Would you accept an eight week secondment after missing internal promotion?

[Thebutterflyslovemybush]

I went for a job within the department I currently work in, have been in the role for 4.5 years. The new role is a decent step up in responsibilities and also pay. They have struggled a little bit to recruit into this role and it has been advertised a few times over the years, been filled, then had people leave. I have actually interviewed twice previously for it, the first time was about 6 years ago and I definitely was not the right candidate and didn't have enough experience but appreciated the interview experience. The second was only last year, I lost out to someone from another department who apparently had the specific experience they needed. After 18 months he left and they advertised again.

I was encouraged to apply by the recruitment manager for it this time and I did with a little more confidence, I think I did well in the interview and got good feedback from them on the day. However I've now had an email saying they aren't filling the role right now and have offered me an 8 week secondment into it to get some more experience and see what I think about the role too I suppose.

The crux I'm struggling a bit with is two other people from my team went for it and have also been offered the secondment, one being a temp who is actually there to cover leave and has been with us for 3 months. Apparently they interviewed really well but have very little experience doing what we do. Part of me knows I can't really take into account other candidates but it stings a bit and feels like they just can't make a decision and are terrified of getting it wrong. I have the 4.5 years in the team and actually about 18 years continuous experience in the industry.

After these secondments the role will then be advertised again and we can apply if we want. Part of me wants to say no and not jump through hoops, but it feels a little like cutting my nose off

What would you do in my position?

So it's like a trial or in another sense an extended 'practical' part of the interview process. I would hate to be in that situation, but I think you graciously accept OP.

Are they looking for feedback from people the know as to why the role/position isn't working? Are they looking for a steer on how to adapt it or what the job spec should actually be?
IYO, is the role needed? do they have it slightly wrong? I suppose I am trying to establish why people keep leaving and perhaps they are too.

That would be a no from me - and looking for a different job.

Will they have 3 consecutive secondments? How on earth will that work?

The role is definitely needed and is quite conplex, I think the people hired previously have shined in interview and have done the practical and 'fun' part of the role well but have struggled with the boring bits which if not done well have left the company quite open to criticism and backlash. I think they want to see how well each of us would do in both sides and grasp the responsibilities of it.

I think thats their plan, seems mad to me but just need some other perspectives as I've never been in this position before

So it's basically an eight week interview? I think I would do it if I felt that I would be good at all aspects of the job. You have a good understanding of why previous successful candidates have not lasted very long, and this is an opportunity to show that your functional ability is better than your interview ability.

However (and this is my personality, not yours) if I lost out again this time I would be looking around for opportunities in other companies.

I would ask for more information before making a decision.

Something like “I understand that multiple candidates with vastly different experiences have been asked to do this secondment. Can you please give me more information as to how this would work on a day-to-day basis and what the compensation package would be for this eight week period so I can make an informed decision. Thanks”

From their point of view I can see the logic, because clearly whatever is happening in interviews is not a good indication of success in the job.

Yes 💯 because it’ll put you ‘ahead’ of other candidates next time it comes up. You’ll have experience and be better placed to answer their interview questions with things relevant to the role.

This is a totally horrid situation to be in.
I do think you accept, go first if possible so aren't left to sort out any situations the other 2 leave you, and at the end of it give the company feedback. Don't wait for them to feedback to you, tell them what you thought of the role, where the issues are, why you think people have left..... turn the situation around and show you understand the job, their (boss type next level up) jobs, the challenges within this role, what they should be putting in place as support and also an understanding of how important this decision is for the business.

Well yes and no, they're still not deciding after it. So someone external could apply and wow them and none of us would get it

I think this sums it up well

Thanks for this, though some I've asked have said to go last so I'm the last impression they have before the interviews is me in the role.

I do think if I go through this and I decided to apply for it again and didn't get the job I would definitely be looking elsewhere. I think they know that too, my line manager has alluded to them that if they mess me about too much I'll be off.

Not to blow my trumpet too much but I am a big asset to this team, the industry isn't a massive one where we are either. That goes both ways too, not a lot of decent jobs and few decent candidates for them

there is an argument for going last too. from your post it's clear this role should be yours and you are an asset to them, they would be bonkers to lose you which is what's making this situation so bizarre. If you don't get it, don't take it personally, see it as an opportunity to move on to something bigger and better.