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Original poster

I didn't get the job but I'm expected to train successful applicant

157 replies

Toblerone345 · 09/06/2020 19:26

I recently applied for a job at my current place of work. It's a grade above me and since the previous job holder left I've been doing that role without any extra pay until they could find a replacement. I applied for the job but unfortunately I wasn't successful, despite doing the role currently alongside my actual role. Apparently they know I can do the job well as I'm already doing it, but someone else (without experience) got the job instead as they gave better examples in the interview.

Until the new joiner starts in a month or so, I'm expected to continue to do this role (none of the duties are in my job description) without extra pay. I'm then expected to train the new starter to do a job that I'm apparently not qualified for.

Does anyone know if I can be fired/disciplined for refusing to do this?

OP posts:

FlamedToACrisp · 09/06/2020 19:52

I had this. I showed the new manager the ropes as best I could, fair and square. Then I looked for a new job. When I was interviewed, I was asked what my greatest achievement was in my current role. I said, "Helping the new manager to fit in and feel welcome, even though I applied for that job and didn't get it. I'm not a petty person - I'm a team player." I got the job.

Viviennemary · 09/06/2020 19:52

I would be off sick when she started even if it is only three or four days. I don't think you'd get anywhere refusing. It's an absolute cheek though. Then I'd say well I'm not sure about that aspect of the job you'll have to check with such a person to her questions. And be busy when she comes with a question. And look for another job.

longtimecomin · 09/06/2020 19:56

Train them badly, with lots of enthusiasm and a smile on your face.

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WillowintheUK · 09/06/2020 19:59

Why would she train them badly? That only reflects badly on her, and it’s not the new start’s fault OP didn’t get the job.

TheWashingMachine · 09/06/2020 20:00

This happened to me, the person they employed is obviously better at the job than I am and is lovely. I'm glad I didn't get it as I'm learning from her.

Original poster

Toblerone345 · 09/06/2020 20:00

Thanks for your advice, everyone. I'm aware that refusing to do things might come across as petty but I feel very unappreciated after taking on extra duties for no extra pay and sometimes working 4+ hours of overtime a day to keep on top of everything. I also appreciate that skills-based interviews can avoid unconscious bias but I think it leaves out a crucial part of the picture. Looking for a new job sounds like the best option.

OP posts:

ilovemydogandmrobama2 · 09/06/2020 20:00

One of my previous line managers had to re apply and interview for his own job which he didn't get. He was such an arse that no one felt sorry for him.

Girlswithflowers · 09/06/2020 20:01

I sympathise but if you bombed at the interview and didn't meet the minimum scores tgey can't appoint you. It could also be that the interview was poorly conducted- it was straight scores in the doors. Either way it's upsetting but if that is the selection process it is want it is to some degree.

Soulstirring · 09/06/2020 20:01

I’m in the same boat. It’s heart breaking isn’t it. The recruitment process isn’t finalised as it has been put on hold due to Covid so I haven’t been told no yet BUT am still doing both full time roles for one salary. And then criticised for struggling with workload.... good luck OP. I feel you!

Sandybval · 09/06/2020 20:02

If this is the case, the role was given to the candidate who performed objectively better in the interview. I know it’s galling to be asked to train her, but you could argue this is a very fair way of recruiting.

Absolutely this. I have interviewed a fair few people who haven't been successful at getting the job they have been temporarily acting up in (although you get additional pay here if you are doing the job in the interim and whilst handing over/training). They just performed terribly at interview, when they should in theory have a headstart at knowing what we are looking for, and we can't just override that performance at interview to say you can have the job anyway. It's not that uncommon, most people do progress fairly quickly after by using the experience gained by training and acting up as examples in subsequent interviews, I would be annoyed at not getting any enhanced pay though. Up to you OP whether you become bitter, you could either look for a new job, or use it as a base to ask if there's any additional training to help you progress within the company. I would train someone as it isn't their fault, but wouldn't if there was management specific stuff, I would expect someone else to do that.

pinkprosseco · 09/06/2020 20:03

Happened to me once. I gritted my teeth and tried my best to support the new person whilst getting appointed by another company at a higher salary. It was really unpleasant and stressful and I was so glad to leave but actually it all worked out well for me in the end.

Sandybval · 09/06/2020 20:04

but I feel very unappreciated after taking on extra duties for no extra pay and sometimes working 4+ hours of overtime a day to keep on top of everything.

Not surprising you feel aggrieved. Did they explain that there were no guarantees? It is unfair of them to expect you to do it with no additional pay.

EggysMom · 09/06/2020 20:05

The only time this happened to me, I handed in my notice the next day - and I had about three weeks' of leave to take, so only actually worked one more week. Bit of a bold move but I found another job quite quickly (mid 90s).

livefornaps · 09/06/2020 20:07

"who's that calling?! Why, if it isn't old COVID NIIIIINETEEEEEEEENNN , that's what you've got darlin' what a shame you can't help with all that unpaid overtime any more cough cough"

Violetroselily · 09/06/2020 20:07

Something similar happened to me, but it was for a permanent role that I was seconded to. I was not offered the permanent role but had to train the new starter for the remainder of my secondment. It was a huge kick in the teeth.

Like a PP said, I'd be inclined to say you're not able to train a role that you were deemed unsuitable for.

LaurieFairyCake · 09/06/2020 20:09

Well obviously knock the 4 hours for free every day on the head

Dangermouse80 · 09/06/2020 20:10

If you want to get on, this company is obviously not the one to stay with. I would also refuse to do any additional duties. They are just taking advantage of you.
If you do not feel comfortable refusing. I would go sick and then when you return be helpful and friendly to the new candidate but keep in mind to look elsewhere.

Carolduckingbaskin · 09/06/2020 20:13

This happens a lot sadly, and honestly your bosses/hr will know that it’s likely that you will look for a new job, it’s what’s expected in this type of situation.

Obviously easier said than done right now, but I would start looking around. Shit when this happens though.

Stillfunny · 09/06/2020 20:16

Glad I am not in the job market these days. To say that because you didnt perform well at an interview, which is , at most , half hour ? counts more than your daily performance sounds crazy to me. And on the other side , doing a good interview is no guarantee that you would be good at the job , especially if further training is required.
I wouldn't want to work for those managers or HR and would be looking for new job. And use my AL and go sick to shorten any working your notice .

MadameButterface · 09/06/2020 20:19

@FlamedToACrisp

This is the amount of unpetty i aspire to be. I think that’s super classy, and Ideal Me would go with this. I’d ask about remuneration for acting up and overtime though.

Cheeseycheeseycheesecheese · 09/06/2020 20:22

It's not fair and it does feel like a smack in the face when they do this. Could you get everything in order for them, create processes, make sure they are totally idiot proof, so you can do a nice clean handover.
Talk them through everything, so they understand the process and say you're able to answer questions but you really need to focus on your own role now after x amount of time covering that role too.

So you're being helpful and training to a point but not giving it your all, because I think if you refuse to train them point blank you'll come off as unprofessional and bitter. I think a halfway would be better, especially if you make it crystal clear you need to focus on your role job hunting as you have "neglected" it.

Thisismytimetoshine · 09/06/2020 20:24

That's outrageous!

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 09/06/2020 20:32

I had this. It was was new post based in another department. I was already doing what they wanted as a major part of my job. I applied for the new post. Two other internal candidates and I were interviewed. I don't always feel I interview well, but on that occasion I was confident I'd given good answers to everything, including very specific questions about what would be involved in doing the work. Both the other candidates were very new to our organisation and had no relevant experience, but one was based in the other department already so was a known quantity. She got the job. She was gobsmacked as she knew I knew far more about it than she did and she had assumed I would get it. She was instructed to contact me so I could brief her on what she would have to do. Poor woman, it wasn't her fault and she was horribly embarrassed. I helped her as best I could, and as I had expected, I found she knew next to nothing about the new duties, so how on earth she'd demonstrated better knowledge than me in the interview I don't know. I left shortly afterwards. As so many others have said, it was a kick in the teeth. I wish now I'd put in a grievance.

DrDavidBanner · 09/06/2020 20:33

Similar thing happened to me. I tried really hard but in order to assert her authority she made my job unbearable so I ended up leaving.

Bad luck Toblerone, its a shit situation. I was distraught and it really knocked my confidence so I understand how you're feeling, I'm sorry I can't offer better advice.

LisaSimpsonsbff · 09/06/2020 20:34

I've actually been on both sides of this. I was in a fixed-term position, didn't get it and was expected to spend a lot of time on handover and also asked if I was interested in just doing the more menial work that the new permanent appointee didn't want to do - erm, no! I was devastated.

But in my current job there was a weird atmosphere from the off and it took me a while to discover it was because someone in the same team but a grade below had interviewed for but not got my job. She left six months later and I was incredibly relieved because it had been so awkward and horrible - she constantly picked at my work (which she didn't even have any particular reason to see, she sought out the opportunity) in order to point out how much better she could have done it.

I don't really know what my point is except: it's really, really shitty and you're allowed to feel very pissed off and upset, but try not to take it out on the new person (hard as I know that is).

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