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

[Toblerone345]

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?

Is there not something about the fact that being able to do the job from a technical perspective isn't the same as being the best person to take it on, learn the technical side, and deliver improvements etc.?

No idea what you were asked in interview, but generally when I interview for a role, all the candidates are technically capable. But what sets some people apart is the fact that they have delivered changes in other organisations, or they have a view on how we could be more efficient etc.

Just became you know the technicalities of the role doesn't make you the right person in the long term I'm afraid - some things can be taught, others require a particular personality in order to succeed and improve.

Is it the NHS?

If you’re doing 4hrs overtime atm then I’d cease that immediately, and stick to your contracted hours. Ask them what their priorities are since you can’t work two jobs simultaneously. And look for another job asap, good luck.

I used to interview spectacularly well. (I say used to because I don't anticipate doing it again!). I got a fair few jobs that I shouldn't have been given simply because of the way I interviewed. A combination of charisma and spectacular over-confidence, I suspect! I never talked up my qualifications or anything either.

Some people just interview well. But there really should be more to it than just interviews, but it's a shortcut for most firms. In the old days they used to make you do typing tests and all sorts!

I agree that interviews aren't always the fairest or most realistic way of choosing someone. Obviously you still need to meet the person, but a practical test actually helps both interviewers and applicants.

I once went to an interview where I took quite an involved practical test, and I messed it up completely. I realised there and then that it wasn't the right job for me, and I was glad I found out at that stage, rather than getting the job and finding out afterwards. How many times have we seen posts here along the lines of "I've started a new job and I'm way out of my depth"? A lot of those could probably be avoided if they tested people properly first.

I also wondered if NHS...seen this happen many times. Happened to me too. I absolutely blasted the interview, but the successful candidate, who just so happened to be besties with my manager, who was also on the interview panel, beat me to it by a couple of points. My 'feedback' was my manager joyfully telling me how utterly wonderful her answers had been. I sulked for a week then started applying for everything in sight. The new person didn't start for ages then got put onto light duties immediately due to back problems. I shrugged, handed in my notice and fucked off. Not my problem 😊
It was horrible though and I still get the rage if I think about it too much. Easy to say but I honestly think looking elsewhere is the only real option when things get to this stage. I loved my job and my colleagues and patients but the atmosphere was unpleasant for everyone and tbh I went in a totally different direction career wise and don't regret it for a second.

I would be tempted to smile and say you wouldn't feel comfortable training anyone to do a job you were not considered suitable for.

This. Absolutely. Cheeky fuckers!