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Original poster

Didn't get a role - but they want the work I presented

237 replies

HarraKiri · 08/05/2024 15:58

I applied for an internal role, of which I had to do a presentation on how I would implement a new strategy.

I didn't get the role - a more qualified outside candidate. Fine.

HOWEVERRR my manager (who was on the panel) has said that my presentation was really great and would be so useful for the new starter, and can I email it over to her.

I don't want them to have it. It was EXCELLENT (biased), and it's frustrating that they acknowledge it is excellent but I'm not good enough to be the one to implement it. How would you address this request?

OP posts:
Maddy70 · 08/05/2024 16:22

Actually ive changed my mind ...im angry on your behalf. Say "surely they had a better presentation and ideas as they got the job.

I wouldn't wish to undermine them"

GerbilsForever24 · 08/05/2024 16:23

@beetforever It's not a compliment, but okay.

At the end of the day, OP was vulnerable - she applied for a new role and has been turned down. That rejection, in the place she already works, is hard. Her manager's response, even if it is well meaning, is completely insensitive and speaks to poor management and people skills.

MinervaMcGonagallsCat · 08/05/2024 16:23

If you plan to stay and try again then you need to share.

KickboxingWanker · 08/05/2024 16:25

The previous message was perfect about the successful candidate using their own plan.
i tried to quote but messed it up!

Brefugee · 08/05/2024 16:26

I would say "oh sorry, i deleted it after i was declined for the role as i assumed it wouldn't be needed. what a pity"

and leave it at that (and leave with it on a USB stick to apply for another job)

PrimalLass · 08/05/2024 16:27

Either way it’s her work/talent they’re asking for.

Yes it's shit, but legally it's their work if done on their time.

Brefugee · 08/05/2024 16:31

but tbh OP, do you want to stay where you are or do you want to move on. Because that might influence your decision on how to handle this.

PP gave a good answer in that the new person might want to use their own plan. Imagine if they turned up, you gave them your plan and they binned it / ignored it. Or told your manager that you'd tried to give them a shit plan.

I've always moved on within 6 months when i've been turned down for promotion. The 2nd time because meh i was sick of them for many other reasons. The first time because they kept trying to get me to take on aspects of the role anyway, with no pay rise, no title change, they just realised the candidate they did pick (also internal) was a bullshitter who couldn't do it.

So, pick your answer carefully. (But i really think "surely they'll want to use their own plan" is the best answer.)

Pixilicious1 · 08/05/2024 16:38

Brefugee · 08/05/2024 16:26

I would say "oh sorry, i deleted it after i was declined for the role as i assumed it wouldn't be needed. what a pity"

and leave it at that (and leave with it on a USB stick to apply for another job)

This. What can they say to this response.

GardenGnomeDefender · 08/05/2024 16:41

Give them a dumbed down less slick version of the presentation and start taking 2 hour lunches and extra sick days.

TerfTalking · 08/05/2024 16:43

Hi Line Manager, I am flattered you want to use my presentation. Unfortunately as I will be using this for any potential future roles I may apply for I am unable to share this with you to reuse. I am sure you understand my reasons for keeping it to myself. Kind Regards and fuck off

bluecomputerscreen · 08/05/2024 16:47

what is company policy?

at mine any presentations at interview are company 'property'

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 08/05/2024 16:48

PrimalLass · 08/05/2024 16:27

Either way it’s her work/talent they’re asking for.

Yes it's shit, but legally it's their work if done on their time.

Say if she did it on her lunch break that’s technically her time as it’s unpaid so she could get round it that way? I would anyway…

Vermin · 08/05/2024 16:48

Legal element here is whether the presentation wa written in work hours / using work resources (including their software). If yes to either or both of these, it almost certainly belongs to them and you turn it over with whatever amends you think you can get away with.
if not and you are ultimately able to prove it - decline graciously and use it to apply elsewhere (or charge them for it - what would a reasonable consultant rate be for the work?)

BarcardiWithGadaffia · 08/05/2024 16:49

PrimalLass · 08/05/2024 16:27

Either way it’s her work/talent they’re asking for.

Yes it's shit, but legally it's their work if done on their time.

How would they even know when it was done, unless the OP typed it up on a work device during a time when she was prohibited to be taking a break they couldn't. Possibly prove that

I like the idea of saying you deleted it afterwards as it obviously wasn't good enough, unless of course you provided it as part of the process and they are only being polite

WannabeMathematician · 08/05/2024 16:50

Just wanted to add if it’s on something like a share point it most likely has a backup so deleting it would do nothing other than make you look bad. Not that you have implied that you were going to but it’s always good to know.

ShadesofPoachedSmoke · 08/05/2024 16:51

Brefugee · 08/05/2024 16:26

I would say "oh sorry, i deleted it after i was declined for the role as i assumed it wouldn't be needed. what a pity"

and leave it at that (and leave with it on a USB stick to apply for another job)

I'd go with this. They can't argue with this. Tough titties to them!

WeeOrcadian · 08/05/2024 16:52

"when hell freezes over"

Or the above responses if you don't fancy getting hailed in on a disciplinary

QueenofTheBorg · 08/05/2024 16:53

Absolutely cheeky fuckery of the highest order, say nfw! I'm sorry you didn't get the job.

MaryFuckingFerguson · 08/05/2024 16:54

I would let them have it and make sure your name is on every page. Watermarked.

To say no could jeopardise you for promotion in the future and could come across as churlish.

RayonSunrise · 08/05/2024 16:55

Okay it both ways. Tell your workplace you'll be happy to step the new employee through it when she/he joins, and immediately start looking for other jobs.

FloatyBoaty · 08/05/2024 16:55

If you want to say no diplomatically tell them you accidentally deleted it after the interview when you were cleaning up your desktop.

They won’t believe you - but they’ll get the message without being able to probe further or challenge you without looking like twats.

PrimalLass · 08/05/2024 17:01

How would they even know when it was done, unless the OP typed it up on a work device during a time when she was prohibited to be taking a break they couldn't. Possibly prove that

I imagine they could prove it. Depends if they would go to all the bother of finding out.

DoreenonTill8 · 08/05/2024 17:11

Qwerty111 · 08/05/2024 16:09

“I’m sure that the successful candidate would far rather use their own plan”.

Another one for this! Wonder what their presentation was like... and who their relative is
Could you ask for the successful candidates presentation for you to see? Just to see how they were 'better' than you!

PrimalLass · 08/05/2024 17:12

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 08/05/2024 16:48

Say if she did it on her lunch break that’s technically her time as it’s unpaid so she could get round it that way? I would anyway…

Show quote history

Not if using their equipment.

Fulshaw · 08/05/2024 17:16

PrimalLass · 08/05/2024 17:12

Not if using their equipment.

Show quote history

If the work was created ‘in the course of your employment’ it belongs to the employer. Things like equipment used and the time it was done feed into that but that’s not enough on its own. It’s subjective and decided on the facts. A presentation for an internal interview on a company strategy would almost certainly be judged to have been created in the course of your employment.