Internal promotion/job change

moto2006

Hi everyone
Its my first time posting, so I'm sorry if something similar has been posted already or if its in the wrong place! Also apologies in advance for the length of the post

I'm leaving my current job (have been very happy, just got a better offer). A co worker [A]who is currently studying for the same qualification as I am and is working in the same department expressed interest in my position immediately as it is more related to their study.
My direct manager has let it be known unofficially that he is very happy for A to take my job and also that his manager is ok with that.

The post has since been advertised internally by the managing director, standard enough email . However, on the same day he also sent that mail to B, who worked in the department before in a different capacity to the vacant role about a year ago asking B is they would be interested in applying for position. It seems very unfair that someone who is not currently working with company would get nod over someone who is but seems that B is definitely being favoured as they were contacted before anyone internal had a chance to apply. A is the only other person up for the interview as no one else has applied internally.

It has come up but the reason given for allowing B to apply at the same time as the internal candidates is he took a career break rather then actually leaving (left to go travelling with other half and got back about two months ago and has been working on a short term IT contract but isn't happy there) but I thought you had to be in a post a year or longer to take sabbatical/career break

Now, I realise that you can't force anyone to employ someone but I did think that you had to interview internally, then if no suitable candidates are found you can go external but you can always find reasons why someone would be unsuitable. (B has no more experience or qualifications then A so on paper would be very similar) While you can't blame B for going for the job I think its really unfair on A.

Finally (nearly there, promise!) I suppose I'm wondering is there anything A can do? If you did sue/take a case against them that would probably mean that A would end up having to leave (very small company!) and I know thats not really somthing he wants to do (new job would probably involve commuting to Dublin)

Thanks in advance, sorry about the rant! really wanted to let off steam!

homeOwner

moto2006 wrote:

The post has since been advertised internally by the managing director, standard enough email . However, on the same day he also sent that mail to B, who worked in the department before in a different capacity to the vacant role about a year ago asking B is they would be interested in applying for position.

moto2006 wrote:

It seems very unfair that someone who is not currently working with company would get nod over someone who is but seems that B is definitely being favoured as they were contacted before anyone internal had a chance to apply.

That doesnt make sense, you said the external guy was contact on the same day as the job was advertised internally. It seems perfectly ok to me. I dont understand your issue. Why should the internal person be given the job just because he is internal. The company obviously thinks that this external guy is a good potential candidate too.

moto2006 wrote:

Now, I realise that you can't force anyone to employ someone but I did think that you had to interview internally, then if no suitable candidates are found you can go external but you can always find reasons why someone would be unsuitable. (B has no more experience or qualifications then A so on paper would be very similar) While you can't blame B for going for the job I think its really unfair on A.

I dont see why it is unfair. There are no laws to say you have to favour an internal candidate over an external one. The company has a right to invite anyone as a candidate to be interviewed. If they offered the external guy the job without interviewing anyone then you would have a point but they havent.

moto2006 wrote:

Finally (nearly there, promise!) I suppose I'm wondering is there anything A can do? If you did sue/take a case against them that would probably mean that A would end up having to leave (very small company!) and I know thats not really somthing he wants to do (new job would probably involve commuting to Dublin)

No. 'A' cant do anything. The company hasnt done anything wrong. I dont get your point of view. What are sugesting you suing for? What law has been broken? What contract has been breached?

moto2006

Tbh, none, I guess. It did annoy me that the second person was offered their choice of the two jobs but I am just just sticking my nose in. I did think companies were supposed to hire internally first but I suppose the actual hiring is always subjective anyway. And no, I wasn't suggesting sueing, because really you would only be sueing for the chance to do the orginal job (might make for uncomfortable lunch times in the office I was just asking is there there any legislation/recommendations about internal hiring or is it down to individual company polices

Wishbone Ash

Although you don't say it in your posts, I presume you are referring to a private company. If so, they are more or less entitled to appoint who they wish. On the other hand, if it were the public/civil service, all positions would have to be advertised openly and all eligible employees would be entitled to apply.