Why do managers ask you to contact them with questions after interviews?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Float Pool Nursing.

Hi all,

I am an RN in the one of the ICUs within my hospital. Two weeks ago I interviewed for an internal position in another unit that I am interested in. The interview seemed to go well, I shadowed for little while, and the manager gave me her business card and told me to email her if I had any questions afterward. I've been waiting/hoping for a callback since then but I know that HR was off last week due to the holidays. I left with a good feeling but I don't know if I got the position.

Anyway, a few days ago I emailed the manager with a very innocuous question about unit projects that were available in her unit, as I would be interested in getting involved in such projects in the event that I was hired, for my clinical ladder project. No reply. Several days later, I emailed her about the possibility of a second shadow since the day I shadowed was a very slow day and I would like to see more about how the unit works. No reply.

I feel that I've exhausted my email attempts. I know that the manager is not on leave. My question is, why do managers tell you to contact them after an interview, if they don't intend to get back to you? Even giving you a business card? Am I wrong to find this rude..? Even unprofessional..?

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Specializes in L&D.

I don't know but the same thing happened to me!

I interviewed before Christmas. She told me I wouldn't hear till after the New Year but to email her with any questions.

I sent her a thank you email with a follow up question and no response.

So frustrating.

I'm guessing she's just busy and it's not high on her priority list.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Are you sure she isn't just off for the holidays? Ours take time now since it is slow administrative wise these two weeks.

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Specializes in Pedi.

"A few days ago" you sent the first email and then "several days later" you sent the second one. When was a few days ago? And when did you send the second email, yesterday? It's the middle of the holidays, I wouldn't be surprised if most managers were off Wed-Fri last week and this. Certainly no managers are working today. No, it's not rude or unprofessional, she probably hasn't gotten to you yet. Managers do have other responsibilities you know.

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I have no idea, but it's very annoying!

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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.

I interviewed for a position 2 days before new years eve by 2 different managers separately in the same day. They both seemed enthusiastic about wanting to hire me and told me they looked forward to working with me and I expressed the same. I left the interview confident the position would be offered to me without a doubt. The next day, I received the dreaded rejection email. I was very confused as to why they seemed eager and interested in working with me but rejected me as a viable candidate for a position that I'm qualified for.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Things get lost in the shuffle. Brown eyed girl don't get discouraged. About 3 months ago I interviewed for a position thought it went well. Manager gave me her card, 2 days later the rejection came via the HR website. I didn't follow up.

Another week and half ago by I get called by my now new supervisor to discuss my orientation to my new position.

Turns out they hired my spoke to my current manager and got my transfer approved, just HR was keeping up as they hired me an internal candidate and an external candidate. The HR website showed the external was hired and I wasn't selected.

My now manager was embarrassed about the mistake.

Turns out both managers and the scheduling coordinators all knew about my transfer before I did.

So managers have many things going on, things can get messed up.

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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.
Things get lost in the shuffle. Brown eyed girl don't get discouraged. About 3 months ago I interviewed for a position thought it went well. Manager gave me her card, 2 days later the rejection came via the HR website. I didn't follow up.

Another week and half ago by I get called by my now new supervisor to discuss my orientation to my new position.

Turns out they hired my spoke to my current manager and got my transfer approved, just HR was keeping up as they hired me an internal candidate and an external candidate. The HR website showed the external was hired and I wasn't selected.

My now manager was embarrassed about the mistake.

Turns out both managers and the scheduling coordinators all knew about my transfer before I did.

So managers have many things going on, things can get messed up.

That sucks for them because I just accepted another ft position at my old job. I've decided that I will no longer fixate on things I can't change. Doing so only prolongs my temporary feelings of rejection and inadequacies as a nurse. Make no mistake, I really wanted the job because of the opportunity that it would afford me to grow as a LPN AND RN (when I restart and finish school). However, I cannot wait in vain hoping for a change of heart or fixing a miscommunication on their end. If they call, I will take a PRN spot if available. I have to keep moving forward and trust that everything will work out for me for my benefit in the end.

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i wouldn't be overly concerned. During the holidays, managers, leaders, and office nurses take time off, not necessarily leave.

last business week i only worked ONE day and most of my priority was getting the most immediate, highest acuity tasks taken care of. this current week, i only worked two days. I'm sure you will hear from her this week.

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