I’ve found this website very helpful in helping me deal with a recent string of rejections for internal postings at the company I work for. The last one being the most difficult.

The interview went extremely well and I was told there were only five applicants selected out of an overwhelming repsonse. Myself, three from the Branch I was applying to and one from outside the company. She immediately dismissed that individual for not having enough experiance in our industry. Towards the end we discussed moving towards the second interview and touched on salary. Reviewer brought that one up and said we’d discuss it further in the second interview. She told me she needed to speak with her current assistant manager, as that person was on holiday and she would contact me in two weeks time.

During the course of the next two weeks my manager and supervisor had both been contacted about me. The feed back was very strong and I was extremely confident. Let me say that HR has told me I am management material, to continue with my education and that it’s only a matter of time before I move up into the management stream. All my performance reviews have been stellar, I put 200% into every aspect of the operation and have been the, “go to”, person at my Branch for many issues.

Then I get an e-mail that tells me I was a close 2nd and as the successful candidate was a new hire, they would be subject to a 90 day probationary period. If the new candidate didn’t work out she MAY call me to fill the spot. The company posting the next day announced someone I know in the same industry, who was the successful candidate. This individual is very skilled and accomplished, but has moved from three different companies in our industry over the past 5 to 7 years.

I was absolutely devestated at this turn of events.

I’m certain this candidate was a late comer and presented by someone within that Branch Location.

I feel really betrayed as I had instructed by our HR department to take courses in finance to bolster that skill set. I’m one course shy of a Business Certificate, at my own expense and time, and this position was given to someone outside of the company.

I’ve applied to eight postions over the last three years and have been interviewed for six. Each time the interviews and response has increased forward and I have been very happy with the progress. The only thing every single interviewer commented on was how valuable my going back to school weighted in my favour.

Now I’m not so sure. I know I had this job. In my gut and my current Manager felt the same way. I’m guessing this is a, “networked”, success for the other lady, but a real set back for me. Further, as three of the other candidates were from our company, it implies that none of us were good enough. Our company is now trending towards consolodating postions, so when someone leaves the position isn’t necessarily filled or posted. What message does that send existing employees?

Given my age, 56, and I should mention I’m very fit and look 40, I believe this was the dagger through the heart of my career. I’m really upset by this turn of events and have found it very difficult to move forward. I will, I know I will move forward, but I’m now faced with the prospect of not becoming a Manager or even an Assistant Manager within my company. In my mind, and my Manager’s, this position and location was a perfect fit. This loss has really taken the heart out of me. I sobbed and cried and have only just started to get a grip on this. I’m normally extremely resilient, but this has really gotten under my skin. The rejection was two days ago. And the new hire is starting immediately.

Why do you feel I did not get the job.

I just checked the company’s career board and the job is open again. It looks as though I am being used as a place holder until they find a regular full time person. What do you think?

I went through two phone interviews with two different people and one in house interview with two people. I received a rejection E-mail than the next day they called me on the phone and offered me a six month contract position. I retuned back to negotiate / review the contract. Found out it was really to reapply for the same position through their in house temp agency. What is your take on this situation?

However, I did not consider the “lawsuit” aspect of the game. You’re absolutely right there–we do live in a litigious society.

I wanted to share something with you that may or may not give you or others a good belly laugh. I made it thru the 15 minute interview. I was asked to come in for a two-hour interview, and with two other candidates, was given some skills tests, face-to-face interviews, tours of the building, etc. Man, these folks were pros–they would have been great at high stakes poker ’cause they weren’t giving anything away.

Two days later, I received an automated rejection letter. Since I was vastly overqualified for the job (data entry), I expect this. Right after that, I got another e-mail–asking for MY feedback on THEIR interview process!

Quite frankly, I thought they had a lot of nerve. Of course I realize it too was automated…but jeepers, after they reject me with a standard say-nothing letter, they want MY feedback!

I’d be interested to hear your take on this one. Have you ever heard of this happening?

Thanks! and Happy New Year to you and yours.