Unsure of asking...

[NurseLife88, ADN, RN]

So I recently landed my first hospital job in an area that I am very excited to be in. The entire process from start to finish has been surprisingly great. During this process I was under the impression that several people more qualified than myself were being interviewed and that there were two open positions , fast forward and I have found out I am the only new hire(only one was open I guess?!). I am not at all complaining and am in fact even more thrilled at having been given this opportunity. So here comes my question. I would like to ask my nurse manager during our meeting what is was that made her want to extend the offer for the position to me vs. other applicants. I guess I am curious to this because to I would like to live up to whatever it was she saw in me. I do feel I will be a good fit here but still curiosity gets me and I want to live up to standards so to speak. I am on the fence though as to whether this is an appropriate question to ask and really unsure of if I should I ask at all or keep my mouth shut and just be grateful to have got the job. Friends and family have said asking will make me come off as arrogant or cocky and I don't want that. I just want a better idea of what she saw me being capable of so I may really try to aspire to that even more than the normal. Any advice would be helpful and sorry this is so long.

[caliotter3]

The answer should eventually become evident. If not, ask after about a year or so.

[cleback]

Do you have to ask it as a "me vs them" question? Maybe just ask the general "how did I stand out as an applicant?" That should give you the information you want without necessarily bringing other applicants into it. Besides, you never know... maybe the others just got better offers elsewhere.

[NurseLife88, ADN, RN]

Do you have to ask it as a "me vs them" question? Maybe just ask the general "how did I stand out as an applicant?" That should give you the information you want without necessarily bringing other applicants into it. Besides, you never know... maybe the others just got better offers elsewhere.

Thanks for pointing that out because no I don't want it to come off as a me vs them type of question. I am looking for the answer more for learning experience and as I said to really try and live up to what is expected. And yes I definitely had also considered maybe I got this job because I was the only one who wanted it, and if that were the case I think it may make awkward conversation for us both which I would like to avoid lol

[Sour Lemon]

Thanks for pointing that out because no I don't want it to come off as a me vs them type of question. I am looking for the answer more for learning experience and as I said to really try and live up to what is expected. And yes I definitely had also considered maybe I got this job because I was the only one who wanted it, and if that were the case I think it may make awkward conversation for us both which I would like to avoid lol

Just assume it's because you're beautiful. That's what I do.

[SmilingBluEyes]

It's a question I would not ask. Just continue to be awesome: Punctual, professional, hard-working, drama-free, and you will be fine. If you have not learned this yet: It's best to be in competition only with yourself. Continue to strive for improvement and growth and don't worry what others are doing or compare yourself to them. Comparing leads to angst, worry and unhappiness. Be your best YOU.

[NurseLife88, ADN, RN]

It's a question I would not ask. Just continue to be awesome: Punctual, professional, hard-working, drama-free, and you will be fine. If you have not learned this yet: It's best to be in competition only with yourself. Continue to strive for improvement and growth and don't worry what others are doing or compare yourself to them. Comparing leads to angst, worry and unhappiness. Be your best YOU.

Thanks for the good advice. I will definitely be striving for the best me I can be!

[Davey Do]

A consensual perspective on reality is something we all seek. An oft-asked generic question on this site is "Do you see or understand this situation as I do?" and a reality check is often in order.

I for one applaud your endeavor to feel at peace with yourself buy gaining a consensual perspective on reality, NurseLife and would enquire as to the reason I was hired over other applicants and have done so. Everything on the up and up.

Work your question into the hiring practice angle, for example. Institution's management enjoy singing their own praises. Agree or compliment them and then say something like, "And that's why I was honored ​to be considered and hired for this position. What characteristics is it that you look for in potential applicants? yada yada..."

[Davey Do]

I would like to ask my nurse manager during our meeting what is was that made her want to extend the offer for the position to me vs. other applicants.

A consensual perspective on reality is something we all seek. An oft-asked generic question on this site is "Do you see or understand this situation as I do?"

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would probably not ask because I wouldn't want to put my manager on the spot. They may not want to discuss it. I know I hate receiving such questions.

Sometimes, the reasons for hiring one person over another are not very pretty -- and having to discuss it might make your boss uncomfortable. Also, I can't think of any way that asking such a thing will make you look good.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Many times corporations prefer to hire green employees. Instead of trying to change the habits of an experienced person, they can mold you to their corporates image. You're new to the industry and for them they can take the time to invest in you for their long term goals. They see you as a worthwhile investment.

Remember this is a business. Don't get all emotional; just prove them right. Forget about the why; I would be happy to have a job. Many times in life there isn't a reason...it's just life. I wouldn't go on the floor and start questioning the others as to the WHY either. Is it not enough to be happy and employed...

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

It's a question I would not ask. Just continue to be awesome: Punctual, professional, hard-working, drama-free, and you will be fine. If you have not learned this yet: It's best to be in competition only with yourself. Continue to strive for improvement and growth and don't worry what others are doing or compare yourself to them. Comparing leads to angst, worry and unhappiness. Be your best YOU.

I wouldn't ask either. Obviously you offered something that they were impressed with, and you were hired as a result. Appreciate it.

Or you were the best applicant of a mediocre to lousy pack of them...which in itself may not be flattering. And would that be something you'd really want to know?

Does it really matter why you got the job or why the other applicants didn't? Just run with the opportunity and continue to put your best foot forward.