Feeling foolish

[darkseptembermorning]

I applied for a job internally that was a step up from what I do now. I really felt I could do it, but I didn’t even get an interview. After spending hours on the application, they didn’t even email me to tell me I was unsuccessful. I only found out because a few weeks went by so I emailed the recruitment team to ask why I never had an email with the outcome.

I feel foolish as some people know I went for it (it’s normal to tell your manager if going for an internal role). I feel I had delusions of grandeur and stupid for thinking I could get a job like that. To not even get an interview shows I shouldn’t have even applied as I didn’t meet the criteria.

Well it might just mean they more applicants with even more qualifications. Don’t take one rejection as a signal that you are not capable of a promotion. Ask for feedback on your application and then use that to improve your chances next time. Never let fear of failure stop you doing something, or weigh you down, it’s just part of the ups and downs of life. Oh and I think chocolate is calorie free if you have just had a job rejection too :)

Honestly - a man would not feel foolish. Hard done by, yes. Sorry for himself, absolutely, but foolish, never.
p.s. they should have emailed you to let you know. That is on them, not you.

Rather than sinking into shame, learn from this.

Did they give you feedback on your application? If not, can you request it? Can you discuss with your manager and get their input?

There could be various reasons why you weren't shortlisted. I would also take the lack of notification as a reflection on them not you.

I applied to be managing director of the company I worked for when I was 35. Didn't get it, but you have to be in it to win it. They should have acknowledged your application at least

Not foolish at all. I wonder if they mistakenly overlooked your application as it shouldn’t have been ignored unless that’s the policy when large numbers of applications are received.

Id ask for feedback. It’s the mature thing to do and then youll know why you didn’t get any further with this job and can do something differently for the next.