Will I get a call saying I didn't get the job?

caliotter3 · Jul 7, 2011

Employers generally do not bother informing the nonselectee these days. Their lack of response is usually your answer. If you want to know for certain, call them for an update, so you can put your energy elsewhere.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jul 7, 2011

I wouldn't give up just yet. Depending on how many layers of bureaucracy there are at these workplaces, it may take a week or more for all the people involved to have their hands on your paperwork. Checking references is also a bit of a time-consuming process, especially if the employer uses a third-party service to do that part. I interviewed for a position two weeks ago tomorrow and I'm not expecting to hear anything for at least another week. I know they're contacting my references because those fine folks have let me know; the CNS on my current unit told me last Thursday that she'd been called, and another person told me yesterday! When I got the job I'm currently in, I had a verbal confirmation that I got the job and information about my orientation weeks before I actually got it in writing. (It came three days before I was due to start the job!) So give them a few more days before you assume you're not hired.

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Jul 7, 2011

My experience with hospital HR is that silence = no. Until you hear back from them, you're more than justified in continuing your job search.

caryrey02 · Jul 7, 2011

their way of saying you didn't get is to simply disappear... If I were you I'd give them a friendly follow up call, worked for me ;-)

Good luck

OhioRN2011 · Jul 7, 2011

Thanks for all your thoughts on this. At the hospital I interviewed with the manager of the unit, not HR. I wasn't expecting to hear from the hospital just yet anyway. She let me know that she had other interviews to do this week. The LTC also said she had other interviews to do. I just REALLY need job! What should I say when I call to inquire about these jobs? Thanks again for all your input!

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jul 8, 2011

You didn't interview with HR but they will definitely be involved in the hiring process, at either place. Even a small, freestanding LTC will have an HR person of some sort. They're the ones who deal with the benefits, tax deductions, personnel files and all those other details. The manager of the unit will not have time to take on that administrative stuff.

OhioRN2011 · Jul 8, 2011

Thanks again for all your input! I got a call today from the LTC facility and accepted the PRN position they offered. I'm in the door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yeah:

Spydered · Jul 9, 2011

Congrats on getting the job...:)

dudette10, MSN, RN · Jul 10, 2011

Congrats to the OP on getting a job.

For anyone reading this, I always ask about notification if not selected for the position. It's one of my standard questions at the interview, usually at the very end before the goodbye handshake. Knowing that, plus the timeline for decision-making (another end-of-interview question), reduces my anxiety considerably.

ETA: Strangely enough, at my last interview, the HR person asked me about my previous interviews, where, what units, and when I would be notified. I'm glad I was able to answer all those questions, and I looked at the mere asking as a positive sign (along with the fact that the HR person was taking notes on application packet).

Blondenurse83 · Jul 10, 2011

Congrats to the OP on getting a job :) As a fellow Ohio nurse (I'm guessing from your name!) I know how tough it is here right now!! :yeah: