To try not to get this promotion

[flingingmelon]

Have been at my current job a couple of years and was recently invited to apply for a promotion. I have been offered an interview.

I think there are a few other internal candidates - some of whom have been at the company longer, but I definitely have a credible chance of getting the job.

The only issue is that if I get it my new line manager is a complete bully.

Generally I'm shielded from this person by my line manager but in an open plan office you can't always avoid them, they have been in the company for years and aren't going anywhere. The extra money just isn't worth the hassle. My line manager is made miserable by her.

I don't want to be at this level forever, but at the moment the industry isn't very stable so I don't want to leave, I just want to stay where I am until the market looks a bit more promising.

AIBU to try and make a good stab at the interview but mess up a few questions so I won't get it?

Dont be a dick. Go for it properly and hopefully get it and stand up to the shit bag. Dont be a weedy willowly woman. Own that shit!!

Take a step in the right direction, or choose to be a loser.

Don't play games. Either go for it and get the job and stand up to her, as DontBeOffensive says, or withdraw your application. You don't have to go in to details, just say that you don't want to move into a promoted role at this moment.

I'd go for option 1 personally - don't forget, you don't know how long that new line manager will be there. What if you got the job and then 3 months later she was promoted elsewhere and your current line manager is promoted to her role? Things change all the time.

or withdraw your application. You don't have to go in to details, just say that you don't want to move into a promoted role at this moment.

I see nothing wrong with doing this in your circumstances. Life's too short to knowingly put yourself into a situation where you're being managed by a bully every day (unless your life is so dull that seems appealing).

Nah, no thanks.

Don't do the weird game playing thing, that could backfire (might still select you) and make you look like an idiot. Just decline it.

DOnt play games, either go for the job wholeheartedly and stand up to the bully or be honest and say that promotion isnt for you just now.

def dont deliberately muck up the interview.
just go for it then deside afterwards wether you want it or not (if you get offered the job)

Don't deliberately muck up the interview. That is the most ridiculous thing I've read.

Go for it and absolutely shine or withdraw

Thanks all, I'm withdrawing the application then. Problem woman has been here twenty years. She's going nowhere.

My plan is to leave as soon as is reasonable.

Withdraw your application for personal reasons. If you mess up questions, it will stay on your file. calling out bullies hardly ever ends well, especially based on hearsay (as you are currently not managed by the bully - and even if, your chances are pretty much zero).

If you were to take it then your job hunt may be easier. If she causes problems can you go to HR?

Withdraw your application rather than deliberately perform badly. Better for your professional reputation.

Why hasn’t she been dealt with?

AIBU to try and make a good stab at the interview but mess up a few questions so I won't get it?

Yes! You don't want to blot your copy book. Give it your best shot. If you are offered the role, you can turn it down (without them thinking you're an idiot for fluffing the interview).

Apply and do as well as you can in the interview to make yourself more visible in the company as someone who wants to go places. If you were to be offered the job then you can decide if you want to takeit or not, if you don't apply you might not be considered for a future promotion. And, as the PP said, taking on more responsibility with your current employer will make you more attractive toany future employer as well.

Withdraw your application and tell them why.

There are some really good points here. I'll keep preparing and give it some thought over the weekend.