Unsuccessful job interview

[Hilary]

I had an interview for promotion yesterday, but didn't get it

I have been a part-time library assistant in our very small community library for over 10 years, gradually increasing my hours over the years. The staff consists of one full-time manager and two part time assistants (never more than two staff on duty at a time - I told you it was very small!). My line manager decided to reduce her hours by job-sharing, so I applied for the other 'half' of her job - essentially a promotion from assistant to job-share manager doing pretty much the same as I've been doing for 10 years, with a bit more paper-pushing

I was quite prepared to be unsuccessful, as I didn't know who the other interviewees were but, having slept on it, I've decided I'm not upset I didn't get the job (disappointed, yes, but not upset). However, I am distinctly annoyed to find that the job was given to someone with no absolutely no experience of working in a library. Being local government, the interview was along strict lines of equal treatment to everyone, and I was told I didn't 'sell' myself enough.

Because it's a management position (albeit a very minor one!), the interviewers were looking for management experience. The successful applicant was chosen because she was manager of a Next store until leaving to have her first child about 3 years ago. I have also had past retail management experience, but rather longer ago - about 20 years!

I appreciate that management is management whatever the field but, in such a small working environment as our library, this is a very hands-on role, with the manager having to carry out all the day-to-day library business as well as the manegement functions.

I'll be interested to find out who they expect to train to the new person in the day-to-day running of the library As there's only ever the manager and one assistant on duty at a time, it's logically going to be me if I'm on duty with her. I'm inclined to say they needn't expect me to do it, if I wasn't deemed good enough (after 10 years on the job) to get the promotion, but then it's not the poor girl's fault they picked her, is it?

Okay, rant over - back to enjoying the rest of my birthday!

 

[UKANGEL]

sorry to hear this Hilary as I know exactly where you're coming from (as one Library person to another........) Its exactly the same set up in our Boro too. We have to interview to a set criteria and never mind that we know one person has all the experience and knowledge of teh job....as you say, if they don't sell themselves well enough in the interview, their experience etc counts for nothing. Its very harsh although deemed 'fair' by the Council.....but I've seen 'outsiders' put in post who have left after a few months as they're completely unsuitable!

Hope your Birthday improves after this disappointment

 

[bath1960]

Sorry to hear your disappointment but maybe as one door closes another will open!! Happy Birthday.

 

[Minniespal]

Sorry to hear about your disappointment ~ Hope the rest of your birthday improves.

 

[kazzie]

That makes me

How can they say you didn't 'seel' yourself well enough This isn't some multi natiional conglomorate job,it's a job that you have been doing exceptionally well for years.I don't think you should have to 'sell' yourself what you are and do should speak for itself

So someone has a 'better' interview technique,does it mean they're the right person for the job,I doubt it

I might be tempted to be petty and refuse to train the person,I don't think you'd do that though?

 

[KayleeUK]

Sorry to hear that Hilary I hope the day gets better for you.

 

[Miffy2003]

Poor you Hilary!

It often seems to go the way with recruitment that the person who would be "best" for the job is pipped by someone who would not be as good but happens to give a good interview. Very unfair!

I hope things have improved on your birthday!

Best wishes,

Karen

 

[UKDEB]

Hilary - this is one of my pet peeves . So much so, in fact, that I don't have the energy to comment at the moment - I would be here all night! Suffice to say that this practice (of assessing suitability for a job based on performance on the day, rather than taking into account known past performance and experience) has become prevalent and I hope it becomes unfashionable as quickly as it became trendy in the first place. It's <i>so</i> short sighted. Success relies upon an ability to learn how to pass an 'assessment centre' and those who put themselves through the process frequently and receive feedback each time on where they went wrong, are the ones who are equipped to 'pass' the next time.

OK, I know I said I wasn't going to comment, but, believe me, I haven't even started! I work for an organisation <b>full</b> of people who are way out of their depth whilst others who were turned down for the positions run rings around them. The new recruits, realising that they will be 'found out' quickly move on to more senior positions still in other organisations.

As I get older, I truly believe I get wiser. I have a much more 'live and let live' approach, am able to see both sides of an argument and have lost the opinionated attitude of my teens and twenties. But some things still have the ability to wind me up and this is certainly one of them! Although it goes against my normal nature (and I'm sure yours, too) I would be strongly inclined to pre-empt the training issue by having a conversation with someone before the 'new girl' starts. I don't think it would be unreasonable for you to point out that you are sure 'they' (whoever 'they' are) realise that you would be less than pleased to be asked to be put in that position given the circumstances. Knowing you as I do, I know you would be able to do so tactfully and assuredly.

See what you've done! I knew I wouldn't be able to stop once I got started!

 

[Hilary]

Thanks for your support, everyone

Yesterday was my first day in work since the interview, and I was surprised (but quietly flattered ) to find that my interview rejection seems to have caused quite a stir within our group of libraries!

Over the weekend my disppointment at not getting the promotion has completely dwindled, but in direct correlation to an increase in annoyance at the way there is absolutely no career structure now in place within our library service, or any incentive for existing staff to view this as anything other than 'a job'.

I'm trying hard to be objective about it, but it's very difficult not to sound like a case of 'sour grapes'.

I certainly wouldn't wish to see a return to the old practices within local government which led to accusations of nepotism and 'jobs for the boys', but we seem to have gone from one extreme to the other now.

Ah well, onwards and upwards, eh?

 

[WDWfan uk]

Not sure I can add anything constructive Hilary, but it does sound quite depressing and certainly demotivating.

Do you think you will stay?

 

[KayleeUK]

Hilary

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Oh Hilary, sorry to have only just seen this thread.

First, sorry to have missed your birthday, hope it was good, all things considered.

Secondly, what a bummer about the job, you really did sound so perfect and ready for it. Fingers crossed something good comes of it all for you.

Annie xx