So did I get the job or not?

nurse_flo_marie, MSN, RN · Dec 29, 2017

Congrats on the job interview!

It is always hard to tell whether or not you got the job. I've done hiring in some of my nursing positions, and even with that knowledge and experience, it is hard to tell when I am interviewing for jobs.

The questions they asked are very common. The employer wants to make sure you won't leave the job after they spent money training you, and if you don't have actual job experience beyond clinicals, they want to see if you can think critically. Do you know how many positions are available for the one you applied?

Depending on the company policies, hiring could be done by a team. And, like you said, because of the holidays, that decision is delayed. Emails, especially if not urgent, may not have been read. I would call after the holidays.

Good Luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 29, 2017

I agree with the previous post. Wait until after New Year's Day and then contact them to ask about the status of your application.

Good luck!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 30, 2017

Hi, everyone! I am a senior year BSN student and I interviewed for a job about 2 weeks ago. After I applied for this job, I was asked to schedule a phone interview, then immediately following this interview got an in person interview that took place about 2 weeks later. I thought the interview went really well--very casual conversation about my resume mainly. Very few behavioral types of questions. It seemed like there was a lot of discussion about the future, which gave me hope that they were interested in hiring me. I also got a tour of the unit and was introduced to staff members. When I left, I felt pretty confident that I got the job. However, now that 2 weeks have passed, I am starting to wonder. I sent a follow up email, but have still not heard back. It's also hard to judge because it is the holiday season and things tend to get busy about now. Should I be worried, or give it a little more time? I am obviously very new to this process and would appreciate any advice!

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt--twice--and also no job. The time when I was a new grad, despite such a promising interview with talks of my future there, they never got back to me, nor did they respond to my follow-up attempts. The second time, I wasn't a new grad, but there was no follow-up, though at least I received a computerized rejection a few weeks later.

Until you are holding an official job offer from HR in your hand, you do NOT have a job. Doesn't matter what was or wasn't said at the interview.

The holidays do make things run slower than usual, and people are more likely to be getting out of the office early and/or taking days off. I would try following up after the 1st of the year, when things are getting back to normal.

And if you still don't hear anything after a follow-up attempt, write it off as a "Sorry, but No" and continue the job search...you didn't stop the job search during all this, did you?

Best of luck.

Nursestef2 · Dec 30, 2017

Ugh, that's terrible. I feel like you should always get an answer either way if you interviewed. No, I haven't stopped looking for jobs completely, but I'm also not in a huge hurry since I don't graduate until May. I'm still hoping to get this job, but we'll see!

caliotter3 · Dec 30, 2017

I would be concerned after passing the NCLEX and obtaining a license. Until then, if you get an offer, great, if you don't, reapply after you have a license. Reserve your stress for completing your final assignments, exams, and other requirements for graduation.

bluebeetle7 · Jan 2, 2018

I just recently had interview and waiting to hear back. I think the holidays has pushed everything back. In my experiences, a tour of the facility/unit, usually means they're highly interested/got it. You'll probably hear by this week.

maxthecat · Jan 2, 2018

I agree with contacting HR and asking for further information--if no decision has been made yet, do they have an approximate date when one will be made?

Unfortunately, having a great interview, with talk of your future with them and with a tour of the facility, is no guarantee of a job. It used to be, but times have changed. Also, you may or may not get a rejection call/letter. These are not routinely sent out anymore either. So it will be up to you to keep checking with them.

Good luck, hope you do get the job!