I Didn’t Get Job #2
After waiting 7 business days for the phantom piece of mail that never arrived, I called a colleague within the organization to get the scoop. She told me I was one of the top candidates, but there was a delay because management was working out some “re-org” issues.
Hmm, ok.
When I mentioned the letter I was told to expect last week, she put me on hold to ask someone on the decision board. When she returned to the phone, she said one of the interviewers wanted to speak with me. Then I was transferred.
Long story short, they were impressed with my resume, experience, and references - but, they decided to hire someone who had more experience. The person they selected has been doing the exact same job for 15 years and they think he is better suited to handle the challenges they are facing. Understandable. However, given my strengths and the future “vision” of the organization, they want to make me an offer for a different position than the one I interviewed for.
Huh?
So they were sending me a rejection letter in a package that included information about this new position and an “invitation” to discuss the “exciting” opportunity. [quotation to emphasize her words] Interesting, but ok. So the questions flooded.
What does the position entail?
What are the responsibilities?
What is the growth potential?
etc, etc, etc.
After a 20 minute conversation, I gathered that the position is almost exactly the same as the responsibilities I had about 3 years ago, with a few things I’ve never done. They are minor though, something I can learn and master in a few months. She sensed the hesitation in my voice and I’m sure she was trying her very best not to insult me. They’ve seen my resume, so I was already insulted. Then she quickly mentioned that they were willing to match my salary with a potential review in 6 months. I thanked her for taking the time to speak with me and promised to get back with her by COB Thursday - 2 days to consider. I didn’t want to insult the offerer either.
When I hung up the phone, I thought to myself…
Going backwards in rank and responsibility, even for more pay, is career suicide.
Thanks but no thanks.
~*~*~*~*~*~Work to achieve, not to acquire.
And always, BE FABULOUS!
This blog is the story of my financial life as a single mom. Subscribe via (feed reader) or (email) to follow the rest of my fabulous journey.
wow, they were seriously going to send you a rejection letter with a new invite for something else. sweet. that would indeed be career suicide, even though i have yet to start my career path I have been asked back to jobs for more pay and a lower rank and I knew better.
Good Luck 2 You.
Be Blessed & Be a Blessing
-Loui-Loui-
Yes, if you do not have to go backwards, that would be career suicide. Good for you and handling the call with a great attitude. Obviously, God has your name typed on another letterhead on it’s way to your mailbox!
Backwards is only good if it’s a career move. I can understand someone moving backwards (and perhaps switching companies to facilitate that) if they’ve decided they want to spend less time working, more time living, all that. But doesn’t sound right for you at this stage of the game.
Good luck with #1!
I’m so sorry you didn’t get it
I am, however, hoping that something bigger and better is on its way to you!!!
Interesting indeed. I must say I have not quite heard an offer like that one. At least you know now as opposed to later…makes your decision(s) much clearer and cleaner, I would think.
Good luck. I am thinking good thoughts for you. Now, if you can just help me with MY situation…LOL
Hey Single Ma… I really enjoy reading your blog. I found it just a few days ago but already feel like I know you
As for job # 2: their loss! But everything happens for a reason… I am sure that bigger and better things are coming your way. Good Luck!!!
This type of rejection/offer only makes sense IF they are giving you higher rank AND more pay. It actually happened to a friend of mine. Rather than be insulted they jumped at the chance, and are now thrilled they didn’t get the first job they sought.
You’ll find something better. And hopefully soon!!
I learn sooo much from your blog! Thanks for sharing your financial, personal, parenting, work, life experiences. You help keep me motivated at work and you bring a smile to the day! Good things come to those who wait…even better things come to those with a plan! You are definitely a woman with a plan!
best to you,
beckie
Ok you KNOW I’m tripping right? Like WTF did she say BACKWARDS? girl they OBVIOUSLY don’t know you!!! It’s all good because you got the other offer on the table.. WOOOHOOOO
Umm Celebrate good times
SM - too bad about the job - however, how they told you (you had to call to follow up, they were going to include a “rejection” letter plus an another opportunity - huh???) speaks volumes about what kind of organization they are. You are better off without them …
Have you resigned from your current position yet?
I’ve actually taken a step back for more money once in my career. I did it for two reasons : A.) quality of life - I was stressed out at the present job and absolutely a basketcase. B.) a better employer — I left a good employer for a better employer with more room for growth. Yes, the first year on the job was a little ‘boring’, but my boss learned I could handle more and I was able to grow the lesser job into a great fit at a higher level.
Thanks for yet another example of A Woman Who Stands Up For Herself. Bravo!
I’ve had this type of offer before and I took the counteroffer. My plan was to get into the new position which was one that would have exposure to everyone’s pay rate and then later reapply for the position that I originally wanted when another became open with the knowledge of what they were really paying in that position and the edge of having total familiarity with their systems. I thought I could outsmart them. They reneged the second offer claiming that they weren’t clear on what my objectives were when what really happened is that they caught their mistake. But you’re right, I wouldn’t do it again if the chance came up.
Man, this job market sure is funny!
I think you are better off without this organization that is in the re-org stage, total chaos when it is a re-org.
Now why would anyone hire a person who did the same job for 15 years is beyond my comprehension, since this clearly shows inclination for a stagnation. I mean, how do you do the same type of work for 15 years!!????????
I had the same question Rufina had. How does one do the same job for 15 years and why would they want someone who has done the same job for 15 years ? Are they expecting you to be the same way? They did you a favor!
Sorry to hear about you not getting this job. It’s in time like these where we showcase our true self, and when you mention that:
“Going backwards in rank and responsibility, even for more pay, is career suicide”
then you’ve truly given light to a person who wants to develop and I congratulate you. The best way is to develop a “work to learn, not to earn” attitude. Taking a completely different job for less pay can be greatly beneficial as you can learn heaps of new information.
Congratulations on showing true character.
For you, this was a good decision, but others have to consider their personal goals and circumstances. I have gone backwards for more pay with lesser job responsibility to have more time to take care of my son and my aging mother. Although it was a voluntary “demotion”, I have more freedom now than I have had in the past 10 years. Plus, I am off for six weeks during the summer. However, my goal is not to move up the corporate ladder, but to move out into self-employment.
This sounds like the right call. I can’t imagine you being satisfied in any job where you aren’t challenged regularly.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Job #1 sorts out soon.