You Can’t Have This Job

[Bluebird2020]

LVN working in a clinic setting I wanted to apply for a position that opened up yesterday. I emailed my boss that I had interest last week before the person from said position retired. No reply from the boss.  I then face-to-face asked my boss today if a requisition was opened for that position yet. She said “no, but somebody else has already expressed interest though.” I said, “well, I would like to express interest also.”  She said, empathetically, “we have to consider everything though.”  I am upset. Is that even legal!?!  I feel like my right to equal opportunity was blown right out of the water. I have had nothing but good feedback from my work there. Never in any trouble. Any advice?  Thanks in advance. 

[caliotter3]

Have a frank talk with HR to find out what your rights are in this situation.

[amoLucia]

Just to ask - why do you feel that you're MORE entitled to this position than the other applicant??? You WEREN'T actually denied the position were you?

It is admin/mgt right to review ALL candidates' applications for a position before they make a decision. They determine all the qualifications; and who will best fill the position's responsibilities. Perhaps past work positions or experience may be esp critical here for this position.

That other applicant - maybe also have very good work evals and no discp issues.

And guess what - there may even be more applicants interested in the job!! There could be in-house and OUTSIDE applicants - mgt's choice. So you may have even more competition. You have no way of knowing and truthfully, it's not your business to know.

You can ask HR for further info to gauge your qualifications and determine your chances.

[Mintezia]

Sorry to hear this is happening. It seems like spots are really limited for this position. Everywhere I've worked they were always short staffed and it wasn't hard to get in even for new grads. There's more opportunities out there.

I'm not certain I would have said exactly what that woman said. While she was being a bit upfront I felt there could have been a more tactful way to address this. It also doesn't hurt to have multiple positions in place when finding a job. There's no telling what could happen. You most likely won't get this position since it seems they have a preferred candidate in mind. However even if you did there was a chance the job would not have been a good fit.

Good luck!