Unfair job process

Paddeyy

My work recently advertised an inhouse position and told people to apply by a certain date. Myself and 7 others applied for the position but 3 days after the closing date we were told they were giving the job to one of the applicants. No explanation and no interview for anyone. My company is well known for having a "favourites" reputation when it comes to things at work. Is this right that they can just give the job to him after we have applied and before people say maybe he was the most suitable for the job, I was doing this job about 7 months before him whilst covering the original persons sickness.

Bogalot

Perhaps you didn't display the aptitude they were looking for when you covered the role. Did you go through a competitive process to get that role?

Unless their decision making was discriminatory, there is nothing unlawful in what they have done.

Paddeyy

There was no competitive process. I got praised when I covered the job, got told I did it better than the actual person who did it. This is the second time I have gone for this position. The first time I was the most experienced for the role buy they gave it to a lad who had no experience but he was one of the boss's favourites. If my company had done interviews and then have it him I would accept it, my issue is they made us apply and never gave us a fair chance of getting it.

Masomnia

I can understand your frustration but there's nothing you can do about it unfortunately.

All you could do in theory is raise a grievance, but that won't get you what you want and realistically it'll only make things worse.

If you want to move up in your career it's looking like you'll have to look for opportunities elsewhere imho.

lincroft1710

An employer can offer a job to whoever they want to, even the least suitable applicant, providing that they do not offend employment discrimination legislation and the applicant has the legal right to work in the UK and has the necessary qualifications should these be required by law or best practice.

If you do not like their selection process and/or feel you are not making the progress you should be, then perhaps it is time to look for another job

ohreally

Paddeyy wrote: »

my issue is they made us apply and never gave us a fair chance of getting it.

Being invited to apply maybe, being made to apply, I doubt it.

Paddeyy

Yeah, sorry I worded that wrong. I meant invited not made

xapprenticex

This is how it works as you know, its not what you know, its who you know, that's just a fact of life. Advertising the job was just a formality.

Oh yeah to answer your question, yes they can give the job to whoever they want.

theoretica

What would you or the other applicants have told them in an interview that they didn't already know? There can be many reasons that an employer feels it is best to appoint someone when looking at the bigger picture.

jobbingmusician

Might they also have awarded the job based on the applications made? Perhaps the successful candidate made an exceptional showing on paper....

daytona0

Even if they had someone lined up I don't see how they could NOT at least give an interview to someone who had been covering the job for 7 months! Common sense says that they would at least humor you for the mere fact that you'd be the go-to person for any future periods of sickness!

Suspecting one of two things:

1. You aren't actually that good and they've known that for a long time now!

2. The employer is rubbish and you should be doing everything in your power to find a place where your talents and skills are respected.