When should I call? Now or next week?

[Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN]

Hello. A little over a week ago I had my 1st interview (since graduating in Dec 2010),at a local hospital. I first met with HR who said, "You will hear from me in a week whether it's yay or nay." The day after my interview, 3 personal references called and said they had been contacted. Of course I sent a thank you email and note (to HR and the director of the unit). It's been slightly over a week, and I am debating when I should call and do a follow up. Should I call tomorrow or wait until next week? Do I call the director or the HR representative? What should I say when I call? Both the Dir. and HR rep gave me their cards, so I have direct numbers. I think I am freaking out so much because I have too much time on my hands, LoL! Does the hospital hiring process usually take a long time (between interview and offer)? GEEZ! It's been so long since I've been through this, I dont know how to act.

Next week I will be occupied most days (one including a 2nd interview with a job I really do not want. I need a job, and I will probably take it if offered, but there is NO PATIENT CARE involved and that's why I do not want it. I really have to start working and soon.) It has been 2 years since I have worked. 2 years ago I was a LPN, which at one point I believed would be beneficial to gaining a job - guess not.

Thanks in advance for your advice??

[klone, MSN, RN]

I would call today or tomorrow

[SweetseRN]

I second the call...Today or tomorrow for sure. Good luck!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Call. You won't be changing their minds or ruining your chances by calling.

[Trauma NP/PA]

I would call today or tomorrow. You should follow up a week after an interview if you haven't heard anything. Also, maybe they are doing a background check on you, it takes at least 2-3 days. And, HR is usually the one doing the offer and the contract, so it takes a couple days. Don't worry too much yet. Good Luck!

[OCNRN63, RN]

Call them.

[noahsmama]

Since both the Director and the HR rep gave you their cards, I would call both of them. Thank them both again for the interview, reiterate your enthusiastic interest in working for them, let them know that you have additional interviews upcoming but they're your first choice (assuming that's true), so you're hoping they'll be able to inform you of their decision soon.

Good luck!

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Since both the Director and the HR rep gave you their cards, I would call both of them. Thank them both again for the interview, reiterate your enthusiastic interest in working for them, let them know that you have additional interviews upcoming but they're your first choice (assuming that's true), so you're hoping they'll be able to inform you of their decision soon.

Good luck!

OOOOOOOOOOOOO! I like this advice! PERFECT, mama!

[SanDiegoCaliRN]

Since both the Director and the HR rep gave you their cards, I would call both of them. Thank them both again for the interview, reiterate your enthusiastic interest in working for them, let them know that you have additional interviews upcoming but they're your first choice (assuming that's true), so you're hoping they'll be able to inform you of their decision soon.

Good luck!

I read somewhere online recently that saying you have other interview and job opportunities can actually backfire on you. Everyone in HR knows that in this economy it's difficult to get a job and they just may bypass you for someone who NEEDS the job more than you if they feel you have other options out there. How true do you guys think this is?

[SanDiegoCaliRN]

By the way, very best of luck to you Mrs.SnowStormRN! I do hope you get the job and it was worth the long wait :)

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

My first hospital job, I called EVERY DAY until they hired me I think they took a chance on a fairly new grad (out 6 months) just to clear up the phone lines Make 'em notice you-- until you do, you're a name on an application :) (don't terrorize them, but it doesn't hurt to let them know how much you want the job- most folks are pretty nice if you kind of chuckle and say you just want to check, and appreciate their time).

[klone, MSN, RN]

I read somewhere online recently that saying you have other interview and job opportunities can actually backfire on you. Everyone in HR knows that in this economy it's difficult to get a job and they just may bypass you for someone who NEEDS the job more than you if they feel you have other options out there. How true do you guys think this is?

I disagree. They don't hire people out of pity, they hire them because they're a desirable candidate. I think knowing that you're in demand would make you a more valuable candidate, rather than less.