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Dear Joan:
I currently work as a coordinator in my present company and am looking
to advance my career. There are possibilities to advance to a
larger department where I would be considered a Director. I
would still be in charge of my current department which would then be
assumed by the new position, as well as title change.
However, I recently found out, through the
current director, that I am not being considered for the position.
I know that I am qualified. I also know that the employee they
are considering is not respected in our organization.
However, I would like to know the best way to make it known to my
supervisor that I would like to be considered for the job, if it were
available. What is the best way to handle this without any mud
slinging or unprofessional behavior? What would be the most
persuasive argument that I could make that could enlighten my
supervisors?
Answer:
When you start slinging mud, it usually
ends up splattering you, too. You are wise to be looking for an above
board approach for several reasons. Not only would badmouthing this
candidate make your motive suspect; you would have to face working
with her, if you don’t get the job. You might also poison your
chances for a future promotion, if your actions were viewed as
politically underhanded.
I can’t discern if the person they are
considering is outside the company or outside your own area. If the
candidate is from inside the company, there is a good chance they will
find out about his or her reputation from your boss or others. If the
person is from outside the company, that information may not be
discovered.
I recommend that you tell your own
supervisor that you are interested in applying for the position and
ask for some advice about the best way to go about applying. If the
job isn’t posted, ask your manager if he or she would be willing to
support your candidacy to the hiring director in the other area.
If your boss tells you that you wouldn’t
be considered for the position, ask, “Can you give me some feedback
that will help me understand why I wouldn’t be considered? If I
know, it would help me get ready for the next opportunity.” Manage
your disappointment and listen carefully to the answer. If you still
feel strongly that you should be considered, say, “I’d still like
to be considered. If nothing else, going through the interview process
would be valuable for me, and may position me for other opportunities
in the future.”
If you aren’t going to be considered for
the job and it looks like the other person is a finalist, you may be
in a position to give your manager a heads up that could be passed
along to the hiring manager. You could go to your manager and say,
“We all have a vested interest in Sue making the right decision on
who to hire for the new director position. I hope she does a good job
checking references in (name the departments) before making an offer
to Pat. There are some issues she may not be aware of.” If your
manager is smart, the message will be delivered…without any mud at
all.
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