You guys know I have been applying for a lot of jobs lately, only to be turned down every single time. A position opened up at the place I still work (very part-time). I knew that the person was leaving, but we were told we needed to go through the internal application process if we wanted to apply for any job. The person who would do the hiring was on vacation, so I couldn't talk to her anyway. The position appeared on the website and I filled out the application. Once she returned, she was eager to interview me. Well, I thought I had a fighting chance. I really did.

 

Turns out that someone else got the job. It didn't take much for me to figure out she had already been given the job weeks ago and they were just going through the formality of interviewing other people. How do I know? She is in the same area as me and she disappeared of the schedule a few weeks ago. I asked her and she acted like she was going to a different area. I didn't think much of it at the time because they hadn't posted the job position yet.

I feel devastated. I applied for this job thinking I had a chance. I did everything right. Turns out I didn't because she already had the job. But how could she have gone through the internal process if they didn't post the job until later?

I feel like such an idiot. Apparently it was a matter of who approached the manager first. Not the who was the best candidate from the pool.

That really sucks. I'm guessing it might just be company policy or trying to make the move look more legit rather than anything else. I also know sometimes that companies will post jobs that don't or no longer exist to make them look like they're doing well economically. It's pretty jerky on their part to interview candidates when they've already made a decision though; what a waste of everyone's time.

Yeah, I agree with Aylnine. They're trying to make it look legit. It stinks and is sneaky and underhanded, but, unfortunately, it seems to happen a lot. I don't work, but there have been quite a few occasions in my husband's career where he applied for jobs that were advertised, but the job wasn't really available because the candidate for employment had already, secretly been chosen. It's mainly for legal reasons that they pretend to search for a new employee. It's very frustrating to say the least. Such a time and energy waster. I'm sorry you didn't get the chance that you deserved to get this job.

It is just upsetting because we have been told repeatedly that we need to go through the process of applying. There is a website you go to and you select the job and apply for it. That is what I did. She obviously didn't do that because she was taken off the schedule before the job listing ever appeared on the website. How is that fair? I understand that companies will advertise positions that aren't really available. But they have repeatedly told us we needed to go through the applying process. I was doing the right thing here and I feel incredibly betrayed. I have worked there for a long time. Much longer than this other person. I wanted this position because it was administrative in nature. I thought the experience would come in handy later on down the line since jobs in my field often require people to know how to do "other stuff". I have worked there all these years and have nothing to show for it (customer service experience isn't worth much).

What they did almost sounds like it is illegal. It isn't. It is just really underhanded and sneaky. It was pretty stupid of them to take her off the schedule way beforehand though. Since she was in the same area as me, it wasn't like I wasn't going to notice. And it didn't take much for me to put two and two together.

Wow, something just occurred to me. I have to go there this weekend. I don't think I can handle it. I have been crying on and off all day. What will happen if I go there and see her or the manager? I am afraid I will burst into tears.

It's possible that she approached the manager first and was also the best candidate. I have been an interviewer. I have interviewed people for jobs that are already all but guaranteed to someone else. This is not always because of personal connections and friendships. Sometimes you just really know who you want to fill a position. 

The interview process can still be very valuable. It lets management know who is looking for more responsibility. It puts the employees in a different light and renews interest in analyzing their work and behavior. Imagine if management knew they wanted her and had just skipped the interviews. They would not know that you are motivated for advancement. You would have nothing.

Situations like this do suck. Interviews are difficult, and employers recognize that it is not easy to motivate oneself to go through the process. In my experience, most people actively seeking advancement will get it eventually. I would drop even the notion of a thought that what they did is illegal. It is hard and it does suck, but I would try to drop any bitterness or anger. Employers respect those who understand the difficulty and drama of internal hiring. Whether you realize it or not, you have gained something by going through this process.

I'm sorry to hear this with everything else youre dealing with. It does suck, a lot. At my previous job, I was told repeatedly that I was going to promoted, was interviewed and had all my supervisors and managers get together and discuss it and it never went anywhere. Yet the week after I left, they moved a new kid into the position. So yes it does suck. But you did interview so now at least they can keep you in mind for next time. Itll work out.

LBJ, I'm really sorry. Something better is out there for you!

As hard as it is, try not to take it personally. It is "the system" and many people have been in your posistion. Been left in the dark that the position is pretty much already been filled. It does suck but it's pretty wide spread.

Equalsign offers excellent advice. Your applying will still reflect well on you. Get your disappointment and anger out now if that helps but on the weekend, remain professional and offer congrats if you come face to face with the other candidate. I know that would be difficult. Hopefully you don't cross paths. ; ).

Your persistence will pay off in the end.

When you are feeling less hurt about it, it might even pay to ask for feed back about your interview. You said "she was eager to interview me". She may have some positive feedback or constructive advice to offer. Both would be good to hear so you can use for future applications. She might even agree to become a professional referee for you.
Also, take the opportunity to ask if there are anymore openings on the horizon.

By all means, vent here. I think I'd be feeling much the same way as you. But it wont do well to hold the resentment long term.

We're here for you, cheering you on. (((Hugs))) I really hope your sadness about this passes quickly.

I have no doubt that she approached the manager first and that is the reason she got the job. She was taken off the schedule before the job was even made available to apply for. I know her, I don't think she was any more qualified than anyone else. What angers me is that we have been repeatedly that if we want to apply for something we need to go through the applying process on the website. I wanted to approach the manager about it though to show her I was interested. I kept missing her though and then she was on vacation. But it probably still didn't matter because they had already promised the job to my co-worker. I doubt there will be other positions that open up. There are no other positions. It is just this one. I had expressed interest in it 3 years ago too when that person quit. They told me that I would need to be there on a specific day and I couldn't at the time. It isn't like they didn't know I would be interested.

I just feel so betrayed right now. I was flat out lied to. "It was a difficult decision but..." Yeah, right, it was already settled long before I was even interviewed. I have worked there almost my entire adult life and have absolutely nothing to show for it.