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Getting Frustrated
I'm having a hard time - I've been actively applying to jobs for a few months now. I've now had three places in a row that I was really excited about tell me that they were close to making an offer but decided to go with an internal candidate instead.
All three were open about their hiring process and my candidacy during interviews, and I'm confident that I really was a final candidate (and they didn't just say that to everyone in a large pool of candidates to make them feel better).
It's just getting soooo frustrating losing out to internal candidates - it feels like it's hard to compete against someone who already has institutional knowledge, even if we were otherwise comparable.
And I know I have no way of knowing if that's actually true - these internal candidates were likely stronger all around, and would have been selected even if they were applying externally.
I'm just frustrated and venting, as I'm not sure what to do to make myself more competitive for the next opportunity - this seems to be a trend, and I'm feeling stuck...
Hey MJP,
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Thanks - I was just offered and accepted a new role this week!
Amazing. How did you find the role? This is great news! Congratulations, MJP!
I found it posted on both LinkedIn and Indeed. A week or two after I posted this, a few organizations I was interested in posted roles that I am well qualified for. I was lucky to actively interview for several. Although a few did freeze hiring at the start of the Corona craziness, some were able to continue the process. I've had experience supporting teams / programs remotely, so that skill came in especially handy.
So I feel VERY fortunate to have found something I'm excited about and that feels like a great fit - especially during such an unstable time.
What a change compared to how down I was at the time of this original post! There's still hope!
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It happened to me before in similar way. When I approached to the employer about it, they were candid about having internal candidate. It is common for us, government entity to hire internal candidate than outside. Some ways to combat that is to empathize your experience and expertise in different fields and industries so you can make their place diverse and cross-train others. A lot of company wants that diversity within the company. Promotion within may be useful and easy but if you stay in the comfort zone, you can't compete with others well with changes are happening in the world. You are great resource to do exactly that. Sending you a prayer! you will do great next time.
Have you considered reaching back out to the hiring manager or recruiters to ask why? This is something that I have started doing after being turned down so many times. This is also why it's important to get a business card or contact information at the end of the interview. Never be afraid to reach out and ask for feedback, the worse they can do is not respond.
Two of the three places reached out to let me know about the decision by phone. So we had an opportunity to discuss the decision in depth.
I had nearly the same conversation with both of them - that they really liked me, thought I was a good fit for the organization/team, and was well qualified for the role.
One admitted that they automatically prioritize internal applicants, and that is what gave that internal candidate the edge.
The other said that since the other person was internal, their first-hand knowledge of the program would allow them to hit the ground a little faster, and that made the difference.
I asked for specific feedback during both convos, but both said that it wasn't an issue of needing to fill a gap in experience or anything - just that the internal candidate moved forward because (at least in large part) they were internal.
The third place didn't give concrete or constructive feedback when asked - just that it was a hard decision as they enjoyed meeting me but decided to go with the other candidate.
I see. At least the first two were up front with you about that. The only other thing I could advise is to look outside of the box during your job search and network in your area. I think the only thing that trumps an internal candidate is a candidate that is vetted by an existing employee.
So true! I had a window to find something new that is now closing, so my search and plans are about to go in a different direction.
I appreciate the tips and support!
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I'm sorry for your frustration but yes, it does seem to be a trend. Most companies - though - will generally post a position internally first. And then if they don't get any interest (or anyone qualified) will go outside the company.
Take heart - as someone else noted in a reply - that you were the final choice. This means your skills are DEFINITELY up there. Looking for work is never easy. I've been at my current job for nearly 17 years now - but I honest-to-God remember my search like it was just yesterday.
All the best!
Thanks, all - I've had multiple roles and job transitions, but this is the first time I've experienced this. So I've been surprised that it's happened so many times.
I've led hiring processes in the past and this is definitely something I'm going to keep in mind if in a position to do so again.
I definitely understand what you are going through! I've been in this situation numerous times during my recent job search. I feel like a lot of companies are disorganized in terms of what skills they are looking for and are (in some cases) testing the market to see what's out there.
I hear you, it’s frustrating. Stay focused on the positive - you were a finalist three times, that means you were chosen over dozens if not hundreds of other qualified applicants. Try to stay in touch with the company contacts you made. They might have another opportunity become available in the near future due to this internal promotion or someone leaving or whatever the case.
I don’t have helpful advice. I’m just here to tell you I feel your pain. When you know who you are going to hire, please stop wasting everyone else’s time.