Here’s the Reader’s Digest version:
I interviewed for a different job in the place I work, was one of three finalists, didn’t get the job. I knew an identical position would be opening in the future. The person supervising the positions talked to me, said that they had hired Person A and that honestly, Person B was a better candidate that me, too. I sucked it up, 'cause i knew it was true and asked if they were going to go ahead and hire B or if they were goingt o repost the job later. Supervisor told me that they would repost and reinterview.
In the mean time, I apply for another job in the same building, but working for different people, but for the same entity. They offer, I accept.
Then…I find out that the second position was filled by B without a posting or a round of interviews, like i was told would happen. Now, the entity for which I work just got publicly criticized for filling a very high profile position without the proper posting and interviewing process.
Now I am angry because I was lied to by someone who didn’t have the guts to be honest, thought I wouldn’t notice, or maybe that I wouldn’t care and that what they did was improper and maybe illegal. I leave in a little while, so I can just let it go, or I can call the supervisor on it. Or just spread the word about how I feel and let it get back to the supervisor that way. Or go over the supervisor’s head to the entity.
Truth be told, I would have chosen the job I was offered over the job they improperly hired, but I hate hate HATE being lied and when people take advantage of the fact that I try to be a nice person.
So, should I let it go…or do something. And if I do something, what?
Face it, sometimes life ain’t fair. I was up for a promotion years ago and I found out I placed 4th or 5th of the 8 candidates. The person who got the position placed 6th. It spawned a bunch of EEO complaints. I just let it go - I honestly didn’t expect to be picked, and while it hacked me off that #6 got the job (then quit shortly thereafter, and they didn’t open it again) I knew there was nothing to gain.
If you’re happy where you are, let it go. But remember this for future reference.
Keep in mind the possibility that the person you spoke to intended to do as he said, or believed that was how it would be done, but something changed – possibly something beyond his control.
I did consider that someone else made the decision for him, but he still could have explained what had changed instead of secretly hiring someone. Seriously…apparently B has been sneaking around trying not to be noticed moving stuff into office space and filling out paperwork.
FCM, I completely agree, but I hate hate HATE being taken advantage of and I usually regret not standing up for myself months later.
But how were you taken advantage of and why do they owe you an explanation? You were already told that they would prefer to higher this person instead of you. If they had reposted the job opening, chances are B would have reapplied and been highered anyway.
So what’s the big deal? You’ve got a job you like and you didn’t have to waste time applying for something again that you weren’t going to get.