It’s too bad that interviewing for jobs doesn’t pay. Because I’d have some money by now. Thankfully I have a great job as of writing this. I’ve had a great job for the past five years, working as a nurse practitioner in primary care. But I’ve been feeling that it’s time to change paths. It’s scary but I’ve thought it through. After taking care of people for 12 years (intermittently while earning my degrees), I’ve come to the stark realization that I don’t want to anymore. Even from a detached point of view, I’ve known for some time that I’m not the best at it and oddly enough, I’m okay with that. Because I think I would be of better use elsewhere. This is a big thing that drives my desire to switch careers right now. I’ve been interested in medical research for some time. I think I’d like it and be good at it.

So, earlier this week, I went for an interview at a local hospital for the role of Cardiac Research Nurse. I was thrilled to even get an interview because the job is with a top notch and large employer. The hospital that houses the job is nationally recognized for being among the best. I met with the hiring manager, Nancy, on a Wednesday morning. It was the most intense interview I think I’ve ever had. She asked me a lot of questions, as if the organization actually does care about who they are going to be hiring to do the job. This was quite the contrast compared to many other job interviews I’ve been to.

I remember meeting with the owner of Subway, the sandwich restaurant, when I was 16. I’d seen the ad in the newspaper. I showed up wearing jeans and my purple “JV Basketball Champions” t-shirt that I was quite proud of. I’d taken a break from shooting hoops that afternoon to go talk with the owner. I guess he wasn’t expecting much. He hired me readily. That was a fun job, making sandwiches for young sailors and other esoteric U.S. government employees on the largest naval base in the world. We were very busy at lunch time, but I thoroughly enjoyed that summer spent slathering turkey, ham, bacon, and cheese on to those big sub sandwiches. All for six bucks an hour.

My interview for my first nursing job was a little daunting, but I think it was supposed to be. I was interviewed by two hospital floor managers (probably the worst job in the world) and I was asked the very basics, things they told us in nursing school that would be asked, so I was prepared. “What are your strengths?” “What are your weaknesses?” I had to follow up on that interview and was so happy to hear that I did get the job. Looking back, I think they would have hired anyone with RN behind her name.

More recently as an adult, I can think of about three interviews I went to in which I wasn’t really asked much at all, but rather was just told about the job. Oh yeah, even for my current job, I wasn’t asked any questions that I can recall, other than when I met the COO to seal the deal and she didn’t even introduce herself but said, “Tell me about yourself,” as if it was a way to pass time as we sat awkwardly at a table waiting for someone else to show up. I didn’t even know at the time that she was the second in command of the whole company. I interviewed with a pulmonary (lung) clinic a few years back, which took all of 10 minutes. They didn’t ask me anything and called me later that day to offer me the job. Looking back, they were probably desperate for a body too. I didn’t take that job. A few months back I interviewed for an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) clinic. The doctor interviewing asked me why I was looking to switch jobs (valid), how family members/co-workers would describe me, whether I had experience in ENT practice, and whether I had kids. I’m pretty sure that last question broke some sort of ethical rule in interviewing. I told him I have a Golden retriever. Maybe he prefers pit bulls or chihuahuas and that’s why I didn’t get the job. Or maybe it’s because I said my co-workers would describe me as quiet (among helpful, hardworking, and friendly).

I’ve noticed that most jobs now do an initial phone screening/phone interview to make sure a candidate is legit and not wasting the company’s time. Understandable. Last year I did an initial Zoom interview with a start up telehealth company based in San Francisco. The top guy (CEO) appeared on the screen wearing a t-shirt. He was nestled in his man cave, within a cushy computer chair. I wonder if he was wearing pants or not. The room appeared carpeted. Books lined the shelves around him and there were football jerseys and indecipherable plaques on the wall. His desk was cluttered. He spoke fast and had a rehearsed speech he delivered: basic info provided about the company – pay, benefits, etc. He asked about my experience working with patients who have mental health issues. I moved on to the next interview piece, a mock virtual encounter, which I thought I nailed but must not have, since I didn’t get the job. I asked the CEO via email why I didn’t get the job. There was no response.

For the Research Nurse job, the phone interviewer did ask me about my background. I basically reiterated all that’s on my resume. I had a good reason when she asked why I was looking to switch from nurse practitioner to research nurse: I feel my skills and interests are better suited to research than to the role of clinician.

I showed up to the recent Research Nurse interview wearing my best black pants, flats, polyester pink crew necked blouse, and black blazer. I even blow dried my hair and used the flat iron to make it perfectly wavy. I had my professional tote bag over my shoulder. I was relaxed. The woman interviewing me, Nancy, appeared very approachable and friendly. I wasn’t super nervous. Inside her office, she told me about the role and asked me some questions. She had my resume in front of her. Her questions were good, and even ones I didn’t prepare for: “Have you ever had to correct a person who worked for you/with you?” “Have you ever worked with someone you disagreed with and how did you handle the situation?” “How important is informed consent to you when working with patients?” “How would you respond to a co-worker who is having a difficult time at work?” “How did you handle an unexpected event at work / a situation in which something went differently than what was planned?” “Give an example of a time in which you went above and beyond on a project.” “Do you meet deadlines at your job?” “What makes you uniquely qualified for the job?” I think I had solid answers (with real-life examples) for each of these questions. I proved to the interviewer that I’ve worked in some sticky situations, have dealt with conflict, am formally educated, and have hands-on/nitty-gritty experience in health care working with real people. I’m not afraid of conflict. But I’m a peacemaker. I sense, because she unequivocally said it, that she got the impression I’m very much about getting things done. I explained that I care about ethics and that I’m intrigued by scientific inquiry and its objectivity in answering clinical questions – in order to improve people’s lives.

I passed the initial in-person interview with the hiring manager. But beyond the mountains are more mountains, as they say. I was invited to come back in a week for the “team interview” (I wonder what questions they’ll ask there) and to shadow for the role. It sounds promising, but I’ve learned that it’s tough to read interviewers.

Something I’ve discovered from all my interviewing: I think it’s important that candidates be themselves. And that’s what I was for this Research Nurse interview. I sold my ability to read, write, analyze, organize data, interact with others diplomatically, and get stuff done. This was my favorite and I think most successful interview. I felt like myself. This job feels like me. I didn’t feel I was a rectangle trying to fit into a triangle. I was able to comfortably answer the tough questions because of my work history and my personal beliefs. I was honest and okay with that. I didn’t feel the pressure to say what the hiring manager wanted to hear. My heart wasn’t racing as I sat across from her. I didn’t feel desperate or self-critical. I just was. And that felt great. I like that the Research Nurse role is about gathering data, overseeing things, coordinating things, monitoring patients (but not really providing patient care). Something more me.

Another thing: In my book, it’s a good sign if a company has a rigorous interview process. It means they want good people working for them. Treating sick patients is different than making sandwiches. Also, think about if you were a CEO. What questions would you ask a potential employee? Who would you hire? My dad gave me some of the best advice ever: Be someone you would hire.

My advice: look for a job that you fit or that fits you (if you prefer to think of it that way). It’s important to not feel conflicted at your job. Be who you are. And do your work. The interview should feel natural. Also, dress your best. It can take time and practice to find the right fit, but I believe it can be done. ~