---
title: My Biggest NP Job Interview Blunders, Revealed | ThriveAP
description: Finding a job when you already have one isn’t easy. Looking to transition from employment in urgent care to a role as a nurse practitioner in the emergency department, I found it difficult to find time for the job search and interview process. Asking for a morning off for an ‘appointment’, which my employer likely … My Biggest NP Job Interview Blunders, Revealed Read More »
---

# My Biggest NP Job Interview Blunders, Revealed

[Finding a job when you already have one](https://thriveap.com/blog/avoid-awkwardness-finding-nurse-practitioner-job-when-you-already-have-one) isn’t easy. Looking to transition from employment in urgent care to a role as a nurse practitioner in the emergency department, I found it difficult to find time for the job search and interview process. Asking for a morning off for an ‘appointment’, which my employer likely assumed was for dental work but in actuality was for a job interview, felt dishonest. Attempting to squeeze job interviews into my demanding work schedule landed me in some awkward positions.

I applied online for a [job in a local emergency department](https://thriveap.com/blog/faqs-about-becoming-emergency-nurse-practitioner) and received a voicemail from the prospective employer. I returned the call on my lunch break. Always the multitasker, my lunch break plans for the day involved a quick grocery store run and getting my car washed. Mistiming my call back, I found myself on the phone with the prospective employer as my car was pulled through the car wash. The car wash was much noisier than I expected, and the recruiter for the position could tell something was amiss. Embarrassed, and trying not to seem completely incompetent, I chalked up the noise to a poor connection. Rather than offering to call back in a few minutes, I fought through the noise which was a major mistake. I was rattled and certainly did not come across as someone the organization would want on their team.

[![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png)](https://thriveapresidency.instapage.com/)I’m not sure if the recruiter believed my bad connection story, or if she simply deemed me incompetent. Needless to say, I [did not receive a call back for an in-person interview](https://thriveap.com/blog/6-reasons-your-np-job-search-went-radio-silent). Interview blunder lesson number one, don’t interview for a job while driving through a car wash.

In a slightly more effective attempt to[ obtain a job as an emergency department nurse](https://thriveap.com/blog/5-tips-finding-new-job-within-your-hospital-system) practitioner, I interviewed with another area hospital. My meeting with the medical director went well, although he was concerned about m lack of ER experience. The [position was offered to a physician assistant ](https://thriveap.com/blog/how-respond-nurse-practitioner-job-offer)significantly more seasoned than myself.

Nothing was inherently [wrong with my approach to this interview](https://thriveap.com/blog/top-3-nurse-practitioner-job-interview-mistakes). I performed professionally and came prepared with my resume, several questions, and had done my background research. Still looking for new employment months later, however, I should have followed up. This employer was my [best shot at advancing my NP career ](https://thriveap.com/blog/how-scope-practice-laws-affect-your-nurse-practitioner-job-search)at that point in time. Had I followed up every few months, I may have been able to get my foot in the door of the emergency department more quickly. Instead, I allowed myself to be overlooked for additional positions that opened up. Interview blunder number two, lack of follow up.

My final interview blunder actually[ resulted in a job offer](https://thriveap.com/blog/6-reasons-employers-should-hire-new-grad-nurse-practitioners). The interview itself went seamlessly, with one exception. I had neglected to educate myself as to [the basics of nurse practitioner employment agreements](https://thriveap.com/blog/employment-contract-negotiation-nurse-practitioners). Thrilled to have found a job before I graduated from my nurse practitioner program, I immediately signed the proposed contract. I did not have much leverage to negotiate as a new grad NP, however I would have been wise to[ seek clarification on several terms](https://thriveap.com/blog/non-solicitation-clause-one-hiding-your-np-employment-agreement) of my employment. Neglecting to do so ultimately led to a bitter departure from this employer a year later. Interview blunder lesson number three? An offer is just the benign of the job acquisition process.

***What mistakes have you made in your nurse practitioner job interviews?***

 

[Nurse Practitioner Career Advice](https://provider.thriveap.com/blog/tag/nurse-practitioner-career-advice)

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