Is this a tactical 'we want you' email?

[saveusernameplease]

Or am I getting ahead of myself?

Applied for a job in a large government agency (think dozens of thousands of employees, if not more).

They said in their receipt email that if I wasn't successful I would know if I hadn't heard in 21 days. They under no circumstances give feedback or let people know individually.

Had an email today from someone quite high up, telling me about different jobs that are about to be advertised (directly linked to things I had written in my application) and if I wanted to discuss this, as well as getting feedback from my previous application, then to call on such and such day.

Am I getting ahead of myself in thinking that this is a good thing and they liked my application? I've had so many knock backs even though I'm pretty well qualified, and think I'll cry if I have another!

Sounds promising.

Sounds like a very good sign to me!

Sounds promising to me!

Sounds as though you may not have been successful for the role you originally applied for, but there was something in your application that stood out that has prompted them to advise you that other roles are about to be advertised that you may want to consider applying for. It's definitely worth giving them a call to discuss further. Perhaps you have certain skills or experience that would make you a good candidate for the other roles.

I agree with Pp

Good luck 💐

I also agree, even if you haven't got the original role you applied for then something has stood out and seems like they want to consider you in another capacity. Good luck!

That definitely sounds good to me! It's personalised and from somebody senior. Offering feedback unprompted is very decent and promising.

Yes it is. Happened to me a lot contracting. Over qualified for the job I interviewed for (can't be too picky when you're self employed) & then after I didn't get that job theyd go back to the agency with this has come up, it's more senior & she's a better fit, would she be interested. Fingers crossed OP!

I'm hopeful! It just seems too good to be true if it is the case! I'll be sure to update :)

Outing but I work for a govt agency and this is a good sign but don't read too much in to the seniority of the person who emailed you - they will just be the people who are in charge of that recruitment drive (and at least for my office that is all HEO/SEO level - lower bands don't get involved at all). You will still have to be recruited through "fair and open means" which means you'll still have to interview etc.
Definitely ring for feedback though - it's rare to give feedback to an external candidate beyond the scoring.

You haven't got the original role, but it looks very likely that you'll get an interview for the other roles they're suggesting. It's unusual to directly ask someone to apply for something else if you don't think you'll want them, so it's a very positive sign. Good luck.