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Original poster

Annoyed by colleague who is over keen on opportunity

72 replies

Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 19:31

I work in a very big department in IT and my team is growing, so as a result I am hiring 3 new roles. The roles are not yet advertised but they will be, soon. One colleague from another department, who does remotely related things as what we are looking for in these new roles, was approaching me and tried selling himself.

So I did what the standard process required, I told him to wait for the job to be advertised then he could apply like everyone else . But he emailed a few more times and basically told me he has been talking to my colleague and letting them know his intention , and again told me how good he is.
TBH, I am pretty annoyed by this. We hire a couple of time each year and I have never seen this situation. I mean , what does he think he can gain by keep chasing me ?
I am seriously thinking I should have a word with his manager. Our teams do have some work together and I would like to keep a good working relationship.
I would like to hear from ONLY those of you who has been a hiring manager , what are your thoughts on this.

OP posts:
Quveas · 08/03/2023 19:36

As a hiring manager for many decades I would have replied. But I hate snobs who think nobody else has a valid opinion.

OneCup · 08/03/2023 19:39

' That sounds great. Make sure you apply. Bye'

WinterCarlisle · 08/03/2023 19:39

He’s showing initiative and enthusiasm. Maybe he’s a little over zealous in his approach but I still think good for him!

You sound rather unnecessarily critical IMO……..

Original poster
Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 19:39

Quveas · 08/03/2023 19:36

As a hiring manager for many decades I would have replied. But I hate snobs who think nobody else has a valid opinion.

Are you referring me as a snob? :)

I did reply in the first instance he emailed me , I don’t know what else I can say to him except that he needs to wait for the advertisement comes live.

OP posts:
EduCated · 08/03/2023 19:40

You see it as chasing. He sees it as proactive.

Did he approach you at inappropriate or awkward times? Without knowing what the messages are it’s hard to know if they were OTT or ‘too much’, but you seem fairly unbending in your post.

As a hiring manager (hence I’m
allowed to post) it’s quite normal for people to approach for a conversation about upcoming jobs, although they tend to be more chats about the role and what we’re looking for.

Mortimercat · 08/03/2023 19:40

I would not have a word with a manager because somebody is enthusiastic and has tried to get on the front foot, no.

PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 08/03/2023 19:41

I would think the keenness showed a genuine interest in the role, but that repeated contact simply 'selling himself' didn't show much insight. I would be more impressed by someone actually offering to do something developmentally - basically, asking me 'What can I do to prepare myself to apply for this role, what would make me stand out as a candidate?' - and then going away and doing it.

Starseeed · 08/03/2023 19:41

Why are you so annoyed by someone else’s anxiety? Seems mean.

Original poster
Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 19:41

I would have agreed, if he has seen the actual JD , but he doesn’t even know what we are looking for. That is what puzzles me - as he seems more keen to jump for money , not really care the role itself.

OP posts:
BookWorm45 · 08/03/2023 19:41

Hiring manager here.

"Great to know you're so enthusiastic about this role, Bill. As I'm sure you'll appreciate, I'll be assessing all candidates at the closing date for job applications, based on what they've submitted to me, and will decide at that point who to interview".

This is just another way of saying what you said before, but reminds him that there may be XXX other candidates too.

MrsBunnyEars · 08/03/2023 19:41

I wouldn’t have a particular problem with this. With internal hires I’m always glad of informal contact to suss people out.

I would contact his manager, but to see what he’s like not to make a complaint.

Quveas · 08/03/2023 19:42

Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 19:39

Are you referring me as a snob? :)

I did reply in the first instance he emailed me , I don’t know what else I can say to him except that he needs to wait for the advertisement comes live.

Show quote history

Yes. If you ONLY want replies from recruiting managers, try the "recruiting managers forum" and not a public one. You have no idea who anyone here is. They can claim anything. As can you.

Emptycrackedcup · 08/03/2023 19:42

Wtf. He's showing he's keen, what's wrong with that. Just say, great and tell him again to follow the process. You sound uptight

aslkde · 08/03/2023 19:44

I look positively on those who informally approach me about opportunities before making a formal application. I see it as evidence that they are genuinely interested in the role.

Boomboom22 · 08/03/2023 19:44

It's backfiring because he does not know if he has the skillset yet. He'd be better off trying to scope out what the role is before selling himself for it.

EduCated · 08/03/2023 19:45

Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 19:41

I would have agreed, if he has seen the actual JD , but he doesn’t even know what we are looking for. That is what puzzles me - as he seems more keen to jump for money , not really care the role itself.

Did he ask questions? Did you talk about what you will be looking for?

Also, I think it’s harsh to judge someone for wanting better pay - who doesn’t?!

Original poster
Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 19:45

PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 08/03/2023 19:41

I would think the keenness showed a genuine interest in the role, but that repeated contact simply 'selling himself' didn't show much insight. I would be more impressed by someone actually offering to do something developmentally - basically, asking me 'What can I do to prepare myself to apply for this role, what would make me stand out as a candidate?' - and then going away and doing it.

This is spot on !
if he asked what you said I would acutely be more keen. But he never even asked what I am looking for in the new roles.

OP posts:
CandleInTheStorm · 08/03/2023 19:46

You can't have a word with his manager about him being enthusiastic! What you can do is not respond to anymore emails, allow him to apply and interview if suitable.

But I would ask a colleague to process his application/do the interview because it sounds like you would now base your decision on unconscious bias from this so he wouldn't get a fair chance.

beccahamlet · 08/03/2023 19:50

I'd like to apply for the opportunity to comment on whether he's being unreasonable or not.

Mortimercat · 08/03/2023 19:52

Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 19:45

This is spot on !
if he asked what you said I would acutely be more keen. But he never even asked what I am looking for in the new roles.

Show quote history

Well maybe you think it is spot on, personally I would not be at all impressed with somebody that asked me “what would make me stand out as a candidate”. In fact I would think they were a bit of a prick and I would be thinking that’s for you to work out not me.

You sound very uptight. You know recruitment is a two way street and you should be trying to attract candidates to your team. So far you have probably come across as frosty and unfriendly. I honestly can’t believe you were considering making a complaint about somebody showing initiative and being enthusiastic. You also appear to have set against this person from the off and I hope you won’t be involved in interviewing him.

Original poster
Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 19:53

Welcome all opinions ! Whether or not you are hiring managers ！

OP posts:
Original poster
Flowerdews · 08/03/2023 20:00

We are IT team and our company core function is research. We have never had internal applicants as our core teams are either scientists or PhD students.
Not saying one can’t change direction, but to assume one can just become a senior IT specialist without even reading the JD…

OP posts:
Idontgiveagriffindamn · 08/03/2023 20:00

I would have had a 10/15 min chat with him about the job available.

And I’m a hiring manager

PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 08/03/2023 20:01

personally I would not be at all impressed with somebody that asked me “what would make me stand out as a candidate”. In fact I would think they were a bit of a prick and I would be thinking that’s for you to work out not me.

You sound very uptight. You know recruitment is a two way street and you should be trying to attract candidates to your team. So far you have probably come across as frosty and unfriendly.

On the one hand you are saying OP is 'frosty and unfriendly' and on the other you are saying someone who asked how they could impress you as a candidate would be regarded by you as 'a bit of a prick'. 😁

FictionalCharacter · 08/03/2023 20:01

I don’t see the need for some of the hostile replies here. Are people missing the fact that he didn’t just talk to her then email, but emailed a few more times? And he isn’t finding out more about the role, just saying how good he is?
I definitely wouldn’t approach his manager @Flowerdews , he hasn’t done anything wrong, he’s just not approaching this very well. I’d just reply politely each time saying “look forward to receiving your application” or similar.
I don’t agree with PPs implying you won’t be fair to him in the selection process. I don’t see why you wouldn’t be evaluating him for suitability in the same way as other applicants. If he’s the right man for the job, he is.
Yes I have been a hiring manager 😊

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