Encouraged to apply

[Werehalfwaythere]

Would it annoy you to be encouraged by HR (an officer I know well - it’s a small business) to apply for an internal promotion, of which you tick all the boxes, and then not even get an interview?

I wasn’t even really considering it to start with as I wasn’t sure if it was too much of a step up in salary and the usual confidence fail, but after their encouragement, I took hours updating my CV and completing an application, only to hear I haven’t even got an interview.

I’m well regarded at work, perform well and no complaints so I’m actually quite annoyed I was encouraged to waste my time. Although a tiny bit grateful for not having had to do the interview process and then not get it, I guess.

I’ll be asking for thorough feedback.

That would annoy me too!

It would definitely annoy me! Maybe the HR person that said you should apply was not the decision maker, or even that closely involved. But... your CV is now primed and ready for any other job you see! I always think it's really silly when HR encourage people to update their CVs, that is the hard bit, once you have that applying is easy.

Well it’s better than my recent experience
-encouraged to apply, details discussed, ring-fenced so didn’t really fit other
-advertised, more responsibility than my current role, lower pay grade, plus a very short term contract!
-now funny with me for not applying

all I can say is recruitment is a mess

I had this recently encouraged to go for a role - positioned like it was mine for the taking. Were elements of it I don’t have tons of experience of but wasn’t too concerned as I work well with the leader who was encouraging me.
Had an interview and was asked questions very much focusing on my weaker area ( fair enough !)
didn’t get the role and feedback referenced lack of expertise in that area which I would never have claimed to have . Was v disillusioned!

So strange. Why are they doing this to you OP and also nextchapterplease?

Maybe they needed a minimum number of applications in order for the job to be interviewed internally only

That’s very annoying, definitely get feedback!

Oh god that’s even worse!

What are these people thinking? It’s a sure-fire way of making people feel unappreciated and demoralised.

I also think in your example, it just doesn’t make sense. I’m guessing the person they’ve gone for is external, so could have been bullshitting about their experience and likely hyping up their success. Whereas your boss knows you, knows you’re reliable and a good worker. Surely it makes sense to recruit internally wherever possible when the employee shows promise. Much better to train and develop your loyal employees than take a punt on external staff who may have lower work standards, work ethic etc.

Are you now looking elsewhere?

@Gwenhwyfar The HR Officer wasn’t on the shortlisting panel so I’m going to guess she was well meaning (yet unprofessional) in suggesting I apply, and perhaps underestimated the level of interest or experience that would come through on the applications.

But I tick every box so I’m not sure why I haven’t even been offered an interview. Maybe my face doesn’t fit.

Very frustrating. But I don’t want to work for people who don’t value me, so it’s for the best long term, I just know to start looking elsewhere now.

She shouldn't have said anything if she didn't know. If HR said that to me, I'd presume they had discussed it with the hiring manager.

Same. I wish she hadn’t said anything.

I'd feel humiliated. However, some people think applying for an internal job you don't get is still good because it 'shows ambition' so maybe that'll be true for you.

Same except I was already seconded to the role performing well with no issues, was told it was mine it was given to someone else who is now massively struggling and I’m being expected to support the new hire