Wish me luck! (Job interview tomorrow)

[Pekka]

Hmhh... difficult to tell really. It makes sense to me that they'd check out the son of the manager. That's likely the reason they have delayed the decision making as well. However, why didn't they invite him over earlier? That's the thing that makes me wonder... but if there are several positions open, maybe they are trying to fit the son to some other position anyway, and think he's an asset but havent' figured out where to put him at the moment.

I'd say it still looks good for you though.

[Lorizael]

Time is limited, Japher. You must eliminate the son now.

[Japher]

Funny, I thought Pekka would give Lori's response and Lori would give Pekka's...

[DanS]

Originally posted by Japher
I was suppose to hear something at the beginning of this week, but haven't. I e-mailed HR, thinking that was the right course of action, to find out what was up. They pretty much didn't know. So, I e-mailed the hiring manager, and after two days of nothing was told they haven't made their decision, that they had several open positions, and were trying to decide the right fit for the right candidate and that he would let me know as the decision was made.

Well, that's all fine and dandy, at least it's not a no.

Anyway, my intell got back to me and I have learned that another candidate came in to interview today (I thought I saw someone in pinstripes). The guy is the son of one the managers here, and the manager is a real nice guy. I "found" a copy of his son's resume and he seems really bright, but the thing is he's an aeronautical engineer; read, rocket scientist. He's been out of school two years, and interned here for a couple of months right out of school. From what I can gather, he's a real bright and nice guy..

My problem is, this isn't his industry! Great, he wants to break in, but at my expense? I'm torn, because if I was in the hiring managers position I wouldn't know what to do.

On one hand you have someone who may be able to do a good job and it would be nice to give that guy industry experience. However, what if he doesn't click with the industry, it's not like pharma is for everyone. Also, the nepotism might seem a little strange, though it's not a deal breaker.

On the other hand you have me. 8 years of experience, expressed a genuine interest in the position, they have an opening in the actual "realm" that I am most experienced/specialized in (aspeptic fill engineering), and has the chemE degree that is actually quite coveted in this industry. Down side? I'm already emplyed here, if they don't hire me for that job the experience is still here. Also, I'm not so die hard for engineering.

Whatever they decide I really don't care. Good news is I hear more people are leaving their department. The new manager was an internal promotion, and that bruised a lot of his peer's egos.

You just can't win!

(1) The hiring manager may be doing a courtesy to the other manager by interviewing his son and the decision already made otherwise.

(2) The hiring manager may slot the other manager's son into the position that has been vacated by the position for which you interviewed. Hence "several positions available."

(3) AFAIK, aeronautical engineers tend toward wings rather than rockets. Interestingly, rocket geeks are rarely aeronautical engineers. Mostly EE and ME folks. Aeronautical engineering is a bad business to be in, from what I have seen, so it's no wonder he's trying to lateral.

[-Jrabbit]

Too bad about the aero engineer. He's probably a shoo-in.

Keep the faith, man. If there's ongoing turnover, they'll need your help, probably sooner rather than later. Sounds like they'll probably do a "reorg" to the target dept. If so, there's a good chance you'll be included.

But even if you don't get the gig, don't panic; don't have a snit. It will, however, be time to set up a meet with your manager (or his manager, or the head or HR, depends on company) about your career path. Shows you want to be with them, but that you have more goals and potential than they realize.

Bonne chance!

[Krill]

Good luck mate, hope you get it

[Japher]

I have a meeting tomorrow with the hiring manager to discuss, what I believe is (I asked for the meeting), why they haven't told me anything about my standing and why I hear they hired some dude with no experience and an aeronautical degree over me. My guess is that it's because he is a managers son. Still, 8 years experience vs. none?

Oh well, their loss. I still hadn't decided if I wanted it but it's still nice to be the one saying no than the one saying why.

[snoopy369]

Yeah, that sucks... they should ALWAYS tell you why, ESPECIALLY if it's internal.

[DanS]

I would hold your fire. You never know what's going on. Maybe the decision isn't sitting well with some, f.e. Asking for a meeting and feedback is fine, of course.

But I don't think you'll receive an honest answer, if you were passed over. Maybe somebody will tell you the real reason back-channel (over drinks).

[Japher]

Oh, I'm not going to get all mean over this. I really like my current job, and will still have to work with this manager on a daily basis. I'm friends with most of the engineers so I'm sure I'll hear something, somehow, on what really went on... my rumor mill runs pretty true.

The only thing I could think is that they would of (have) wanted me to take a pay cut, as I am now making near what I was making in the bay area as an engineer. I really can't see the guy they hired getting what I'm paid.

Anyway, we'll see.

[DanS]

Do you have a protector/champion?

[Japher]

no, I have no idea what that is.

[DanS]

Somebody looking out for you in the more senior ranks?

[Japher]

The three other manufacturing managers (apart from the one whose son got the job) all like me, and the manufacturing director likes me too. I thought the AD for engineering liked me, but I guess not enough to override nepotism. No one is looking out for me in a formal sense though, I don't really stick my neck out enough to need help.

[Alinestra Covelia]

As a law student I can attest that posting information about one's professional career on the unregulated and uncensored internet is at worst a serious breach of duty and at best DAMN ENTERTAINING for your friends and colleagues.

Hence, carry on

Seriously, no worries about this one. There will be other times, as long as you're doing good work and the people respect that. Sounds like you've got both of those going in your favor. Don't sweat the petty stuff and likewise don't pet the sweaty stuff either.