Dh job interview - AIBU to think he was messed about

[Notagoodtime]

Dh works in a engineering company. He has worked for the company for 20 years. He was recently approached by a manager in another department and told there was a job in his department that would be perfect for my Dh. Said that he had written the job description with my dh in mind but asked my dh not to tell anyone he had asked him to apply as it would annoy my Dh’s current boss. My dh wasn’t really looking to move but the new manager made it sound very attractive and told my husband he would perfect, so my dh applied and had to tell his current boss. Current boss not too happy. Dh went for an interview this week but new boss called my dh today to tell him he has not been successful . Dh is gutted and now feels foolish. Why would someone put so much pressure on someone to apply and then not give him the job? I think my dh should tell his current boss that he was persuaded to apply instead of keeping it a secret.

I dunno OP. I've encouraged someone to apply for a role I had before because I knew they'd be great at it. At interview, there was someone who it was clear would be even better. I believe strongly in running fair recruitment processes. Even if you think you know who the best candidate is going in, you have to keep an open mind.

There's no need for your DH to feel foolish about this. The other manager clearly really rates him.

There could be politics at play which your husband is unaware. I would leave it alone if I was him and frustrating as it is, move on. I’d also probably start looking elsewhere incase his current boss is the one holding him back.