Guys- Crap, Dream Job Posted

[livinitup]

I'm a community advocate with an MSW and loads of experience who got a crushing lay-off during the recession and a year-long soul sucking job search. Nobody was hiring, programs were cutting back - it was a tough year (2011-12).

The very best lead I got was a position I was recruited for (!) in Higher Education. It was a painfully slow process leading to three levels of interviews and then meeting with the dean. It was pretty exciting stuff, the job has SO MUCH going for it. It really was an answer to a prayer and every invitation back to interview was more and more exciting. So, obviously I didn't get it but the KILLER was that they offered it to some super star ringer who was a no show for the position. I mean, feel free to give it to a better candidate, but when he didn't show (what the?) THEY DIDN'T HIRE ANYONE FOR IT. So, a tough year for the folks in the department who needed, but didn't get, the new hire they posted for.

So, I move on, get a great job 6 months ago - my agency loves me, I love them. Salary is pretty good, benefits are great and I am leading a great new state initiative. I love my job and it's a great fit. I'm good at it and they like what I have to offer.

So, yeah, today I got a call that they posted the position again, and the head of the search team called me.

So, yes, I apply, right?

My new job is big on loyalty. It could be really bad if they find out "I'm looking/apply". But not likely they find out. But they could, maybe.

Head of recruiting says their applications are not good. She wanted me last time, she was pissed the dean picked the stupid ringer - I'm probably a solid candidate.

I'd LOVE the job. I'd HATE leaving my current position.

I apply, right? No?

[alzi]

If you want the other job, yes. If you really are happy at current job and wouldn't regret not applying, then no.

[underwaterrhymes]

Yes. Apply.

[bornbaker]

Apply. Especially if this is your dream job, it might not come around again.

If the job you're applying for asks for your current employment, make sure to note they cannot contact them. I would think it's very unlikely the job you currently have will find out you're applying somewhere.

[nursewife]

If its your dream job, go for it. I was in the same position when I got recommended for the job I'm at now. Best decision I ever made was to take the job I'm at. It's my dream job.

[rex]

Apply!

[livinitup]

Jul 8, 2013 18:40:49 GMT -5 luckydog said:

Did you feel jerked around by the dream company before? Make sure you ask a lot of questions to help you see if they hastily make decisions, play favorites, etc. if anything negative comes of it, consider carefully especially since you have something pretty good now. Eta, I bring up the negative because I speculate why the recruiter would tell you how much she disagreed with the hiring manager. It just seems weird and makes me wonder if they clash on decisions much or if there is behind-the-back chatter/gossip.

No, not jerked around but the hiring process was painfully slow ( I was warned).

Yes, they play favorites but it blew-up in their faces last year, so maybe I have a shot at an offer this year?

The recruiter works there (just the head of the search committee) and was completely transparent that the process was slow and shit happens (last time) and supportive that they'd love me and wished I was picked (last time). So, she had a vested interest in getting me in last time, and it totally sucked for her that they didn't - and is NOW STILL invested in a better outcome - that could be me.   

It is still a TOUGH process, with a slim chance of getting the job - but hell a chance, right?

I guess I'm feeling a little burnt but have a glimmer of hope. And I feel super loyal to my current job that has been good to me. Guys!

[snickers]

Apply!!!
Good luck

[jayded]

Apply! Good luck

[livinitup]

Thanks luckydog, good points.

[5thofjuly]

Jul 8, 2013 19:16:47 GMT -5 luckydog said:

Jul 8, 2013 19:03:03 GMT -5 livinitup said:

No, not jerked around but the hiring process was painfully slow ( I was warned).

Yes, they play favorites but it blew-up in their faces last year, so maybe I have a shot at an offer this year?

The recruiter works there (just the head of the search committee) and was completely transparent that the process was slow and shit happens (last time) and supportive that they'd love me and wished I was picked (last time). So, she had a vested interest in getting me in last time, and it totally sucked for her that they didn't - and is NOW STILL invested in a better outcome - that could be me.   

It is still a TOUGH process, with a slim chance of getting the job - but hell a chance, right?

I guess I'm feeling a little burnt but have a glimmer of hope. And I feel super loyal to my current job that has been good to me. Guys!

My point is why are the recruiter and hiring manager on different pages?  This should be a warning, not necessarily a red flag,  but you should ask why they have during opinions on candidates or try to figure out why the hiring manager made the decision he did. if it was favorites,  consider if you want to be in that environment. 

Because it's academia. The search committee makes a decision, then sends that decision to the dean. In most instances, the dean rubber stamps the recommendation of the hiring committee, but in a few cases, the dean gets a bee in his/her bonnet about a particular candidate. Maybe that person attended a more prestigious university or the dean's alma mater. Maybe there was a particular strength they had but you didn't. Maybe they did something really, really right in their meeting with the dean or you did something really, really wrong. Maybe the dean liked the color of the suit the other candidate was wearing better.

Chances are, once the hiring process is over, you'd have very limited contact with the Dean, but I agree with luckydog- if you can, find out how to strengthen your application, especially if the dean would be approving your pay raises, promotions, etc.

ETA: I realize this sounds meaner than I intended. I was trying to say it's probably some weird quirk the dean had that particular day.

[azurely]

I would also apply, but be very clear that your current job cannot be contacted.

Good luck!

[sparkythelawyer]

Do you like where you are at/what you are doing/are you paid fairly/treated with respect/have upward mobility at the new job?

If the answer to all of these questions is yes, you stay there.  The other job let you know loud and clear where you stand, and really?  They sound disorganized and crappy.  If the dean wanted you, they would have put you in the position when rockstar bailed.

[sparkythelawyer]

Also, what would you be doing with this "dream job" that is different than what you are doing now, and is there a way to incorporate what you want to do in to this new job, where they a) like you and b) seem to want you to succeed?

[Deleted]

I wouldn't apply. Don't leave a job you like for the unknown.

[5thofjuly]

Jul 8, 2013 19:40:43 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

Do you like where you are at/what you are doing/are you paid fairly/treated with respect/have upward mobility at the new job?

If the answer to all of these questions is yes, you stay there.  The other job let you know loud and clear where you stand, and really?  They sound disorganized and crappy.  If the dean wanted you, they would have put you in the position when rockstar bailed.

This isn't necessarily true. I work in academia and when our first choice bails, we're generally not allowed to offer the job to our second choice that year. It's some weird quirk of funding lines, calendar years of funding, etc.

[livinitup]

Jul 8, 2013 20:10:56 GMT -5 5thofjuly said:

Jul 8, 2013 19:40:43 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

Do you like where you are at/what you are doing/are you paid fairly/treated with respect/have upward mobility at the new job?

If the answer to all of these questions is yes, you stay there.  The other job let you know loud and clear where you stand, and really?  They sound disorganized and crappy.  If the dean wanted you, they would have put you in the position when rockstar bailed.

This isn't necessarily true. I work in academia and when our first choice bails, we're generally not allowed to offer the job to our second choice that year. It's some weird quirk of funding lines, calendar years of funding, etc.

Thank you for your insight!