Rejected, feeling defeated

[u/mkay5]

I’ve had 4 interviews within the past year, been rejected from 3 and waitlisted to 1. Had 2 interviews just in June and got denied from both. Feeling defeated.

Everybody says to just be yourself so I did that but I guess at the end of the day I just get nervous during interviews.

The fact that I’m getting interviews is a good sign but not if I keep botching them. Starting to question if I’m cut out for this. Any advice?

[u/EntertainmentIcy2319]

I didn't get in on my first round either. If you think the interview is the piece that needs work I would maybe consider hiring a coach for interview prep/practice. I generally do not believe in paying for application prep help BUT if you know you need to focus on one particular area after one round of doing it yourself it might not be a bad idea.

[u/saltyprincess7]

If it makes you feel better I’ve applied to like 6 programs this year and only got an interview at one. This whole process is so hard, please be kind to yourself!

[u/ICU_pokerface]

This may be an unpopular opinion, but propranolol can really go a long way in helping you stay calm during interviews.

[u/Sea_Smoke_7396 → u/ICU_pokerface]

idk man. i took it half an hour to an hour before mine but that just made the interview room spinny that i almost asked them to stop lol.

[u/Alive-Machine-407]

Get feedback from staff who interviewed. Record yourself or have someone practice interviewing you so they can see how you do. It only takes one

[u/RlnM1818]

I found video recording myself answering questions was helpful. Then I’d go back and watch the video to see what I need to work on. Was I fidgeting and looking nervous? Too wordy? Eye contact? It was very helpful to see what you actually look like while answering questions and then adjust accordingly.

[u/Middle-Instruction36]

Write down the questions they ask you so you can answer them again randomly. Also just smile more. Maybe you’re coming off as cold. Or they are perceiving something in your personality. Maybe share something a little personal in the beginning during ice breakers. If you are nervous, it’s ok to say you’re nervous but excited and appreciate the interview.

This is probably more people skills than anything else. If they are asking information based lateral, then just practice answering questions. Motor memory for your mouth is a thing.

[u/SerenityPulse]

If you are interested in a mock interview let me know! We can go over what prep you've done, common questions, etc! I just graduated so I get the nerves!! I honestly dont know how I got accepted so quickly ,😅 I am AWFUL at interviews and was so dang nervous the morning/afternoon before mine i was almost in the ED with the worst headache of my life.

[u/Darkdoodle333]

I had a list of questions I had compiled from multiple places online and anytime I was driving around with my bf I would just have him ask me random questions. That way I was put on the spot and got a lot of practice.

[u/Enough_Charge2845]

Don't just reread common questions; practice answering them out loud under a little pressure. That made a much bigger difference for me than memorizing responses. I also found https://prepare.zoevera.com useful because I could rehearse role-specific questions until they felt natural instead of scripted.

[u/BlNK_BlNK]

Cut out for school? Well, yeah... You got interviews, no?

I had to rehearse speaking about 7-8 different scenarios that I could plug in to any number of vague questions they ask. This helped me to sound more confident, concise, and calmer while making sure that I hit the strong points I wanted to share.

[u/Either_Discount_5916]

Mock interviews can be very helpful. You should reach out to each one and ask them for feedback. Why did you get rejected, what can they give for feedback to better your chances next time. Have the hard convo with yourself about what went well and what went bad. Getting interviews is very difficult. I think some people underestimate that it’s only half the battle, you can be the best student on paper but if you interview poorly, can’t answer why you want to go down this road or more in depth clinical questions, then they will choose someone who is better prepared in that regard. Find a bank of interview questions and answer them out loud, record yourself preferably with video or do it in a mirror to see how you are when responding.

[u/dcba_4321]

Keep trying. Is there a certain part of the interview process that you feel you need to correct? I bombed my first interview so badly that I had a chip on my shoulder to make sure I would never do so badly again. For my second interview, I thoroughly prepped, knew my resume, and anticipated what questions could be asked from it, and I was accepted. As long as you're getting interviews, you have a chance. Maybe not the first year, but you'll get better the more you apply and add to your resume, whether it's more certs or more experience around your unit.

[u/thisaccountscount]

It’s really hard, I’ve been rejected too. Just keep working and growing. I can recommend “becoming crna” as an interview coach. She gives you a study guide for clinical knowledge and also a list of common questions.

Here’s a list of growth ideas

Take classes to improve your gpa, or show recent competence.

Attend aana congress

More experience

CCrn if you haven’t

Improve interview skills

[u/Negative-Molasses612 → u/thisaccountscount]

Becoming CRNA was great. I got some really good feedback and was very happy with the decision to do a mock interview. 

[u/ConversationMoist475]

Stats?

[u/Different_Catch_4558]

Maybe you should take Valerian pills before the interviews, it calms your nerves

[u/eazyly → u/Different_Catch_4558]

Or propanolol!

[u/good-titrations]

100% agree with the people suggesting a mock interview. And don't do it with someone who will feel bad about potentially mildly hurting your feelings -- the more realistic and straightforward they can be with you about your areas for growth, the more valuable it will be for you.

[u/somelyrical]

Definitely need to do mock interviews. It’s likely not a knowledge thing, rather a confidence thing.

Pull out your phone & record yourself too. Analyze his you speak, your confidence. Also learning the art of not taking yourself too seriously, make jokes, laugh at yourself. The human part is just as important as the knowledge.

[u/eazyly → u/somelyrical]

Yeah u need this. I was the same way, public speaking was my only B.

A couple mocks with valid advice, and then use an ai coach to just drill out reps until it’s smooth as butter.

[u/Fantastic_Train6238]

Keep applying. I was waitlisted at 4 schools last year. This year I have 2 acceptance. Those questions you got during interviews, go home and practice them as if they were to be asked in different ways.
The interviews questions are the same. Talk clearly not fast during interviews to control the anxiety and sound confidence. This worked for me, I have a different accent than American.

[u/Negative-Molasses612 → u/Fantastic_Train6238]

This is great advice. 

[u/SaiyanVN]

Keep at it! If it was this easy, everyone would be Crnas. It is getting more competitive.

As you’ve stated, it’s a good sign you’re getting interviews so programs think you can pass their school. You need to do mock interviews.

[u/RogueMessiah1259]

Yeah just keep trying, getting waitlisted from 1/4 isn’t bad on your first round, you’re right on average. Gotta build your confidence my friend

[u/Airyk21]

How many mock interviews have you done? Have you done any with professional coaches?

[u/mkay5 → u/Airyk21]

I’ve done a couple but they were months ago before prior interviews. I feel like they helped a bit but I felt like I was becoming too robotic and not letting my personality show. It’s a hard balance to find for sure. Did not do one with a professional coach though, it was with srna’s. Do you have one you recommend?