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The job went to an outside applicant who was the neighbor of a Manager in another area...

May 2005, Article 1

Dear Office-Politics,

I work for a fairly large banking institution in the midwest. My current job is in the Merchant Booking area, which is to say that when a merchant wants to be able to accept credit card transactions, I am responsible for keying their application accurately into our system. I am also responsible for performing any maintenance needed to any of our existing accounts. I have been in this position for about 6 months now, and I have to tell you I am not here totally by choice.

About 7 months ago a supervisory position became available which I am more than qualified for (I have some college, but the position does not require a degree) My company "says" they hire from within, but on this particular occasion, the job went to an outside applicant who, I learned later, was the neighbor of one of the managers in another area. Now, this manager used to be over my area, but she barely even knew my name, let alone my work ethic, knowledge or experience. I know that she "recommended" her neighbor for the position, even though this woman is not giving a stellar performance in the role.

So, my question is, what if anything should I do? Thanks for your input.

Not-so-favorite in KC

Dear Not-so-favorite in KC,

It sounds like the old story of 'who you know'. But before we slam them for unethical behavior, let's be realistic.

People like to work with people they know and trust . It's human nature. Wouldn't you rather work with people you know and trust if you were given the chance? So, the fact that the supervisor overlooked you in favour of a friend isn't automatically 'bad' (unless your company has a strict policy that they must hire from within unless no one inside the company is qualified).

Unfortunately, in your case it sounds like you are more competent, and therefore would have been a much better 'hire' than the neighbor.
The funny thing is that the supervisor may not be that happy with the neighbor's performance, either.  But she stuck her neck out for the neighbor, and now it's awkward to turn back.

So what can you do? You may never get a second chance at this position -- but you have to believe that there will be a better job opportunity for you right around the corner. I think the phrase "Luck is when opportunity meets preparation" is very true and apt in your case. Get ready! Promote yourself in the workplace. Start networking and letting people know you have higher ambitions, you're qualified and you're eager. You should never be able to say again that your Supervisor, "barely even knew my name, let alone my work ethic, knowledge or experience." You've got to learn to blow your own horn. And there are lots of books that can help you package yourself. Get going!

Thanks for writing to Office-Politics. Let us know how things work out.

Cheers,

Franke

Franke James, MFA
Creator, The Office-Politics Game