I’m frustrated because I was encouraged by the hiring team to apply for a role that we all agreed I was a good fit for, went through 3 of 5 interviews, and then was told by a person that I had never spoken to that they were going to pursue candidates who help fill a more specific gap/need on their team.

10 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 19,2022 at 6:51PM UTC

   You can reach out to the VP and others you've talked to, to let them know what this person has told you and confirm that there are no current openings available.

2. Kimberley Ferretti HammettDecember 19,2022 at 9:46PM UTC

   So sorry to read this! I can tell you from an HR perspective, I am sure the hiring team is also extremely frustrated for you. I cannot tell you how often I see hiring managers go against the advice of a recruiting team or change things up at the last moment. It seems to be even more prevalent lately with a lot more ambiguity in the workplace. Honestly, this is fully speculation but there's a real chance you were contacted by someone you've never met because the recruiting manager told the hiring manager to clean up their own mess if they weren't going to take their advice. Just saying I've seen things like that happen before!

   Chances are you really would be a great fit for whatever description the VP of people and other interviewers had but the decision maker on that role either 1. Didn't give them the real description or 2. has too specific an image in their head of what they want and is having trouble recognizing their are other, maybe even better, options. It doesn't diminish your value any to have not gotten this. Hold onto that knowledge that you ARE qualified and take it with you to other similar opportunities. Whether or not you got it, the endorsements may be a lesson you've been underestimating yourself and haven't put yourself in the ring for enough opportunities like this one.

3. Debra SesholtzDecember 19,2022 at 9:53PM UTC

   If you are excited about the role I would go back and ask more about the gap or need they are looking to fill. Maybe I'm missing something in your story, but if they didn't tell you what the need is, how do you know you don't have the credentials to fill it or can get the training you need? I would go back and tell them you are still excited about the position and ask them if they can elaborate on what they need. You can explain how you were encouraged to apply because you were told you were a good fit for the role. It might lead to further discussion. They might just want someone else for the role, but if you don't ask, they definitely won't consider you.

4. AnonymousDecember 19,2022 at 11:33PM UTC

   I've encouraged people who are qualified to apply for positions and ended up having surprise candidates (people I've never had contact with before) blow everyone else out of the water. Even if there's a "favorite" going in, that's not always how it shakes out at the end for lots of different reasons. I agree with seeking feedback and asking for specific experiences or topics that you should seek out to land a position like that in the future.

5. AnonymousDecember 20,2022 at 1:14PM UTC

   I'm so sorry. There are never any guarantees.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 21,2022 at 8:12PM UTC

   I'm sorry you were disappointed but just because you might be a good fit for the role doesn't mean you're the best fit.

   And that's especially true if there has been a re-calibration of the role.

   No diss on schedulers but I don't see what encouragement by a scheduler would have to do with anything - I doubt they have any input into hiring decisions.

   I think you should be encouraged that the leadership at your company sees you as someone who is promotable and actively encourages you to apply for positions.

7. AnonymousDecember 22,2022 at 11:04PM UTC

   It is possible that the company had to pivot its priorities. It is also possible that they are just disorganized. Either way, can you contact one of the people you have spoken to previously to see what is going on? Did you work with a recruiter? If so, perhaps they can run some intervention for you.

8. Heather CutlerDecember 22,2022 at 11:27PM UTC

   I can tell you’re disappointed by this outcome but it sounds like your were invited to apply and interview, without this being a promise of employment. I agree with what others have said: you could have been a great candidate while someone else checked more boxes on the wish list.

   You really have a great opportunity in front of you: a group of people who are clearly impressed with your qualifications. I’m confident these colleagues will keep you front of mind with other job openings. You can also share professional success with them to keep the lines of communication open.

   Several years ago, I was a finalist for a job. This organization went with someone else and shared that while I was a really strong candidate, the person they hired had more recent experience in a similar role. I share this because the hiring manager gave me a referral to a job I eventually took.

   while not your desired outcome I hope you can see value in the exercise. Best of luck in your next steps.

9. AnonymousDecember 23,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

   Wow! I can see why you’re frustrated and disappointed. I cannot understand why they would have a different person explain why you did not get the job. Especially to go through 3 interviews, wow that is a lot of your time!

   Honestly as harsh as this sounds…. What if they encouraged you to go for this whole interview process to “seem encouraging” or “get your hopes up” or “try to make you feel you’re appreciated at this company?” I know it sounds mean, but maybe they weren’t going to hire/promote you to a new role because they really like how you are doing your current job and want you to stay there?

   I mean do they normally hire/promote internally? Or do you see a pattern of hiring externally?

   Thoughts?

10. AnonymousDecember 23,2022 at 10:13PM UTC

    Unfortunately, this is not an unusual situation. I’ve seen people for whom a job description was written end up not getting the position. Sometimes people see something in a different candidate and rethink the position.

    If you can, get through this professionally and some of those folks may come through for you.

    There are some circumstances under which you can’t work through it - and that is okay too, just be deliberate and careful about it.

    I recently watched an acting director, doing a great job for 5 months in a very complex culture (and no manager, and eight autonomous direct reports that worked on teams all over the organization), lose out on the permanent position - to the wife of a new executive that works in another division - part of his contract. Was the other candidate exceptional? Maybe, but the whole thing was tainted and the acting director ended up leaving the organization.