post-interview concerns/vent.

I had an interview last Thursday. I found out today that I was not selected for the position. The entire process starting from when I arrived at the hospital for the interview until today seems (for lack of a better word) sketchy. Anyway, now that I know I was not hired, I keep thinking about the interview. I felt/feel like it went fairly well. At the beginning of the interview, the interviewed said "I know you have a history of working at ___ (a local grocery store)." The bulk of my work experience is this job as I've had it for nine years now. Basically, I got the impression that she expected my answers to be about working at this place, which was the case. Now that I know I did not get hired, I'm questioning this. I wonder if I should have tried to tie in clinical experiences. However, there was a time, later in the interview when she asked specifically about clinical experiences. I don't know what to think. I really wish I could ask what went wrong....
I hate interviews for the very reason you stated, "I don't know what to think." Honestly, you never can tell how an interview went. I had an interview the other day and I thought I nailed it, couldn't believe it when I didn't get selected for the position. Now other people will tell you they got a job after a terrible interview. It all depends on your competition: how many other people were interviewed, were any of them internal applicants, did anyone "know someone," so on so on.I do think in your next interview you should tie your experience at the grocery store. Although it is a totally different environment you are still dealing with people so highlight your customer service skills, how you dealt with a difficult customer or co-worker. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about the job you didn't get. Move on to bigger and better things If it is really bugging you though you could always e-mail your interviewer and ask if there was anything you could improve upon. HR is busy though so if you don't get an answer don't take it to heart.Good luck. You will get another interview. Just look at this interview and what you could have done better and do it in your next.

If there are multiple applicants for a position then there is really no way to know what the rationale is for the choice. Period. Unless you feel you really didn't answer a particular question very well, then it doesn't pay to gnaw over each aspect of the interview. I have a friend who is a wonderful nurse, but at 5'9" and 330 lbs, and with audible breathing, she will probably not find a job. Who wants to hire someone with such obvious health issues? But they can't state that, can they?Mostly, hiring can be a guessing game. Don't fret, something will come your way.Best wishes!

Chances are nothing "went wrong" but there was another applicant who better suited the position. Maybe they had more experience, were connected to the facility in some way or had some other skill, certification, qualification they were looking for. I know it's easy to dwell on the "I wonder's" and "what if's" and rehash every question and answer, but the truth is you are never going to know why you weren't selected (unless you do call and ask) and you'll just be left more discouraged. It's not worth it tobeat yourself up over something that may not even have been in your control. Instead, learn from the interview and get back on the job-searching horse. Good luck!

Quote from lovelauren I don't know what to think. I really wish I could ask what went wrong....

OP, what makes you think the interview was "sketchy"?

I do think in your next interview you should tie your experience at the grocery store. Although it is a totally different environment you are still dealing with people so highlight your customer service skills, how you dealt with a difficult customer or co-worker. I thought it was relevant too. And apparently the interviewed did, being that she began the interview the way she did. And, at my current job, I manage the cashiers and other employees, and many of the managerial skills do overlap.

Quote from merleeIf there are multiple applicants for a position then there is really no way to know what the rationale is for the choice. Period. Unless you feel you really didn't answer a particular question very well, then it doesn't pay to gnaw over each aspect of the interview. I have a friend who is a wonderful nurse, but at 5'9" and 330 lbs, and with audible breathing, she will probably not find a job. Who wants to hire someone with such obvious health issues? But they can't state that, can they?Mostly, hiring can be a guessing game. Don't fret, something will come your way.Best wishes!

Quote from merleeIf there are multiple applicants for a position then there is really no way to know what the rationale is for the choice. Period. Unless you feel you really didn't answer a particular question very well, then it doesn't pay to gnaw over each aspect of the interview. I have a friend who is a wonderful nurse, but at 5'9" and 330 lbs, and with audible breathing, she will probably not find a job. Who wants to hire someone with such obvious health issues? But they can't state that, can they?Mostly, hiring can be a guessing game. Don't fret, something will come your way.Best wishes!

Quote from ashepherdOP, what makes you think the interview was "sketchy"?

Quote from lovelaurenIs it normal to ask what shift one wants during a first interview? And to mention a future meeting time when that may or may not happen?

Quote from Turd FergusonYou can contact them and ask for constructive criticism about the interview, just don't treat it like a you vs. them situation because they didn't select you. Interviewing is like any other skill out there... it takes practice, practice, and more practice.

It definately seems like there is a lack of communication between Person A and Person B. While it's not unheard of to interview with someone other than the originally scheduled (it's happened to me twice) usually they both seem to be a part of the decision. Sorry you didn't get the job. But at least you know you did well on the interview and this can be a learning experience for next time. Good luck!