There was a posting for Job A. For a myriad of reasons note relevant to this story, Job A was for internal transfer only. It was well known by everyone that they were posting it as a formality because Employee S was getting Job A. Employee S was competent, well-liked, had paid his dues in a similar position that paid less... Job A was his. To avoid stepping on toes, etc. I did not apply for Job A.
What I thought was a reasonable plan was to apply for Job B -- the job Employee S currently holds. After the application period for Job A closed out, I mentioned to a boss that I was interested in Job B if and when it becomes open. Boss' face fell. She told me I would have been an excellent candidate for either position, and she'd love to have me. Even though I didn't tell her why I hadn't applied, she guessed right away. This happened to a few others who she knows were interested in Job B. She had wanted to give us a heads up, but she didn't want to be seen as soliciting applications. You see, unfortunately, Job B is going to be filled by the same applicant pool as Job A ... and they couldn't accept new applications.
Boss said nice things about my work and was able to speak candidly about my future prospects because there was no chance I could get the job. It was all nice to hear. But, in short, I am a f**king idiot.
(All is not lost -- there may be other opportunities, etc. in the future. I'm not terribly upset about it, things work out for the best, blah blah blah.... but I still feel like a f**king idiot.)
I hate it when you are trying to be considerate and fair and it turns out like this. Wish there was a lesson to learn from this. I guess asking around a little, but that could easily backfire too.
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That totally sucks! I'm so sorry!! They should have at least put people on notice that that is how it works!!!
ReplyDeleteTo Katie -- I did ask around. I just didn't ask the person with the actual knowledge, because she's the boss and I didn't want to put her in an awkward spot. She appreciated that, but, as WNWL says, it totally sucks.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I guess today's lesson is f**k being polite, apply for the job anyway.
I'd like to think that I scored some points with someone, somewhere.
That really sucks! Maybe another, better opportunity will come around sometime soon and it will be worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog - I came over from Atty Work Product, and look forward to following!
Ugh, that really does suck. I guess at least the lesson is learned but ...ugh.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else said, that sucks... though I like to think that you get some karma points for being classy about the situation, and something better will come along for you!
ReplyDeleteBummer! I hate it when you're trying to be nice or considerate or gracious and it ends up screwing you. Maybe something even better will open up and then it'll have turned out for the better anyway.
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