Strange interview... Input requested

[ddl77]

I know no one here will be able to "predict" the outcome of my interview, but it was a very strange experience that I never encountered before. Looking for some feedback...

A while ago I was browsing a local hospital's job boards and came across a position that sounded interesting and had ideal hours. I met the listed minimum qualifications, but because of the schedule, I assumed it would be highly competitive and would require more experience and qualifications than what I currently have. I applied anyways, just to see what would happen.

I received a call from the head of this department, asking if I was still interested in a position. They told me that the job I applied for did require more experience than I had, but a different position within the department opened that I qualified for and we set up an interview.

At the beginning of the interview I gave a copy of my resume to the director and clinical leader, who proceeded to talk about my first degree (non-nursing), then explained that this position could be a great way to get started in the specialty - that it would expose me to the basics of the department and I could choose to seek further advancement with experience and training because they like to promote from within. They then said they could tell I was very motivated based on my resume. I was asked no interview/personality/nursing knowledge questions, just if I had any questions for them (I came up with some throughout). We talked in detail about a typical day/my role, but I had to work hard to sell myself in the interview (working my past experiences, qualifications, and why I wanted to work there into the conversation) because as I said, they never asked any typical interview questions.

We then toured the department, they had me meet a lot of the staff, speak 1:1 with other nurses working that day, and go over some of the things I would need to know (a typical day's schedule, how to report results/view patient info/ what to teach patients). Lot of talk that could be considered to be hypothetical situations I'd experience if I was hired, but also very specific details about the position that I would never need to know unless they were considering hiring me.

The entire process took a bit over an hour, and I left asking the next step in the process. The manager told me that they usually didn't consider people with my amount of experience for their positions but that my application really stood out against others. They were not able to contact me with a decision, but I should know if I was accepted or rejected from HR a week later. The manager then gave me their card and told me to call or email with any additional questions.

It just really puzzled me that they would call me to interview for a highly desired position I didn't actually apply for, then not even "interview" in the traditional sense- they didn't use any standard evaluation tools or even ask anything about my personality, work ethic, or how I would fit in the position. The whole thing was very welcoming and positive, but so different from any interview I've had before.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Usually you at the end of the interview you know if you are hired or not. If they look you in the eye and say we'll be in touch. If they ask when can you start and say your schedule will be this and orientation is on this date.

They probably have a few more interviews to do. It's all about the $ anymore. If you have the skills the position requires and don't expect a high salary you have a better shot than the expensive and experienced candidates.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I think you're in a good position. Not all jobs hire on the spot. The fact that they gave you a 'tour' is a good sign, imho.. A couple of weeks ago I had an interview that I was pretty sure I bombed when at the end they said, "we're going to discuss our options and get back with you (paraphrasing)"... I received a generous offer letter (much more than what I requested when asked what salary I was looking for). Good luck, I think they like you. :)

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

My last interview was like that; they called me, had the interview the next day; talked about my experience, they talked about how the department operated; met some of the nurses, and went to HR and was hired on the spot. I start next week.

I think interviews like this can be an indicator of finding a fit, as well as an instance when you have some form of nursing experience, it's more of a "relaxed" interview-no panels, scripted questions-just two people meeting where they are to find out if there will be success if one gets the position.

Follow up with HR to find out if you have the position-you may have nailed it!

[ddl77]

Well, I recently heard that called my current supervisor for a reference check, so hopefully that's a good sign!

[ddl77]

Recently heard from HR that I was offered the position!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Recently heard from HR that I was offered the position!

Congrats!!! :up: