Telling the truth or softening the blow?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

So, I recently had an interview and job shadow for a school nurse position. I received a call from the recruiter and she stated she had good & bad news. Bad news was that I did not get the job. Good news was that they really liked me. The recruiter wanted to know if I would be interested in them keeping my name for a future role for a school nurse.

I stated yes and she said she would forward this information to the team. The recruiter then stated it is only a matter of time. Could this be a way for them to soften the blow or do you think they might consider me for a future role? Wonder what she meant by it is only a matter of time? What is the best way to stay in touch with the recruiter regarding the role? I just don't want them to forget about me if they are really interested in me. I'm probably just overthinking this because I really wanted the job.

Dear Overthinking,

I think this is more the recruiter being truthful than softening the blow.

By saying "it's only a matter of time" it could suggest she has some information that she can't share, such as she knows of a position opening up, or for some reason she believes the person chosen fore the job may not stay long.

At the same time, whatever information she has can also change quickly. For example, it's not uncommon for new positions to not be approved by a governing committee at the last minute.

Of course this is all conjecture, and what's important is only what you have control over. Check in regularly with this recruiter. Obviously she thinks well of you.

"Hi, I'm just checking in :). Any updates for me?"

Good luck! I hope you get a job you love soon.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[swtnclassyRN]

Thank you for responding. So I was offered a school nurse position a week after posting this.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Congratulations!!!

[Wlaurie, RN]

I had this happen to me for a non nursing job. I never heard from them again. So I'm voting for the softening the blow. It's OK, you'll find another job but I wouldnt put too much more thought or effort into this one.