Asked to be on the interview panel for a job I want to apply for...

[Thickhead]

Hi all,

My line manager is going on maternity leave soon, and I was thinking of having a crack at applying for her cover. There are only 3 of us in my department - my big boss, my line manager and me.

My big boss has said we can advertise for my line manager's cover now, and that we need to decide who will be on the interview panel. He said that he wants it to be the three of us in the team.

This is a bit awkward. How do I say: 'erm, I was going to apply for the job, so won't be able to commit to being on the panel (unless you don't think I have a hope in hell of getting through shortlisting?)" Now I'm worrying he's just assumed I won't apply because I don't stand a chance of getting it? Maybe I'm overthinking this...

Your over thinking. Go and tell him that you are going to apply for the maternity cover.

I would just tell him very directly 'im applying for this position, and i hope to be successful"

I would ask him if he thinks it’s worth your time applying.

Well I think it's positive being asked to be on an interview panel as it shows your judgement would be valued and that you know a bit about the role.

If he didn't think you had a hope in hell of being able to carry out the role, he wouldn't even ask you to be on the panel imo. He probably just assumed you wouldn't be interested for some reason.

I think he just hasn't given it much thought other than it's important that you rate the person who covers the maternity leave because if you don't it could cause problems. Problem is they will have to recruit for your bosses job and yours which will be a pain - but I think it's good to sow the seed.

Thanks all - am a chronic overthinker. I will just email him and be direct.

@Thickhead

Thanks all - am a chronic overthinker. I will just email him and be direct.

👏👏😂

Hope it goes well for you!

An update - I got the job! 😊 Thank you for all your advice. So glad I went for it.

Well done - great result!!

Yay!! Literally just saw this thread so went from your original post to your update. That's amazing, congratulations!

Brilliant update OP.
Congratulations 👏

Yay!!!!!!

I love finding threads where you get the whole story. This was a real boost to read, thanks OP, and CONGRATULATIONS!

Fabulous, a million congratulations to you!! I have only just seen your thread to, so it's nice to be able to read it to an end!

Stories like this are brilliant for women in the work place. We often don't put ourselves forward nearly enough and you showed that you had a word with yourself about your over thinking and it paid off!! Kudos!

Can I ask, did your boss just assume you wouldn't want it? and what was his response when you said you couldn't be on the panel because you wanted to apply?

Congratulations op!

FWIW, I did this in reverse; was given a permanent role at my temp job, realised I actually wanted to do something else entirely and ended up interviewing and appointing my replacement.

A lovely update, well done you!

Thank you all! It was a gruelling application and interview but so glad I went for it. It's a big step up for me and will open a lot of doors :) Thank you so much for the encouragement!

Hurrah for you! Well done!

Great update, congratulations!