Mislead about opportunity

50 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 29,2022 at 6:55PM UTC

   Geez I'm really sorry to hear that, especially after the VP made a verbal assurance to you. You can setup time to talk to the VP, or passingly mention it at the end of a one:one meeting you have in the future. The other alternative is to start looking for another company. I don't know if HR can do anything unless the promise was documented in email/writing. Hope you make the decision that's best for you.

2. AnonymousJune 29,2022 at 7:12PM UTC

   If there was a posting for the job, the responsibility would have been for your to monitor that site regularly to see when the position was opened for you to apply. There will never be a HR policy that suggests that when a leader recommends or promises you a position that it is absolutely yours. Unfortunately some leaders think they are more influential than they really are and even if they want someone badly for a position either someone above them or a peer or someone below them might have more influence to steer a different outcome. If I were you, see the lesson I’m this, an offer is never an offer until it is made I’m writing. You are absolutely well within your right to be upset and disappointed but realize every job is a competitive arena, and to do everything within your preview to give yourself the best opportunity to get what you seek out. The next time a leader suggest to you hey I see you pr progress and think you would be a good fit for it. Use that as an opportunity to seek mentorship and at least build a close enough rapport to lead you to the conclusion as to whether they are genuine or bullshitting you. This person you spoke of if all you know could have been bullshitting you just to feed their ego. If you want to stay in your company and want to grow their keep your eyes on the application portal and apply to everything that interests you. If you see something external, where you feel you can accomplish more growth elsewhere, go for it. Sorry about your experience. Learn from it and move forward. Complaining to HR won’t give u the outcome you desire. It might even put a target on your back. The VP will likely deny ever saying that to you and avoid you at all costs. Especially if there was no email traffic proving the exchange happened

3. Barb HansenJune 29,2022 at 7:18PM UTC

   Your situation is not nice (it's not nice to be verbally offered a promotion and then to find out that someone else got the job), but I don't think your situation is actionable or worth taking to HR.

   It would be interesting to hear from others on this situation.

   You learned a tough lesson in business, if an opportunity appears to be heading your way (new job, a raise, new project, new team), grab for that opportunity in as many ways as you can. If one source goes cold, start asking questions of another source.

   This same situation happened to me early in my work career. A role opened up that I wanted, I was told that I was a lock for the role, and I took that person's word at face value - that the role would be offered to me. And a few weeks later, someone else on the team got the job. Why did they get the job? She was as qualified as I was so no shade to her, she was just more vocal about her desire to get the job. From that moment on, I directly ask for what I want from my employer, and if I feel I'm not being listened to, I find someone else in the company who can help me.

4. AnonymousJune 29,2022 at 7:31PM UTC

   I want to thank everyone responding.
   I did keep my eye on the job board. They ended up calling the position a different title and didn't link it to the new business unit I am working with, so I didn't see it. My bad that I didn't look at everything in the company. Its a rather large company, and I just didn't see it. I do have a question. When I get requested to continue do higher level reporting, do I say no? Due to not being promoted should I send them to the new hire, or should I continue to help out?

5. AnonymousJune 29,2022 at 8:35PM UTC

   No, I would keep doing the work and request a title change.

6. Audrey KirschJuly 1,2022 at 4:19PM UTC

   I say keep doing the work unless you really don't enjoy it. Turning it down will look like sour grapes at not getting the promotion. Just keep track of all the extra you are doing so you will be in a good position come review / raise time. Who cares what your title is as long as you get well compensated for the work you are doing.

7. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 12:31PM UTC

   Keep doing the work and be gracious to the new hire. It takes nothing away from you to be professional and supportive as you demonstrated before. Then keep your eye out for new opportunities inside and outside your company.

8. Alexis SchraderJuly 3,2022 at 12:52AM UTC

   I would keep doing it, but ASAP negotiate a raise and possible new title that makes sense with your new responsibilities.

9. AnonymousJune 29,2022 at 8:33PM UTC

   I'm not sure HR can do anything.

   Because you were not proactive about actively pursuing the opportunity, your boss may have assumed you were not interested.

   You can file a complaint I guess but I'm not sure what can be done since the colleague was already given the job.

   Even when there are protocols, when you want something you go for it hard. You let everyone know you are interested and plan to apply.

10. SJune 30,2022 at 1:20PM UTC

    Though it sounds like burnout, also think how we all have had to deal with a lot of trauma the past couple of years from COVID. It felt all over the world. I was talking to my former boss about it and they mentioned how they have had to keep that in mind when dealing with stressed out staff. Just something to think about.

11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 1,2022 at 1:54AM UTC

    Go to HR about what, specifically? That someone else got a position you wanted? What would you expect them to do?

12. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    Very true. Truth is, the HR Dept. might have suggested that someone be considered for the position from the beginning.

13. anonymousJuly 1,2022 at 12:10PM UTC

    HR would not help you. They would tell the Vp who might get annoyed that you went to HR.

    Suggest you speak to the VP and ask them what happened.

14. Audrey KirschJuly 1,2022 at 4:07PM UTC

    Instead of asking when the promotion would be posted, you should have responded I WANT IT! They probably never posted it and it went to the person who was aggressive enough to go after it. I'm sorry you missed the opportunity. Next time, no more passive nice person who goes through the normal steps. Let everyone know that you want the promotion. Then, someone will have to come out and tell you that you didn't get it if they are going to offer it to someone else.

15. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 12:50PM UTC

    Very true. Truth is, I think the HR office initially hired the position who was better qualified for the position.

    Yet, sometimes you really have to improve your networking skills. Sometimes you have to know someone in order to be seriously considered for a position.

16. GirlBossanova934974July 2,2022 at 12:36PM UTC

    Unfortunately this can be become an issue when working with large companies. The Right Hand has NO CLUE what the Left Hand is doing. The VP promises 1 thing and doesn't work with the hiring manager to make it happen. It never got on the To Do List for said VP and it slips through the cracks. Suggest the next time, you stand there while the VP calls the hiring manager to make it happen. Out of sight, out of mind won't happen that way again. As for the new hire, I would pass on the reporting requests on to the new hire ASAP. Your choice, your call, and now your responsibility. The so called team player gets NO WHERE these days. You do the work. You get the credit. Don't let anyone try and sneak in and try to claim they did this or that BECAUSE they will. But you can use these new reporting skills for another position in the company or at another company.

17. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 2:16PM UTC

    it's sad: "The so-called team player gets no where these days". Aint that the truth? but this contributes to overall aggressive behavior in the workplace, including all kinds of power plays, gaslighting, and who knows what else. Ugh. But you are so right.

18. GirlBossanova934974July 3,2022 at 9:34PM UTC

    The team player is simply playing by the accepted norms and proper decorum of the workplace. The problem is the people around the team player. If there is a big win in the organization, everyone rushes in to get their share of the pie EVEN THOUGH most of the time, very few of the players did anything. The problem is with the "Mushy Mush management" that has risen up through the ranks in the last decade. A strong manager makes sure that the big contributors get their raises and promotions. The team players get their acknowledgement. The 'Mushy Mush" manager usually tries to take the credit behind closed doors and then tells the staff it was "a team effort". It was NO team effort. Reward your performers or they will go elsewhere is the wise call. That is one of the biggest reasons we have seen so many resignations in the last 3-5 years.

19. RufusJuly 2,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

    I would request a meeting with the VP to discuss your job description and all the extra responsibilities that you have accepted that are "manager" level responsibilities, and request a raise commensurate with those responsibilities. Highlight your accomplishments and how your contributions benefit the company. You might want to do your own research ("market analysis") to compare salaries for your type of position. Ask what the salary range is for your position, and negotiate a fair increase.

20. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 12:48PM UTC

    I am sorry you had this experience.
    Truth is, I had a similar experience for a computer teaching position at a school I had applied for 2 years ago. Even though I had 2 years of experience at another school, I wasn't considered for the position.

    I was however considered for a temporary substitute teacher experience, which lasted for 2 months or so.

    Another teacher across the state was hired. Looking back, it seems that the HR Dept. might have suggested that someone be considered for the position from the beginning.

    Yet, sometimes you really have to improve your networking skills. Sometimes you have to know someone in order to be seriously considered for a position.

    I did however get a recommendation from the principal. Yet, I am not sure if I would want to use the recommendation since the over all experience was not good.

    You see, I got Covid later on while working at a different school in the school year. The school didn't like that.

21. Lisa MarieJuly 2,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    Hello Anonymous:

    There is no reason or need to go to HR. There is nothing that can or will be done at this point, because someone is already hired.

    The ONLY THREE things you need to do at this point are:

    1) LEARN from this experience, so that it doesn't happen this way again. There is a saying "a closed mouth doesn't get fed." Simply asking when the position would be posted wasn't enough. You should have connected with all the decision-makers (VP, HR, Direct Report for the higher role), to show your interest in being interviewed for the role

    2) KEEP PERFORMING at the high level you have been. You never know IF/WHEN an even higher position may become available (or created), and YOUR actions (or inactions after this miss) could be "in observation" by others

    3) DO NOT TALK (under any circumstances) about this missed opportunity with others in the workplace - especially in a negative way. People's perception is what matters, and sometimes stories get twisted (accidentally or deliberately), and rumors begin to be spread. Vent HERE or with friends/family OUTSIDE of work. Cry if you must. Just get that missed opportunity out of your system and prepare for YOUR "greater" which is yet to come.

    In other words... keep showing up and showing out in extraordinary positive ways. A bigger and better opportunity may/will be on the horizon for YOU... because who matters may very well be watching your every move.

22. Communication CoachJuly 5,2022 at 8:43PM UTC

    Number 3 is the best advice!!

23. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 1:26PM UTC

    Speaking from my own experience here, so I could be way off.

    The VP you talked to was essentially asking you if you wanted the job before they posted the position. When internal, high-performing employees are offered positions before they’re posted, it’s a way for the company to get the position filled with a competent employee without having to compete for that person. In other words, they can get away with paying less and/or expanding the scope and responsibilities of the role.

24. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJuly 2,2022 at 4:05PM UTC

    They are not necessarily "getting away" with paying less. He gave her an opportunity and she blew it by remaing silent and thus acting like she was not interested. They moved on, as they should have.

25. AnonymousJuly 3,2022 at 11:48PM UTC

    If she were being given the opportunity, the VP should’ve been comfortable clarifying that in light of her misunderstanding. However, they weren’t comfortable directly stating that she was being offered the position. Nor did they answer her question. There’s a reason for that.

    I don’t think OP blew anything. I do, however, think she would prefer to work for a company that is more forthright in their communication. This level of implied communication is fine for some people, but usually not in the average employees’ best interest.

26. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 2:13PM UTC

    No, I would not go to HR. I would talk directly with the VP who made that comment to you. Sadly, I don't think there is much you can do about this, at this point. It's a case of someone making a promise that wasn't theirs to make (and that's why you never got a response back about the posting timeline). So sorry this happened.

27. Focused931221July 2,2022 at 2:18PM UTC

    Request to have a meeting with the VP. Be prepared to discuss all your accomplishments thus far. Nothing worse than talking yourself in/or of anything. Better to get it straight from the source - talk to the VP. Ask what happened and (if you're' still interested in staying with the organization), what other opportunities there are with same/similar potential - this way you show that you are still professional and still have a desire to stay within the company. Good Luck!

28. Crystal HowellJuly 2,2022 at 2:23PM UTC

    Patience is a virtue,if you like your company

    No gossiping no pity party with co workers, Karma may have something better. Obvious, the VP misspoke, they are confident in your work. Sit tight!

29. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 3:12PM UTC

    This!

    Get a full idea of what is going on without any drama. There’s always more at play than what we are aware of or able to control., even the VPs

30. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 5:58PM UTC

    "Sit tight?" You can't possibly be serious issuing that kind of advice. Sitting tight is why she's in her current dilemma

31. AnonymousJuly 5,2022 at 8:40PM UTC

    No, I don't believe the VP misspoke!
    The VP got no straight answer, appreciation or enthusiasm from the employee! A company wants gun-ho workers. Why wouldn't someone act or be delighted and thank the company for their faith in said employee, accepting at the moment!! Totally unacceptable response or non-response by employee, OP

32. AyianJuly 2,2022 at 2:25PM UTC

    In your shoes, I would be considering a career move. Changing organizations nets a greater increase in pay than remaining in your organization, even with a promotion, which may now be years away. I agree that you were not communicated with directly or transparently. You can expect that this may happen again in the future. We are no longer in a world where you work for one organization for 20 years by default - they have to earn that kind of commitment and I don't see that here.

33. HannahJuly 2,2022 at 2:27PM UTC

    kindly ask the VP for more details

34. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 2:49PM UTC

    In my experience, HR is there to protect the company, not the employees. I would ask the VP about it and if the answer was not a satisfactory explanation I would start looking for another opportunity.

35. Deborah MichaliszynJuly 2,2022 at 2:56PM UTC

    I never had this happen to me before but all the comments were insightful.

    I never could climb upwards from inside. For me, I climbed up when I gained so many skills from one position that when I left and applying for the same position it felt extremely junior. It wasn't until some people I graduated with started laughing at me and really hurting me and mocking me that I realized I should have been much much higher. So employers do trick you to stay at a low level in a position despite how many skills you have. There was one once who recognized it and said so yet told me he couldn't promote me (he didn't have the power). So it's up to you! For me, I had a ton of flexibility to look at my skills and decide what I wanted. I took a slight turn, and I feel that I should be leading, but because I changed from designer into a niche (UX designer) I
    am very senior in all my skills and experience and I happened to be practicing UX before and not realizing it because I just did it instinctively. So I feel still I deserve to be a senior or else be at the top strategizing, and I still feel I get told what to do by people who know less, and maybe I'm not good at climbing ladders, but I AM good at finding the money! When I realized 3 years ago I should be climbing upwards, I was making 50,000 annually. Now I make 150,000 annually, because I'm very skilled and I'm very sought. I promote myself, network, and "show off" instead of humbly sitting there waiting from something to happen. I GO AFTER what I want and it takes a little patience and I even rejected some opportunities. The fact that I have such a short stepping stone now to leading and making around 180,000 to 200,000 actually makes me feel the thrill of a "challenge" and so I am going to make sure I get experience leading and strategizing someway somehow. you have to make it happen, and I guess my takeaway is that, over time I got sick of the BS. I incorporated my contracting biz now, and I realize all that money I make isn't just for moi, but to keep operations going, to pay expenses and to have working capital, so I have myself on a payroll, and frankly, I give myself 5,000 a month so far. But I could give myself more if I didn't have rent, insurances, office supplies, TAX on the biz income, TAX on my income, sales TAX, and all that jazz. Honestly, running a biz is expensive. So if you feel ripped off, well, employers can only do so much. If you bring in lots of business, and you satisfy those customers and you truly make yourself valuable, your input increases the business so therefore you can get money money. It's an input/output kind of thing. So, it's great it you do great, but try and find a job where your input creates real value, can really bring in dollars, and then you might find it easier to get promoted internally. What I mean is, when you are an employee you are oblivious to how the company is doing, and your just trying to be the best employee for what you were hired to do. However, if you tweak your thinking to what can I do above and beyond that is still my job to do, that can either 1) save money for the company or 2) make money for the company. Keep in mind those two things and people will want to promote you. Like, what they see is, great if you are great at doing your job. Your just fulfilling your obligation really really well, and that's just standard. You stand out if you help them in some kind of way to advance the company. If they keep seeing that in you, your star quality, and they want you in higher places making those decisions to make the company great. However, sometimes you have jobs which are just one certain thing, and you were hired as tosser. You recognize it by the fact that they don't let you stand out. They hedge you in, you're not allowed to do something great. You should realize then that you won't last there long, they never hired you to get anywhere, they just wanted one certain thing for a certain amount of time, and then toss! So, great then you USE that as a stepping stone. Learn as much as you can, make a great impression, connect really really well with your employer, and have them recognize your capacity! If they see your worth more, ask for a reference, and and that's a way to get a better job after that!

36. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 9:20PM UTC

    Way too crazy long to read!

37. Janet ParkhurstJuly 3,2022 at 3:54AM UTC

    Well, yeah, it was. But I loved all the points she made. Misuse of grammar, and all! She basically summed up the hows and the whys of working for an employer. Glad she's out on her own, though. We never truly make what we're worth working for someone else!

38. AnonymousJuly 3,2022 at 11:33PM UTC

    TLTR.

    However, it is "upward" (no s).

    And ..."However, sometimes you have jobs which are just one certain thing, and you were hired as tosser." HUH?? Please use spellcheck or Grammarly.

39. Lisa ApolisJuly 2,2022 at 3:33PM UTC

    Just want to add my take on this - the VP asked if you wanted the promotion, and you didn't say yes. As a previous director and department head, if I asked a star employee if they wanted to be promoted to a higher level job and they said anything but yes, I would move on to the next person. I think your response asking about when would it be posted was interpreted to mean you weren't sure and needed to think about it. And again, I would have moved on to the next person.

40. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJuly 2,2022 at 4:00PM UTC

    i am trying to understand this. The VP told you that the job was yours if you wanted it, What did you say?? You then asked when the position would be posted, I am assuming inviting internals to apply. You didn't hear anything for a month, yet you did not during this month or immediately ask what the status was or indicating how much you want the job and yet you are surprised that the opportunity got filled. The squeeky wheel gets the grease.

    Next time don't delay.

41. Chriscodyc1July 2,2022 at 6:26PM UTC

    What? No.

42. Ida McCartyJuly 2,2022 at 6:59PM UTC

    This is a great time to explore external opportunities. HR is loyal to the company, and the VP is just a conduit for the company (not in your corner). You didn't explicitly state that you were interested in the position, and the VP did not infer. You have to be your own advocate, if you want better opportunities. This is a painful lesson learned, but at least you will know what to do if the opportunity presents itself again. Personally, I would find another position elsewhere. Your credibility might suffer, if you go to your VP now.

43. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 9:22PM UTC

    Pretty sure you meant "Misled" about opportunity since the post is in the past tense.

44. Liz MilneJuly 3,2022 at 12:57AM UTC

    Ask your VP what happened, if you really want to know, otherwise chalk it up as 'shit happens'? It's disappointing, but possibly the VP just assumed you'd be a good match, without checking to see if the relevant HR person already had a (potentially better?) candidate lined up?

45. Janet ParkhurstJuly 5,2022 at 3:58AM UTC

    Yes, Bernadette, I realize we went really "off topic." And, not, they're not at all helpful to the issue at hand. But this crap that passes for professional communication -- especially on this site -- drives me NUTS. It's far more than "typos." It's effing illiteracy.

    I won't "get over it." Neither should you.

46. April MinerJuly 5,2022 at 3:41PM UTC

    The department has an HR Generalist (well at least if they are smart enough to put one in place.) They are a great resource for managers, VPs and associates with labor/benefit questions. There is no harm in running that query by your generalist. In fact, that's what the VP should have done before he mentioned anything about the promo to you.

47. April MinerJuly 5,2022 at 3:42PM UTC

    Oh, I totally agree.

48. AnonymousJuly 5,2022 at 6:11PM UTC

    It’s possible semantics is not the most important thing to every impressive career path.

    People have strengths and weaknesses, for example… you can be amazing at spelling and grammar but be such a judgmental, intolerable know-it-all that people don’t want to put you in leadership roles.

49. AnonymousJuly 5,2022 at 6:14PM UTC

    I am with the responders who are completely confused as to why there was no follow-up when the VP mentioned the higher role.

    There should have been a meeting with VP to learn the specifics about the new role and department. You should have been keeping clear communication with your VP as well as those in the new area/department (especially other decision makers).

    If there is a process for posting and accepting applications for internal applicants, you should know that as well.

    Sounds like you waited for something to be handed to you rather than pursuing it, making necessary and essential connections to show work and commitment and ensuring you actually got the role.

50. AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

    This happens all the time. People making promises they have no business making. Chalk it up to a lesson learned.