The Politics Of It All

I recently found out about a job position that was going to be posted.  I actually was told about it almost a month before it was posted, but wasn’t supposed to find out.  With hearing of the opening, I was also told that the position was pretty much created and guaranteed to someone else.

Hearing about this bothered me greatly.  This is a position that I am more qualified for – there is no question about it.  So, instead of believing the rumor, I went directly to the person hiring and asked her if these comments were true. She was shocked at the information I heard, but said although the position would be posted, nobody’s name was attached to it.  She asked that I not say anything about the job until it was posted in order to not cause unnecessary drama amongst others.  So I said nothing.  I knew that if I decided to apply, I needed to respect her wishes.

Well, last Friday the job opening was announced.  Immediately others asked if I was going to apply for the position.  Soon after, though, they’d always say that they heard that the position was going to a less qualified and experienced person.  So I had a dilemma.  Do I put myself out there and prove that I am the best candidate for the position?  Or do I not even waste my time with the politics that it all has been promised in the favor of someone else.

I thought long and hard about what to do.  This would be a management position with a lot of potential to increase many of my skills.  Why should I give in to the situation without even trying?  So, I went on and applied. I took time to prepare answers to the questions I thought would be asked and collected documentation of the work I’ve done thus far to prove that I am the most qualified.

My interview was today.  I felt I did a great job and discussed how my skills could further enhance the organization. I walked out with my head held high and felt it would be up to them to prove that the other candidate had skills that could match mine.

And everything was fine, until an hour later when more people said “That’s horrible that the other person is going to get the job you deserve.”  Uggh!  I will not find out about the position until the middle of next week.  I am hoping that I will be given a fair chance (regardless of what others say) and would love to prove them all wrong.  I have prayed about the situation and know that if it’s meant to be my new opportunity, then I will be given that chance.   Time shall tell!

M.Y. August 2009