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Original poster

Reapplying for own job and didn't get it.

32 replies

Rinkydinkypink · 28/03/2015 07:37

It was between 2 of us. I have more of everything. I can prove it on paper. I didn't get it.

I'm seething. I feel it's totally unjustified! Is their any point in taking action? If so what can I do? How do I do it?

OP posts:
SolomanDaisy · 28/03/2015 07:38

What was the process used? Was it purely paper based or was there an interview?

confusedandemployed · 28/03/2015 07:45

I would ask for feedback on where the other person had the edge. And ask about the process: what the selection criteria were etc. Sorry to hear this. Flowers

chickydoo · 28/03/2015 07:49

Was the other candidate prepared to take the job for less money?
Younger/cheaper ??? I've seen it happen before

BictoriaVeckham · 28/03/2015 11:40

If it is a redundancy situation, the organisation should have disclosed "how" they intended to choose between the two, ie interview process, selection matrix or combination with previous appraisals.

Request, in writing, the results of the selection process. You can then discuss this during the consultation period (assuming you're still in your consultation period)

What is your length of service?

Original poster
Rinkydinkypink · 28/03/2015 15:31

I think it was interview based. The job spec stated which sections were interview/application based. I certainly didn't screw up the interview. It was badly handled that's for sure! However when you say pipped at the post I have to laugh.

I have a 2 year post grad MA, she has an undergrad. I have double the number of years experience. We were on an equal footing or I outdid. Especially on paper! On paper I match the flipping manager.

I have experience of management, HR, project work, training, seminars she does not. It's just not fathomable!

Honestly you can't put us together and compare us. I'm not just saying this but I would wrap rings round and then come back for more.

I wrote a 4 page letter last night (have not sent it, will give it a couple of days) indicating how on every point on the job spec I significantly outshone her. It was experience/fact based. Some of the desirable items she didn't have. I have everything in droves, evidenced by specific examples. No problems with my work only excellent feedback and outcomes.

Even my colleague who got the job said it should have been mine! Along with another 10 colleagues and three managers so far.

OP posts:
ThinkIveBeenHacked · 28/03/2015 15:35

Maybe they preferred her modesty?

Joyfulldeathsquad · 28/03/2015 15:36

Oh god that's awful Flowers

Original poster
Rinkydinkypink · 28/03/2015 15:39

I'm not arrogant Think. I know I sound it, It's just all true. It's like comparing a 1 year qualified nurse and a ward sister. It's like comparing a receptionist with an admin manager. A social worker with a team manager.

OP posts:
Finola1step · 28/03/2015 15:42

But is your MA and additional experience crucial to the role?

As long as the other person met the person spec, then they are appointable.

So it may have come down to salary or soft skills, which she may have shown more of.

If you think that there is ground for further complaint then you could contact your union or ACAS.

AuntieDee · 28/03/2015 15:45

Did you exactly list every quality you have and how it meets the job description? If you are interviewed you have to treat it as if they don't know you - don't allow them to ignore the obvious just because you didn't mention it.

Ask for feedback and as to see the scoring for your interview and see if they are any discrepancies x

AuntieDee · 28/03/2015 15:46

Also what Finola said - being overqualified will not go in your favour necessarily

Original poster
Rinkydinkypink · 28/03/2015 16:26

My MA is extremely applicable.

I didn't screw up my interview.

OP posts:
SolomanDaisy · 28/03/2015 17:40

I think the problem with you slightly out shining her on every point is they may have used a point scoring system which only required a minimum standard to get full marks for that. It will have been against the person spec, not the job description so the job description is irrelevant. If you both attained full marks on a lot of the person spec scoring matrix, the difference could have come down to her giving better answers at interview on the more subjective elements of the person spec. People will say that you should have got the job just to be kind, they may mean it or they may not.

Ask for a copy of your scores on the matrix, then ask your union for help in preparing an appeal. The grounds for appeal should be in the documentation about the process. If they have made prove able errors in the scoring or have failed to adhere to every element of the outlined process, then that should get an appeal upheld. I have seen a few people win appeals, but only one who then went on to stay in the organisation.

PoppyBlossom · 28/03/2015 17:49

A lot of people don't want you to be overqualified. They don't want a manager level member of staff working below that level, because it creates issues for them.

WeAllHaveWings · 29/03/2015 10:45

Rinkydinkpink I've been there and had to accept that although I was better qualified, more experienced and could give more to the position that's not what they wanted, they were deliberately dumbing down all roles to the minimum to save costs and I didn't fit anymore.

It was so difficult to accept I just didn't fit anymore and many tears were shed (after 24 years in the same company in multiple roles, always progressing/head hunted within the organisational to join or lead their teams/projects), especially with colleagues and managers aghast I (and many like me) didn't get roles.

Sorry to say (only in my opinion) you are better bowing out as professionally and gracefully as possible, it is very unlikely you will change the outcome now.

LuluJakey1 · 29/03/2015 10:50

It depends what the job is and what the skills and experience required are. If she meets the minimum, haing more of anything probably makes no difference to the scoring.

Is she cheaper than you in terms of a salary scale?

I think they know who they want before they interview.

It sounds unfair but I don't think you will get anywhere if they have gone through the process. If they haven't followed it you might.

optimistmum · 29/03/2015 11:01

If you are now facing redundancy as a result of not getting the job, there will be an appeals process. I would be tempted to save your points for the appeal.

flowery · 29/03/2015 14:50

Why do you think this happened OP? What do you think their reasons for appointing your colleague actually were?

Their motivation may influence what action is best to take

CMP69 · 29/03/2015 14:59

It is truly shit. Happened to me a couple of years ago. The other person got the job (because she was ft I was pt - not just my opinion btw)
I left 9 months ago for a job closer to home which I love and the job we both wanted has now been dissolved and she is doing something she hates Grin

CurlyWurlyCake · 29/03/2015 15:15

How did the situation come around, was it through redundancy?

They may well think you have out grown the role with experience and looking for someone scoring nearer the set goal scores.

It's horrible for you though Flowers

OllyBJolly · 30/03/2015 08:16

It might be down to personality fit, vision, energy levels, motivation - all the attributes that aren't written down but critically important to a job. I've been in the position of having to explain to people why they didn't get the job they thought there were a shoo-in for. It's usually down to attitude.

First step is ask for feedback - and listen to it with an open mind. If you are not happy with that, then consider appealing. Although, as other posters have said, it's likely a done deal now.

thecatfromjapan · 30/03/2015 08:40

I really, really hate the tyranny of 'modesty'. It holds women back because we are always on the wrong side of it.
OP, I don't know why they didn't choose you. I've been there myself, and it sucks. However, it's a two-way thing: you really don't want to be working with people who make bad decisions like this - so on you go and find somewhere that suits you. Good luck.

thecatfromjapan · 30/03/2015 08:42

The 'modesty' comment was directed at the poster who implicitly told OP off for not being self-effacing, self-belittling, demure, small, feminine, and 'modest' enough.

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 30/03/2015 09:05

Maybe if she thought she wasn't likely to get the job, she worked harder and came across better in the interview than you, since you think you should have walked it?

fuctifino · 30/03/2015 09:19

Mayber the interviewee felt the other person was somebody who they could work well with.
I was up against 4 other people in a role new to me but well within my technical skills. 2 of the other candidates were in similar roles already, I'd been an sahm for 5 years.
I got the job, much to my surprise. My boss has since told me he liked my personality in the interview and thought we would get along well. Also that he didn't want a 'well, we always used to do it this way' type of person, he wanted somebody open and prepared to look at things from a different angle.

Could it be a similar thing in your situation op?