Passed over on a promotion. How to deal with it?

pmduk

It could be that the other candidate performed better than you in the interview

CKgeordieinlondon

getmore4less wrote: »

What they going to do?


Take the person that covers others and put them in a position that leaves a great hole that they have to fill or take the easy option?


learn the politics and play the game

This!

Unfortunately I've never really got the hang of the game and have found the only way to get on is to move on, and that's worked out fine for me.


Last year I applied for internal job. Didn't get it, it went to an outside candidate he's great no problem about that.

6 months later , two colleagues of mine were temporarily promoted. There are 4 of us at the same grade, doing the same job, but there was no discussion. In fact I only head about it through another colleague.
I do think the least my boss could have done was tell me it was going happen.

I don't begrudge them they were offered it they took it.However I sit next to them all day and they're not doing anything they didn't do before.

So thats it s*d em I not giving them a second of my time they haven't paid for

Gavin83

I think a lot depends on if it's a management position or not as well. Some people can be excellent at their job but not at all suited to management, and vice versa. They're a totally different skillset.

It's a little more difficult to justify if it's just a promotion to a more senior (aka: knowledgable) position though.

maurice28

I agree with asking for feedback so you can understand the reasons why you didn't get it. Depending on what they say, you might feel fobbed off but at least you'll know.

In the meantime, I would probably be keeping an eye out for another position that had all the perks you wanted from the one you missed out on. You might find the bosses half expect you to do this after being passed over for the promotion.

Takeaway_Addict

I actually disagree with a Mountain of Debt, I personally would say I was disappointed as I felt I was the best candidate out of the three. I wouldn't necessarily say anymore but at least they would know how I felt.

Saying the best person got the job is akin to lying down and letting them walk over you.

And start looking for another job.

El_Torro

If you feel that you're ready to take the next step in the career ladder (more money, more responsbility, etc...) then it looks pretty clear that you won't get it where you are so start applying for suitable roles elsewhere. Sometimes it's the only way to progress.

As for what you should say to your current employers, it's OK to say that you were disappointed that you didn't get the promotion but I wouldn't say much more than that. Slagging off the person who did get promoted, either now or after you resign, won't be doing you any favours. You want a good reference from these guys after all.

RancidM

There is no shame in being disappointed.

Ask for feed back and specifically in the areas they did not feel you were strong enough.
Sit with you boss and put on paper a personal improvement plan with specific goals and times lines to overcome these "weak" areas.

the next time a role of that type becomes avalible your boss will have a difficult time to not give you the job.

at the same time look elsewhere.

esj13

If i hadnt thought myself the best person for the job I wouldn't have applied. And my manager is fully aware of my goals within the company and he also is aware of how small a company it is with new positions coming up only once in a blue moon.
I'm personally incline to disagree with saying to them that I think the best person got the job. That's very defeatist and shows that I wasn't the right person.
The only course of action for me now it seems is to find a new professional habitat and wait until my resignation letter and exit interview to really go to town on them.

Takeaway_Addict

esj13 wrote: »

If i hadnt thought myself the best person for the job I wouldn't have applied. And my manager is fully aware of my goals within the company and he also is aware of how small a company it is with new positions coming up only once in a blue moon.
I'm personally incline to disagree with saying to them that I think the best person got the job. That's very defeatist and shows that I wasn't the right person.
The only course of action for me now it seems is to find a new professional habitat and wait until my resignation letter and exit interview to really go to town on them.

Exit interview....what's one of those? Antiquated things that hardly ever happen in business.

But seriously, don't burn your bridges, stay professional as you may need references of them later on

Gingernutty

Email. Keep it light. Keep it friendly. Keep it short. Keep it upbeat.

"Hi Decision Maker/HR Bod/Line Manager,

As you know, I was interviewed for the position of Chief Widget Inspector and was disappointed to learn that, after consideration, I wasn't offered the post.

I would like feedback if that's possible, either by email or in a meeting as I would like to progress within this company and would like to take this opportunity to learn from any errors on my part and perhaps, brush up on my interview technique.

Kind regards

esj13"

If they ignore you, or worse give you 'blah' feedback

"Well, you know, you didn't do anything wrong, per se - there are no right answers sometimes - he/she/it/thingy was just better on the day - it just wasn't your time"

Stay as sweet and as happy as you were before all this started but start to look for other jobs.

Work to rule (stop covering your new managers back (side) but on no account ruin any chance of a decent reference by "going to town on them".

Depending on the jobs you apply for in the future, you may need up to ten years worth of checkable job history.