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Original poster

Didn't get the job I wanted

55 replies

rebus1 · 16/02/2017 23:24

There is an upcoming vacancy at my school. I spoke to the head and expressed an interest a little while ago, she seemed keen. I hadn't heard anything until today when there has been an all staff email saying the job is going to be advertised externally. No-one spoke to or emailed me personally to let me know I wasn't going to be offered the job.

I feel really upset and a bit humiliated, both about not getting the job, which I would have loved and also because the head didn't talk to me and let me know. There are various reasons I can think of as to why I didn't get it and I know it's not the end of the world.

At the moment I feel like replying to the email saying 'So I assume this means I wasn't suitable? Thanks for letting me know.' Is there any way I can say this without sounding like I'm being really bitter and shitty? Or should I just suck it up and say nothing?

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 17/02/2017 14:34

Not a giraffe you cannot sue because a job went to someone else!

bloodyteenagers · 17/02/2017 14:45

Don't email. Listen to what everyone is telling you.

Basically here at the moment all jobs are being advertised externally. One school was basically giving jobs to friends and family. Promotions not advertised just here you go. New roles created. Not related/friends were getting increasingly pissed off. Wouldn't you? Imagine positions that you are qualified and experienced for going to inexperienced and unqualified, you would be pissed off.
So they took it all further and got unions and hr involved. Word spread and other schools also doing this but on a smaller scale.
So at the moment all posts are advertised externally and go through hr.

Apply. If you are suitable for the role you will get it. That's the thing when you apply for jobs it's a gamble

hesterton · 17/02/2017 14:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BalloonSlayer · 17/02/2017 18:42

I'd suspect someone else is also interested and they want to make the process fair.

Or - the head might be someone who wants things done properly and assumed that you expressing your interest meant you would apply if the job was advertised, and is expecting you to do so. If that is the case a "I presume you don't want me then" email would be disastrous as it would tell head you expected to just be given the job (nothing wrong with that expectation as you are used to that being the procedure but if the head thinks that's not the done thing they will think you are awfully presumptuous. )

Saucery · 17/02/2017 18:47

Is it permanent? Ours have to be advertised externally if they are. Doesn't stop internal candidates applying or indeed getting the job.

wildthingsinthenight · 17/02/2017 18:52

OP I understand but I think things have to be advertised externally no matter what.
I am going for a job in the school I currently work in. My line manager has practically told me I have the job if I apply yet I still have to go through all the recruitment process alongside external people.
Apply with everyone else. I would.

Original poster
rebus1 · 17/02/2017 21:34

Newtoday I think you're being a bit harsh. Just because I wouldn't want to lose out to an internal or external candidate it doesn't make be a ' far from ideal employee.'

I probably won't email. I was mainly just venting because I was upset about the way I have found out. It would have taken two minutes to email me and say ' thanks for showing an interest, the job will be advertised on x date if you'd like to apply' or to talk to me on the multiple times she has had opportunity too since our initial conversation. I do feel that part of it was a bit shitty.

OP posts:
Newtoday · 18/02/2017 04:05

Not an ideal employee is related to not putting yourself out there, not taking risks and not even applying! Especially the latter - you'd be far from ideal in the role as you plan not to bother applying!

It's absolutely natural to feel this way, but own your feelings. Don't push them into your employer. It's your life and they are doing nothing wrong.

And the assumption that directors/heads/HR have "2 minutes" to fit in with your timeframe and email you. I rarely have 2 minutes to do anything other than the absolute basics.

It's very adult to realise the world doesn't revolve around you, so go out there and make your mark!

Don't

Newtoday · 18/02/2017 04:07

Sorry...."don't wear your wishbone where your backbone ought to be!"

And, as Mary Oliver says..."Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life"?

Inneedofaholiday2017 · 18/02/2017 04:10

Wow I think you've got high expectations of your employer.

Personally I'd just assume your application is still in and pending. Of course they want to interview other people as well - it's their duty to find the best person. Doesn't mean to say you aren't good enough. If you move across then they'd only have to fill your role.

I think you've got quite a cushy work environment if you are pissed of at this!!

RubyRedRuby · 18/02/2017 04:12

Rebus - I would have been annoyed too. Stay away from your email though, I'm the master of the email blasted off in anger and it never ends well Blush. Hopefully you can/will still apply. Good luck!

HeCantBeSerious · 18/02/2017 07:32

Personally I'd just assume your application is still in and pending

Dangerous assumption.

Inneedofaholiday2017 · 18/02/2017 07:36

Fair enough he can't - Def she should apply if not - she might still get the job - won't do if she doesn't apply because of having a hissy for she's got to compete with other people tho!

F1nbarSaunders · 18/02/2017 07:39

I agree that an external advert would be normal procedure however it would have been good for them to have let you know that when you expressed an interest, they may have assumed you knew.

I definitely wouldn't email much better to go and have a face to face chat if you feel you need to clarify with them- use it as an opportunity to sell yourself a little as well!

Whileweareonthesubject · 18/02/2017 07:46

At our school, jobs are advertised externally if more than one internal candidate applies / expresses an interest. And even if there's only one, internal candidate, there is still a proper interview process.
Maybe somebody else also expressed interest in the position and the school decided to advertise outside. I imagine it would be more awkward to lose out to another colleague if there are only the two of you in contention.

MidnightHag · 18/02/2017 07:49

This is so normal for all the schools I've worked in! It doesn't mean they don't want you. Quite reasonably, they want to see you against a field of candidates. You'd be mad not to apply and mad to send a huffy email. I don't see a problem of working alongside a successful external candidate...at least you wouldn't be working under them.

Original poster
rebus1 · 18/02/2017 07:53

Inneed I do have a fairly cushy work environment and mostly I love working there, but communication is a bit crap!

Newtoday you must be busier than my head then! I do have resilience and a lot of backbone but I have to talk myself into it if you know what I mean.

My initial reaction though to things like this is to feel really upset and take things very personally, I don't know why and I don't show it but I don't seem to be able to change that.

I am in two minds whether to apply formally, I can cope with losing out but I haven't had to do so internally so that would be tricky. I'd also have to see if I actually meet the criteria they want! I'll wait and see what the advert says.

OP posts:
MidnightHag · 18/02/2017 08:17

Yep, my school is crap at communication too. SLT too busy, it wouldn't have occurred to them to actually talk to you.

Inneedofaholiday2017 · 18/02/2017 08:27

Apply formally and chat to your boss that you are still really keen.
Fingers crossed for you!
That you got upset shows how much you want this - not a bad thing,

insancerre · 18/02/2017 08:30

Have you actually applied for it though?
You say you've expressed an interest, not quite the same as an application
Maybe the head was expecting a letter of application or is there an internal application form you need to submit
You could always email and ask how to formally apply

Trollspoopglitter · 18/02/2017 08:38

The advertised job is full time and you want to remain working part time.

Why on earth is everyone telling you to apply for a position you actually don't want (as is now advertised)?

Am I reading it incorrectly?

I'd send your email clarifying you're still very keen to move to this area and should a part time position become available in the future, you would love the opportunity to apply.

yorkshirepuddingandroastbeef · 18/02/2017 08:40

Just apply.

Lot of useless forgetful management out there. Perhaps they need to compare you to some other candidates to make them realise how wonderful you are. Grin

MrsHerculePoirot · 18/02/2017 08:49

I am part time - I've always emailed to simply say "I've seen the advert for xxx which has been advertised as a full time role. Would you consider part time for the right candidate?". Only because I don't want to waste my time and energy applying for roles that are never going to be a possibility. In most cases I have had a favourable reply - maybe that might be worth considering?

Newtoday · 18/02/2017 08:50

Go for it! What a boost to learn something new and take a risk!

And google The Four Agreements, useful guidelines!

Inneedofaholiday2017 · 18/02/2017 08:58

I've also always applied for full time roles then discussed if they would allow part time working at interview. It's all a negotiation afrer all.

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