Is this strange?

jdivision

I applied for a job on Monday and my boss later called me in "for a chat" about what I would do if I didn't get the job. I haven't even done the interview yet and to me it seemed I'm not even been given a chance. Has this happened anyone else? Is your employer allowed do that? I would have considered myself one of the two favourites for the job and now I'm wondering if I'm wasting my time.

uberwolf

what did you say?

seems strange alright, what size organisation?

jdivision

He asked me if I didn't get the job would I be happy if they essentially changed my job title to "promote me" but basically kept me in my current job. i said no because it wouldn't be a promotion in real terms. Then he asked me what would make me happy. I said I didn't know because I wanted the job I applied for.
Around 100 people in total work there and he's in charge of around 30. I thought I'd be favourite for it to be honest because I've bit more experience of what it would involve.

fenris

Sounds like he is trying to help you out here, if you don't get that job, he is offering to give you a change of title that may help you on your CV in the future. This kind of thing happens all of the time, I would also be surprised if the change of title did not also bring an opportunity to take on a bit of extra responsibility - also good for the CV BTW.

Your boss may know that the role is already sewn up but there is no way he could ever admit that, he may know that there are more suitable applicants but want to help reward your ambition by helping you position yourself better for the next round, again he cannot do this publicly without causing problems due to perceived unfair selection by setting you up for a role.

Yes I know that all of this sounds very political, but that is how management above a certain level works!

read the signs, if they look like any of the above and tie in with your personal career plan act roll with it, otherwise ignore it, but do not bur you bridges by blabbing internally.

Feel free to ignore all of the above

mikemac

Would it be possible that some favourite/relation of someone in senior management is also going for this job?
I also think it's possible that you are not going to get the new job even if you are the best qualified.

Maybe your manager values you and is afraid you will quit in disgust when you don't promoted.

However, be wary of accepting a fancy job title and this could be an "empty promotion". No extra responsibility or pay, just a fancy job title that costs the company nothing and placates you.
Companies are fond of this, I've lost count of all the vice presidents we have in my job :rolleyes:

4Xcut

If you're very good at your job he may be trying to keep you there by offering you a promotion. When he saw you didn't want that, he probably asked you what he wanted as he wants to keep you there, even if he has to get someone else to do the job you're currently at.