Help – I think I have messed up my job prospects

[Socy]

I worked on a contract basis from September to April this year. My boss then told me of a job coming up as someone had handed their notice in. I said I was definitely interested and she said she was very keen to give me the job, but obviously it had to be advertised etc. She went very quiet and didn?t reply to texts or emails, but did send me the person spec for the job, not saying when or where it was to be advertised. I think I missed the ad and it has now closed. I receive weekly emails from the site where I think it was advertised but suspect it may have gone into another category ? although I think that would have been a mistake possibly on the part of HR. I have also been checking the jobs section of the company website on a very regular basis and hadn?t seen this job. I am, obviously, pissed off that I missed the chance to apply but accept there?s nothing to be done about that. I am more concerned now that I have messed up my relationship with my ex-boss and she won?t be inclined to give me any more work. Should I email her and explain that I missed the ad and didn?t just change my mind about working with her or will that just make me look even more useless if I can?t even find an ad for a job??

Usually if you are in the running for a job that 'needs to be advertised' it doesn't mean you literally have to find the advert. Usually your boss would have told you how and when to apply for it.

Did she tell you this when she emailed the job spec?

When you say, 'there is nothing that can be done about it', how do you know this?

Why not email and say "Hi we talked about a job which might be coming up in your area - is anything happening on that as I haven't seen an ad come up for it?" That way you'll find out if there's just been a delay or a change of plans, and she'll know you're still interested.

Thanks - I agree that she should've told me when/where it was advertised and I did ask her to do this, but it would all be dealt with by HR. I texted her the other day to say has it been and gone (using the excuse that I had been on holiday) and got no reply. I think it has been advertised because I googled the job title from the person spec and it came up on the jobs website but as 'expired' (although it is conceivable that that is from the original ad 2 years ago). I guess I could email the current job holder as I don't think she leaves until the end of the month.

Do you usually text the boss on important issues? It's just that I think an email would be better placed in this situation.

If HR is dealing with it, I think you need to email them, asking for application details and deadlines for the job, you could attach the job spec so they are clear on which one you are talking about.

If it turns out that you have missed the deadline, ask if you can still apply, stating your reasons why you think you should have an extension.

If your boss hasn't given you the correct info because she has decided you are not suitable for the job, then perhaps it's time to request a one 2 one, that way you can ask about exactly what is holding you back and be able to sort it for another opportunity.