Disgruntled applicant...

Perhaps you have noticed that I stink at posting lately. I also stink at reading. I am way behind on my reading list...perhaps, because I got stuck with "Slaughterhouse 5." This book is weird and I was having a really hard time following the style of prose. So, I ditched it and moved on to Hoot, which I think is my June book and I still haven't finished it. So far it is good, so I promise to try and do better. I did write a post about a recent work frustration, but delayed posting based on some hesitation I felt, but alas, I have decided to post it. I will warn you that this was written some time ago and I have mellowed a bit since, but still frustrated.

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Ok, so I am about to embark on a different kind of blog...one in which I vent....

So, some time ago (March to be more specific) my then boss left her current position for a great promotion in the agency. Yeah for her! Well, that left her position open. The position was posted on April 1st. After some thinking, I decided to go ahead and apply. The position is substantially more money, more responsibility, and probably a long-shot based on the politics surrounding promotions around here...but, none-the-less rather than question my own credentials, I decide to dive in and apply - let the higher powers make the decision as to how qualified I was. In the interest of disclosure...the position required a Master's degree and 5 years of environmental experience. The issue...I only have 3 years of experience with my current employer and 2 from my graduate assistantship experience. I should note that before doing so, I took the opportunity to speak with my boss's boss's boss whom I had worked closely with in the recent past on a project. Asked her if she felt comfortable with me using her as a reference...explaining that I wasn't sure how it would go over, but that I wanted to go for it. She responded favorable. Indicating she was glad that I had decided to apply and adding that my concern over the level of my experience shouldn't deter me...that she and the rest of management are committed to making the best possible decision - whomever that was and referenced another recent promotion of someone with equal experience. The posting closed on April 7th.

The good news I would later find out, is that no one else from my section (albeit small) chose to apply...slight advantage...I know the section, how it works, and the personalities of its members. Understandably this process would be slow...management would need to review applications, talk amongst themselves, and schedule interviews. I had no idea it would take 4 months (and counting)! No news, no interviews, nothing... So what am I left with...frustration!

Was I stupid to think I had a shot? Is it just not meant to be? If so, I can deal with that. The kicker...every day at least one person asks me the status - I want to SCREAM...how the hell should I know, ask the people making the damn decision. But no, I politely respond with "I don't know." The inevitable next question I get asked is whether I applied. I haven't advertised this around the office, but I am not about to lie. So I respond with yes. For the most part I get a favorable response. Some say good luck, others say I would do well in the position. In fact, I was even asked recently about the position from a member of Management, whom is familiar with my work and knows my level of understanding. She too asked about whether the position had been filled, whether I had applied, then proceeded to ask my all about my credentials and stated she was going to make "a call" on my behalf to the hiring manager and communicate that she felt I would be a good candidate. I found out later from my hiring manager that she did make the call and had very nice things to say about my work in general. Still nothing....

Regardless of whether or not I am qualified, regardless of whether or not I should have applied, or whether I would do a good job - what happened to basic human decency? If you don't like an applicant pool - notify those that applied and repost the position. Simple. I am not going to be heart broken, rather, I will appreciate the honesty. I will never understand these types of hiring practices, and what is up with the politics behind decisions or why these decisions are shrouded in mystery and secrecy - just be honest with people...lay it on the line...tell it like it is. What about a little transparency!

There is so much more I could say and some much more to the story...Now for those of you who know me, you know that patience isn't my strong suit - ok...but, seriously 4 months! In the meantime I continue to train the new members of my section, answer questions, take on additional responsibilities, wait for a performance review (which by the way is also 2 months late)!

Reflecting on past experiences I am reminded of a time in my not so distant future in which I had a particularly difficult manager - a total micro manager. I distinctly remember calling my mom and dad completely frustrated and at my whits end. Of course, they had great advice...even gave me some pointers...most importantly (and most memorable)...was a little piece of advice..."never forget what this feels like." Remember this some day when you find yourself managing others. So, to the world out there listening, I vow never to forget this feeling either.