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I just interviewed yesterday with a company who has placed one of its sales reps in the role of "interim" sales manager. When I met the interim last week, he introduced himself as the new sales manager. At interview time, I thought that it was strange that they didn't make me complete an application (presumably to check references). It was a good hour and a half interview, but I felt that it was only "for show" and that the internal candidate had the job sewn up already. Is there ANY truth to the saying that they HAVE to interview outside candidates or POST these openings when there is one? I've always heard this but don't actually know if it;s true.
I feel I went thru this last month when I interviewed for a state job. While I was sitting there, waiting to be called in for the interview, I overheard one of the ladies (who would be interviewing me), talking to the receptionist about something and the "gist" of the conversation I got was that they were talking about a couple of applicants who worked in another department who were applying for the position I was.
I felt after the interview and then getting the rejection letter in the mail the following week, that I was just there as part of the "motions" they had to go thru to make the hiring "legit" in some way.
While disappointed, I just chalked it all up as another "practice" job interview...
I just interviewed yesterday with a company who has placed one of its sales reps in the role of "interim" sales manager. When I met the interim last week, he introduced himself as the new sales manager. At interview time, I thought that it was strange that they didn't make me complete an application (presumably to check references). It was a good hour and a half interview, but I felt that it was only "for show" and that the internal candidate had the job sewn up already. Is there ANY truth to the saying that they HAVE to interview outside candidates or POST these openings when there is one? I've always heard this but don't actually know if it;s true.
They do this to cover their arses should an applicant file a complaint. Sad thing is this is very commonplace all over, especially State, County and Federal jobs. Best of luck to you in your job search.
I feel I went thru this last month when I interviewed for a state job. While I was sitting there, waiting to be called in for the interview, I overheard one of the ladies (who would be interviewing me), talking to the receptionist about something and the "gist" of the conversation I got was that they were talking about a couple of applicants who worked in another department who were applying for the position I was.
I felt after the interview and then getting the rejection letter in the mail the following week, that I was just there as part of the "motions" they had to go thru to make the hiring "legit" in some way.
While disappointed, I just chalked it all up as another "practice" job interview...
I got the exact same thing a couple weeks ago. Great phone interview, then for the sit down interview, I could tell by the extremely generic questions and short duration that they had no intention of hiring me before I even arrived. Thanks for wasting my time!
I feel I went thru this last month when I interviewed for a state job. While I was sitting there, waiting to be called in for the interview, I overheard one of the ladies (who would be interviewing me), talking to the receptionist about something and the "gist" of the conversation I got was that they were talking about a couple of applicants who worked in another department who were applying for the position I was.
I felt after the interview and then getting the rejection letter in the mail the following week, that I was just there as part of the "motions" they had to go thru to make the hiring "legit" in some way.
While disappointed, I just chalked it all up as another "practice" job interview...
That's the same way that I am looking at it. I'm actually thankful that it put me in front of the hiring manager in case another position opens up in the future.
I just interviewed yesterday with a company who has placed one of its sales reps in the role of "interim" sales manager. When I met the interim last week, he introduced himself as the new sales manager. At interview time, I thought that it was strange that they didn't make me complete an application (presumably to check references). It was a good hour and a half interview, but I felt that it was only "for show" and that the internal candidate had the job sewn up already. Is there ANY truth to the saying that they HAVE to interview outside candidates or POST these openings when there is one? I've always heard this but don't actually know if it;s true.
AFAIK, there's no legal requirement, but some major companies certainly have it as policy.
It's one of those HR policies that look great on paper - make sure there's no nepotism, get a feel for the market salary, keep people from building their own little fiefdoms - but in practice, it often turns out to be a complete waste of everybody's time, forcing people to go through the notions. ( I am not fond of most HR people, admittedly...)
Still, if you interviewed well, it's a partial-win situation - you got in front of someone who hires and looked good. The other candidate may flake out, another post may come up, etc. ETA: I see you made that point already...
Incidentally, I have certainly interviewed without filling out an application. When asked for references, I had a list printed up (styled like my resume, of course ) - the rest of the HR paperwork was handled by mail and on my first day on the job.
Last edited by Dane_in_LA; 08-21-2009 at 10:08 AM..
Reason: Typed too slow, wehotex said it himself.
I think they even must have to interview a certain amount. I have been there. The last one in just to make sure they got the quota. It is a waste of my time and hey, I am already suffering from an extreme reduction in income and really could use the gas money for something else!
The company I worked for(Fortune 100) did this routinely. I would often check with friends about open jobs only to be told Joe Blow already had the job and the posting was just a formality. This is done internally and externally. Often a department head would write a job ad that would make it easier to hire his chosen candidate.
There are exceptions. It is possible to run across someone who wants new blood and new ideas.
The law does not require that employers interview external candidates, but many companies have a policy to do so. Others interview externals only after exhausting any internal candidates.
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) - the rest of the HR paperwork was handled by mail and on my first day on the job.
