Rejected by old boss - argh!

[Greengreengrassblueblueskies]

Name changed for this. I’ve spent the evening feeling very sorry for myself!

A few years ago I worked for a very long time for my old boss as his PA. I always did a good job and got great feedback/reviews and when he moved departments we kept in touch (I stayed in my old role as how our company is structured he couldn’t “take me with him”)

We have kept in touch and I’d actually say we are good friends and also colleagues.

He recently got a promotion to a newly created role and internally they advertised for a PA for him. So I applied and interviewed with him (and another person from his team on the panel). I thought I’d be great and a good fit given I know him and I know his new area he’s been promoted to.

And then at 5pm, I got a rejection email from HR. No feedback. Nothing. To make matters worse, we have spoken since the interview (about normal things unrelated to work).

I feel SO sad. I really wanted to work for him again and he always says how much he loved working with me…so why not give me the job?! Ergh.

AIBU for feeling this way?

Why are you confused? You were a strong candidate but, on the day, another applicant was more suited to the role. I'm not sure how it could be appropriate for him to give you more detailed feedback, without discussing other applicants with you. I think any awkwardness between you only goes to prove that you don't understand or maintain professional boundaries.

Maybe he needs someone who works for him, not a friend? If a friend works for him, he may not know how to say many things.

Hello all what's this site about plz

It's a parenting site but you can discuss more or less any subject you want to.

It's probably that the other contender was a better fit for the job than you tbh. That's not a criticism of you in any way, just that's why people interview, and doing any interview, you have to realise that you may not be the best qualified candidate for the role. It's disappointing for you, but just life.

Thanx sally

I doubt it tbh.

But women do consistently vote in favour of having a male boss. It does make me wonder if attraction plays a role sometimes.

This happened to me years ago and it still stings. I had taught at a school for eight years prior to leaving to have my DS. I had worked hard, had good reviews and had had promotions. When both my children were a bit older, (DS started school, DD at nursery), I put my name down for supply work and the headteacher contacted me.

I went back to cover for an absent colleague, originally for two or three weeks. This colleague then applied for long term sick leave / retirement and he asked me to.cover for the rest of the year. I agreed but on tne condition that I could bring my DS in with me (I was teaching a reception class), and he readily agreed.

Eventually the post was advertised and I applied. They gave the job to a much younger person and I was so hurt by this. My friend who still worked there, rang me about a year later to say that this new member of staff had just announced that she was pregnant. He would have had to interview all over again for a temporary member of staff. Well Kalma is always good isn't it?