I applied for another position at my company.

13 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 2:53PM UTC

   Absolutely not, this is very wrong in my opinion. We have plenty of internal candidates at our company - I just hired one for an open role I have on my team. I am sure her current manager is sad to lose her but you cannot hold people back from their goals or if a role is better suited or if this is a promotion opportunity. I would talk to HR and tell them what is happening with your manager. This is not okay Manager behavior. Happy employees are the best employees. He has to know that you won't be happy staying now that he's showed his 'true colors' ugh!

2. Mikal Ann ByrdOctober 12,2021 at 3:10PM UTC

   It is a professional courtesy to let your boss know you are applying for an internal position, however, it is not common for that person to block your application. Let him know what your goals are, why you think the new position meets them, and why your current position does not. He may provide insight into the reality of the job you are seeking or present opportunities for growth where you are. Ask for an explanation. Good luck!

3. Rene LetendreOctober 12,2021 at 3:36PM UTC

   Yes, this is common. I'm sorry it is happening to you.

4. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 3:55PM UTC

   Yes, a lot of places like transparency. It sucks that they made you discuss it before applying though.

   I knew I wouldn't get support from my manager of my last position before applying to a new position so I said nothing. They asked in the interview if I told her and I said no, because it was a referred position so I hadn't had a chance to, but I would. I honestly didn't say anything until I was offered and accepted the position. My manager at the time was mad that I didn't come to her first, but the way she reacted about the position I knew I made the right choice as she would have tried to throw a wrench in my application process.

   She still took the latest time to let me go saying it was for backfill, but another lady got hired to the same department a week after me and they let her go first available and her position was just as important to cover as mine. So I had to maintain for a month before moving into my new position.

5. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 5:02PM UTC

   How can he prevent you? I get that he won't support you, but prevent you? I don't follow.

6. Anne KrookOctober 12,2021 at 5:21PM UTC

   Ask him why. Given how difficult it is to hire people these days, he may simply e holding you up so he doesn't have to replace you. But you should immediately (and quietly) update your resume and start looking for another job. When you get one it will be clear why this company should want to promote and keep you, and you can decide then if another organization is right for you.

7. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 5:40PM UTC

   I think you need information as to why and ask him what he would support. You only have a tiny part of the puzzle.

8. Khala GraceOctober 12,2021 at 5:52PM UTC

   If a manager enjoys your work, then they are less than likely apt to lose you as an employee in their department. I would talk to his supervisor.

9. Brittany TelloOctober 12,2021 at 6:45PM UTC

   Yes This happened to me. I believe its more of they don't want to loose a worker or having a toxic manager or Management.

10. Emmy BemmyOctober 12,2021 at 10:05PM UTC

    Unfortunately, it isn't uncommon. I worked at one employer, where they actively worked towards finding you "your next role". Best thing I ever experienced in the workplace! Sadly, it is not the norm.

    I would ask your manager explicitly why they are not supporting your application -- preferably, in writing (if he calls with a response, write an email confirming the conversation). I would possibly go to HR with the information, if there isn't a good, justifiable reason. However, I haven't had great experiences with HR support , so I would probably look for a job outside the company. It is so short-sighted for managers to do this and for companies to permit this behavior to continue. Good luck!

11. AnonymousOctober 13,2021 at 4:42PM UTC

    I followed up further with my manager (who is an interim manager, we expect a new manager to be announced any day now) he said that there was one aspect of my previous review that was negative, and he thought I wasn't a good fit for this group, nor the company. The tough part is, my previous manager had already indicated we had worked through all issues, and he was fully supportive of my advancement and career progression.

12. Mikal Ann ByrdOctober 13,2021 at 8:07PM UTC

    Wow! That must have been hard to take. Maybe a conversation with the hiring manager should be your next step especially since your current manager is temporary.

13. AnonymousOctober 14,2021 at 1:30PM UTC

    Too bad the prior manager has the ability to stop your progress.