Waiting to hear back is so sad to do!

Specialties NICU

Published

Hello all,

You have always been a wonderful forum for me throughout my nursing journey, from nursing school to taking the NCLEX, and now looking for a job. I had a great interview on Monday and I thought it went so good. They were going to interview others on Wednesday. My interview lasted almost 45 min. They asked me so many questions. Then in the end they asked about my personal life. The manager said she would get back to me by the end of the week. She said HR will notify those that didnt get hired. I was professional,had questions, knew about the organization, smiled, was very enthusiastic because I am excited. My questions is what takes so long in getting back to the applicants? Dont they know who they want to hire once interviews are over? IF so then why dont managers call you back right away? Does anyone have any advice because Im so worried. I know its only been three days but I just wish I knew. Please help me!!!! Anyone

Specializes in GENERAL.
You are going to hear "no" more times than "yes" in your job search. That is no reflection on you; it is just the way it is. Take those classes and keep applying. You clearly have your head in the right place!

By the way, the fact that an answer from the interviewers was delayed can be a good thing. When I was involved in hiring, the first thing that we did was eliminate the "no way!" candidates, continuing to consider those that we thought might be a good choice until our final discussion. The "winner" in the job competition is usually the one who perseveres.

Thank you at CountyRat. When you say the winner is the one who perseveres, what attributes are demonstrated? Is it the great story in the interview or the classes that were taken to prove im interested.. I have heard from employers and my classmates that they are looking for passion and smiling and enthusiasm. What does that look like in an interview? Surely you cant smile the whole interview.

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Specializes in GENERAL.
I'm sorry you didn't get the job! I did want to comment though because I've always heard its illegal for an interviewer to ask you about your personal life. Maybe that varies by state?

I'm in my first nursing job. I interviewed for the job on a Tuesday at the beginning of July and was told they would make a decision by the end of the week. I didn't hear back from them with news that I was hired until September! I had pretty much given up on the job.

So, you really can't go by when the interviewer says you'll hear.

Wow that is so long to wait, I would have given that one up too. Im just gonna keep applying. In regards to the personal question she asked what my husband does for a living and how old my children were. Is that bad? The reason it came up is because the story involved my daughter in a trauma situation.

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Wow that is so long to wait, I would have given that one up too. Im just gonna keep applying. In regards to the personal question she asked what my husband does for a living and how old my children were. Is that bad? The reason it came up is because the story involved my daughter in a trauma situation.

I had always been told they can't ask you anything at all about your personal life.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing/Case Management.

I did not understand this process either until I was on the other end. Getting with HR and discussing pay and what can be offered, Background checks,individual reference, and then someone else on the team views the process and ensure the process was fair. It's fortunate that they will call you no matter what. Most places only call post interview to offer the job. Sounds like you did great on your interview, find something to keep you busy and keep applying for jobs. Keep us posted.

Good luck!!

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing/Case Management.

I take this as not having a "sour" face, we have to work together. We don't like Grumpy Smurfs :no:

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

What type of classes are you taking? Honestly, when we interview and see people have taken those classes it doesn't give a leg up because 1. You don't have the experience to back it and 2. Those classes are part of your orientation and you have to do them again no matter what.

Have you asked to shadow at any if the units you have applied to? Sometimes that helps or apply to newborn nursery there to get a foot in the door. Keep applying!

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Specializes in GENERAL.
I take this as not having a "sour" face, we have to work together. We don't like Grumpy Smurfs :no:

Made me smile. I actually called her and she told me I didnt get it.

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Specializes in GENERAL.
What type of classes are you taking? Honestly, when we interview and see people have taken those classes it doesn't give a leg up because 1. You don't have the experience to back it and 2. Those classes are part of your orientation and you have to do them again no matter what.

Have you asked to shadow at any if the units you have applied to? Sometimes that helps or apply to newborn nursery there to get a foot in the door. Keep applying!

I was thinking that, I just didnt want to do nothing and be lazy. Very good point, thank you. I was gonna take NRP. My sister in law who is a NICU nurse told me I can get it on the job and it be paid for. Good Idea I will ask to shadow.

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Specializes in Wilderness Medicine, ICU, Adult Ed..
Thank you at CountyRat. When you say the winner is the one who perseveres, what attributes are demonstrated? Is it the great story in the interview or the classes that were taken to prove im interested.. I have heard from employers and my classmates that they are looking for passion and smiling and enthusiasm. What does that look like in an interview? Surely you cant smile the whole interview.

I did not mean much more than keep on submitting applications; i.e., do not give up.

As for interview tips, there are others here who can give better advice than I, but I will offer one idea that has helped me. Go to each interview with the attitude that, in addition to them interviewing you, you are also interviewing them. They are deciding whether they want to hire you, but you should be deciding whether you want to work for them.

I do not mean be pushy or obnoxious, of course! Listen to them thoughtfully and, if you need to, take a moment to think about what they have said or asked before responding. This is not a race and you do not “loose points” for deliberating. Then, have a thoughtful question or two to ask them. Listen attentively to their response, and do not be afraid to peruse a matter further if you need to in order to understand them.

There are two reasons for this; first, you should be asking questions about the position and facility and think about whether it feels like a good fit for you. I know, that first job is really hard to get, and these days, a new grad can’t be picky. I also understand that our first jobs are almost never dream jobs; they are almost always less than what we want, but O.K. for now. That’s fine.

Second, asking questions about the position shows sincere interest and a capacity for intelligent decision making, which is always a plus. It also shows a desire to hear and understand what the interviewer has to say. Have you ever met anyone who disliked you because you were too attentive to who they were and what they were saying? Neither have I. It is an attractive quality; use it.

This is not a beauty contest. They are not looking for the most charming little sweaty pie. They are looking for an intelligent hard worker who pays attention, thinks on her feet, solves problems instead of complaining about them, and interacts well with others.

Please keep us up to date on your search. Good hunting, and may God be with you.

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Specializes in GENERAL.
I did not mean much more than keep on submitting applications; i.e., do not give up.

As for interview tips, there are others here who can give better advice than I, but I will offer one idea that has helped me. Go to each interview with the attitude that, in addition to them interviewing you, you are also interviewing them. They are deciding whether they want to hire you, but you should be deciding whether you want to work for them.

I do not mean be pushy or obnoxious, of course! Listen to them thoughtfully and, if you need to, take a moment to think about what they have said or asked before responding. This is not a race and you do not “loose points” for deliberating. Then, have a thoughtful question or two to ask them. Listen attentively to their response, and do not be afraid to peruse a matter further if you need to in order to understand them.

There are two reasons for this; first, you should be asking questions about the position and facility and think about whether it feels like a good fit for you. I know, that first job is really hard to get, and these days, a new grad can’t be picky. I also understand that our first jobs are almost never dream jobs; they are almost always less than what we want, but O.K. for now. That’s fine.

Second, asking questions about the position shows sincere interest and a capacity for intelligent decision making, which is always a plus. It also shows a desire to hear and understand what the interviewer has to say. Have you ever met anyone who disliked you because you were too attentive to who they were and what they were saying? Neither have I. It is an attractive quality; use it.

This is not a beauty contest. They are not looking for the most charming little sweaty pie. They are looking for an intelligent hard worker who pays attention, thinks on her feet, solves problems instead of complaining about them, and interacts well with others.

Please keep us up to date on your search. Good hunting, and may God be with you.

Point taken! Excellent advice. Thank you for those tips! Very sound and encouraging to me:)

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I am also waiting to hear back from a NICU position as a new grad. I had my interview May 15 and I still haven't heard back. I have called the NICU manager and asked when can I expect to hear back and she said by the end of this week. This NICU position means a lot to me, it's my dream job. I really hope they will offer me the position. Waiting to hear back is the absolute worst!

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Specializes in GENERAL.
I am also waiting to hear back from a NICU position as a new grad. I had my interview May 15 and I still haven't heard back. I have called the NICU manager and asked when can I expect to hear back and she said by the end of this week. This NICU position means a lot to me it's my dream job. I really hope they will offer me the position. Waiting to hear back is the absolute worst![/quote']

Good luck to you.

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