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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:
Millicentmargaretamandaholden · 08/03/2023 20:12

I wouldn't have a problem and if I though he wasn’t focused on the right stuff I’d tell him what the role was, ask him to think if it’s a good fit and then remind how the applications process works timings etc. It would be bizarre to complain about someone being enthusiastic.

I’m board level and get junior colleagues wanting to discuss careers or roles all the time. I go out of my way to be visible and approachable and having that exposure helps me connect.

Middletoleft · 08/03/2023 20:30

So he's incredibly keen. Just ignore him. There's no need for you do anything else, even if it's annoying.

TankFlyBoss · 08/03/2023 20:36

I am not a hiring manager so I am posting just to annoy you

JobbieBobbie · 08/03/2023 20:48

TankFlyBoss · 08/03/2023 20:36

I am not a hiring manager so I am posting just to annoy you

🤣

Mortimercat · 09/03/2023 03:53

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'. 😁

Your point being…. 🧐

MajorCarolDanvers · 09/03/2023 04:07

As a hiring manager (and permitted to comment) he sounds keen and enthusiastic.

You don't sound very experienced though as his behaviour is normal and as a hiring manager you should know and appreciate that.

Nimbostratus100 · 09/03/2023 04:13

Is it snowing where you are?

arabiandelight · 09/03/2023 05:24

You seem mean and spiteful, as if you think yourself better than him. Why are you begrudging him is attempts at bettering himself. Bosses that are nasty are the worst. Look into a management course or something

GoodChat · 09/03/2023 05:50

If I was you I'd let HR know you need someone else to manage reviewing CV's and interviews for this recruitment drive as you're already biased against certain applicants.

custardbear · 09/03/2023 06:19

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…

I work in this field too and I hire all sorts of staff. It's likely he has an idea of what sort of role is needed so speculating and fishing a bit too I'd guess. However you sound very negatively biased towards this person for being proactive, and when someone above penned their thoughts about his intentions you said something like exactly this he should be asking me like this. However this person is asking in another way that seems to irk you, but it's making you very biased which isn't a good attitude for a hiring manager. IT people, in my experience (ours are mainly programmers) are quite logical in their personalities (we've had about a dozen and many applicants before so have lots to go on here) so they approach things perhaps differently to you.
I'd say thanks for your interest, when the job is rehearsed so if your skills align and come and talk to me Informally if you'd like sone more information before submitting your application.

lipstickontheglass · 09/03/2023 06:36

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

Maybe you could coach him instead to smacking him down

lipstickontheglass · 09/03/2023 06:45

Op I think you need to have a wee word with yourself - you think he’s potentially a problem between your two teams - I’d say it’s likely to be you who has the poor attitude the will affect the working relationship - you need to stop blaming other people for your irritable nature.

youtwoandme · 09/03/2023 06:49

Poor bloke! I'd hate to be employed by you.
Oh wait...... I'm 'not allowed' to post!!!

youtwoandme · 09/03/2023 06:50

TankFlyBoss · 08/03/2023 20:36

I am not a hiring manager so I am posting just to annoy you

I did the same!! 🤣🤣🤣

Unbridezilla · 09/03/2023 06:56

Also as a non-hiring manager...

He may find his job utterly soul destroying and be desperate to get out, hence the keenness. Or working in your part of the business is his dream.

How long has it been since he first spoke to you? He may be anxious that he has missed the advert. We've all seen instances of a job being "advertised" for 5 minutes and then the person who is already lined up for it then getting it.

Oblomov23 · 09/03/2023 06:57

I wouldn't say anything. You've told him to apply, which is procedure, that's fine.

Dotcheck · 09/03/2023 06:58

Talking to his manager would be such a dick move.

However, you are coming across as unfriendly and unhelpful.
Like so many IT departments I’ve worked with.

AvocadoPlant · 09/03/2023 07:03

beccahamlet · 08/03/2023 19:50

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

😁me too!

Bigmirrorssmallrooms · 09/03/2023 07:03

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SideshowAuntSallly · 09/03/2023 07:05

When I left my old job (I've also been part of hiring people), I had a colleague ask for an informal chat before the job was advertised. It made me feel really uncomfortable as she was basically asking me what she should prepare for the interview without seeing the JD. I also saw it as unfair to other people. I found it pushy.

Brightshinylight · 09/03/2023 07:06

So you know he wants the job, does he say why? The role itself, money, career development etc

DogDaysNeverEnd · 09/03/2023 07:07

OP I'm guessing it's the tone of his emails being super pushy and "look at me I'm great", without knowing what you will hire for, and when you say you could talk to his manager it's to have a wee word with him to tone it down and understand how the process works?

I've worked with plenty of people who are so desperate/keen to get ahead that they start to believe their own hype. Dunning-Kruger innit? It is frustrating but just par for the course. I get that it can feel a little insulting, I've been in your position and just feel flabbergasted by the front. Anyway, I've handled it by smiling, nodding and then letting them get on with it. One or two might have surprised me and actually been suitable for the role, others utterly delusional. I'd check the application carefully to ensure and claimed skills and experience were genuine as there could be a temptation to talk those up.

MushMonster · 09/03/2023 07:10

Why are you wasting time of your life about this?
I see you are keen! Please apply as soon as the offer goes out. It will be advertise on......

Or email them when the offer is out.
End of....
I could understand if he was "chasing" you after the interview, when you are recruiting, but for now is only showing interest....🤨

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 09/03/2023 08:12

I am a hiring manager. My organisation encourages potential job candidates to contact the hiring manager. Maybe this guy is being a bit forward since the job has not yet been advertised, but I'd much rather than than no interest. It's always useful to have an understanding of who might be interested in future opportunities.

Deathbyfluffy · 09/03/2023 08:18

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Absolutely this.
I’ve been a hiring manager, and to be honest OP you don’t sound cut out for the role if this person’s behaviour is such a shock.

It’s normal, expected and a good thing that someone is enthusiastic.

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