new grad who didn't get into a specific nursing program

Hi all,

I have a question-I am a new grad who didn't get into a new grad program at one of the hospitals near by. It was a tough program to get into. 900 applied, less than 100 got interviewed and I believe 20 got in. Is it ok to email the interviewer and ask why I did not get accepted and if she has any recommendations? I feel it will be beneficial information for future interviews so I can work on my faults. Please let me know your opinions and how I can address it to the interviewer. Thanks all!
You can try but you probably won't get anything besides "Thank you for applying. You were a great choice, but the others were even better."

I agree with the previous post. What was the initial screening process? (was there a test, phone interview, etc.) I believe the most frustrating part of the process is the simple- not knowing. I know I can think the whole experience to death, and believe that I am a loser. Mark Twain had a quote: "I had the worst experiences in my life time, but most didn't even take place."

Quote from dedicatei have a question-i am a new grad who didn't get into a new grad program at one of the hospitals near by. it was a tough program to get into. 900 applied, less than 100 got interviewed and i believe 20 got in. is it ok to email the interviewer and ask why i did not get accepted and if she has any recommendations? i feel it will be beneficial information for future interviews so i can work on my faults. please let me know your opinions and how i can address it to the interviewer. thanks all!

Quote from SummitAPYou can try but you probably won't get anything besides "Thank you for applying. You were a great choice, but the others were even better."

You can try, but you'll probably get a stock answer like "you were an excellent candidate, but more qualified candidates were selected". I used to work in HR before I went to nursing school, and I can tell you that when somebody received 900 resumes, they don't read through all 900. They read just enough (starting with the ones submitted first) to get as many candidates to interview as they need. The trick to applying for jobs is often to be one of the first people to click "send" on the email with your resume and cover letter so that your resume is seen first, not lost in a pile of 900. And that's all there is to it...

Everyone so far has tried to dissuade you, but this is one of those situations of "what do you have to lose"? If they don't respond or you receive a stock/pat answer, you are no worse off. It will only cost you the time it takes to make the inquiry. Every now and again people will surprise you and you just might get the heartfelt response you want. (The Dean of the Nursing School of a major university recently made time to meet with me privately. I won't go into the circumstances, but it was extremely generous on her part and I was most grateful for her time and input.) Your question is legitimate and well-phrased. You may as well send a courteous letter (not an email) directly to the interviewer (not HR, unless one and the same). Include your telephone number and ask if the interviewer would mind giving you a call. People frequently do not have time or will not make time to write a response, but will make time for a phone call. Good luck!

With a program like that, it often comes down to who you know. How did you get the interview? HR recommendation? That usually doesn't even get you an interview. I recommend you make some friends on those units some how. That way they can push your resume into their hands and say "Hire this person!" It really does help. With the economy the way it is, a lot of hires are coming from personal recommendations of current employees. Good luck with the job hunt!

let's not go aroud the bush!your question is "is it ok to email the interviewer and ask why i did not get accepted and if she has any recommendations?". there's nothing wrong if you want to give it a try. all hr are not the same. just as we all do. some of them would be gladly to give you advice. just make sure you indicate your contact or email address for them to reach you. and this is not a waste of time for you and to them. it is better if you try than living in doubt...

Don't waste your energy...like others above mentioned, you aren't going to get a constructive answer. Over 800 people didn't make it. The odds of you contacting someone who knows the specific reasons that 1 out of that group weren't chosen are not going to be good.There is a good chance nothing was wrong with you. The fact is very few were chosen, and for for each one who was there were probably 10 others who were just as good or better candidates. Sometimes you aren't one of the best. And then again sometimes you are, but then life isn't always fair.

Give it a go. Also use this statement, "I was wondering if maybe you could tell me..." This statement sounds really polite when asking.

Your title, "new grad who didn't get into a specific nursing program" is confusing-maybe they thought you were still thinking like a student when you interviewed. A better way to phrase it would have been "new grad who didn't get into specific hospital program." You are now a real nurse, not a student. But in all reality, there were just too many applicants for too few positions.

Thanks for the replies so far! By the way- not sure if I mentioned, but I did get interviewed which is why I'm so curious. I can always apply to the next program again and be more prepared. It was my first RN interview. I get really nervous w/ interviews- especially panel interviews & case scenario questions. Even though I'm aware that I know the correct answer, I get nervous when I'm put on the spot. Practice does make perfect & I will practice. I hate to say this- but I am shocked about one specific person who got in the program, which makes me think that having connections with people in the hospital can deffinetly help get your foot in the door.