfortable hugging people I barely know. There are very few people in this world I want to be that physically close with.

KelRN215, BSN, RN

1 Article; 7,349 Posts

Specializes in Pedi.
Just out of curiosity, is there a reason why? I see a hug as a meaningful and warm gesture and definitely not something you would do if you do not feel comfortable with someone.

It's not professional. You're not trying to make a friend, you're interviewing for a job.

ComeTogether, LPN

1 Article; 2,178 Posts

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
Just out of curiosity, is there a reason why? I see a hug as a meaningful and warm gesture and definitely not something you would do if you do not feel comfortable with someone.

I get it - I'm also a hugger. I have to hold myself back sometimes because it's totally not professional. I do however, hug my colleagues when and if the situation is appropriate.

Honestly, we'd probably all have much lower stress levels if hugging were more accepted but, alas - it isn't. weirdos.

hawrsh20

46 Posts

Well, I guess I learned from this mistake. I dont think it'll go against me. As nurses we use therapeutic touch. A hug shouldn't hurtí ½í¸…

DowntheRiver

983 Posts

Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

Ugh, I hate hugging. Dealbreaker for me.

KelRN215, BSN, RN

1 Article; 7,349 Posts

Specializes in Pedi.
Well, I guess I learned from this mistake. I dont think it'll go against me. As nurses we use therapeutic touch. A hug shouldn't hurt������

I can tell you that if I were the hiring manager and an applicant hugged me, it definitely would go against her.

I would advise against hugging future patients as well, unless they somehow initiate it.

ETA: I don't hate hugs either. I have some friends who I hug every time we see each other. I went on retreats and service trips in college where everyone hugged all the time. But that doesn't change the fact that it's not professional. I don't think I've ever hugged any of my bosses even when leaving the company.

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