Internal candidate

For the past two weeks, I was ready to throw in the towel. To absolutely give up on my job search.

I recently found out I need to have surgery, and it requires a six-week recovery period. I imagined getting a call for a job that I really wanted, then having to tell them I was about to go under the knife. And that I would be out of commission for about two months.

Say what you want about the legalities of the situation, I know employers just wouldn’t be anxious to make me an offer.

I started feeling hopeless, and wondered if I should just suspend my whole job search for a few months until I am fully recovered. That, on top of a 15-month fruitless job search, and I was ready to roll over.

But then I saw an intriguing job post … at the place I work!

Without giving away too much, this new job would be a significant shift for me … but would highlight skills that I hone outside of work. I have a hobby that utilizes the specific skill set required for this position. I still can’t believe it.

I should add, this would be a significant promotion.

To make things even better, the position reports directly to the company’s vice president. I feel comfortable saying we get a long quite nicely. We’re even Facebook friends, and she has a fondness for my pet pics.

The company has launched a national search, but I do know being an internal candidate would have distinct advantages … specifically having a keen understanding of the corporate culture and politics.

So after six weeks of not looking — I took an unexpected holiday break from sending out applications — I took the plunge and tossed my resume into the mix.

The posting remains open until about mid-February; after that I expect to be contacted for a interview. At the very least, this will be an opportunity for me to speak with the vice president about my aspirations with the company, and my hope for upward trajectory.

Of course, it would be incredibly ironic if I found a better, more challenging job at the same company that I wanted to leave because I felt left behind.

Crazier things have happened.

Bait and switch

While conducting my daily stroll through internet job boards, I saw the financial industry job I interviewed for was posted again.

The company was fast and furious about talking with me, then in a sudden turn of events decided there were other candidates with the specific experience they were seeking. Apparently those candidates didn’t have what they were looking for either.

What really caught my eye about the reposting is that it was through a headhunting company that solicits resumes from poor schleps who actually pay for the opportunity to submit an application. This kills me. Instead of charging the corporation that most likely has the money to pay for the search, it requires applicants, some of whom are unemployed, to shell out cash for the honor of sending in a resume.

You pay for the right to be fast-tracked to the hiring managers, but it seems like it takes money from people who may not have the extra cash … all for a chance at an interview that most likely won’t ever come.

I know because I applied to a job through this company about six months ago. In exchange for a $5 fee (paltry to some, but a meal for me) I was guaranteed a personal candidate manager, direct contact from the company’s hiring manager and the illusion of a real chance at getting the job providing that my resume was accurate. It even boasted a $1,000 hiring bonus.

It sounded like a great deal. But the reality was more like this: A barrage of emails asking nonsensical questions like “Have you been hired yet?” Hmm. I don’t know. You’re the recruiter. You tell me!! “Has anyone from the hiring company contacted you?” No. Did they say they wanted to meet with me? Does this mean I have an interview?

Carrots like this were endlessly dangled in front of my hungry eyes. I started to get frustrated. I told the recruiter I felt like the setup was a bait and switch, and she assured me that the hiring company would be in touch soon.

This went on for weeks.

Finally I received this message:

Hi XXX,

I hope you are doing well and the move is going well! Thank you so much for being an active part of the (headhunter company name) community! I just spoke with my account manager and I’m sorry to tell you that the (hiring company) has decided to pursue other candidates. They didn’t give a reason otherwise I’d share it with you.

Please continue to use (headhunter company name.com) as your go to job platform! Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

Best,
Susan

I was shocked to receive this email for many reasons. First, I was supremely qualified for this position, and was amazed I didn’t even get a look-see. Second, I wasn’t moving. Did she send this note to the wrong person?

It ends up I was right. There was a second candidate who also had my name.

The bottom line was easy to read: I still didn’t have the job.