Govt Interview - When They Have a Candidate in Mind

[Anonymous]

My husband applied and was selected for an interview for a position. It is a "new" position that combines two jobs. The person in one job decided to do something else and the person in the other job is applying.

He thinks this may be just an interview to go through the motions and they'll end up hiring the woman in one of the current positions. He works in education and is a Latino male -- you don't find that often. And he's really good at what he does and I'm sure this woman is too but hey need to shake it up.

any suggestions for him on how to break through knowing this might be just a box there checking? He said if anything comes good good of it it's that he'll be in front of some higher ups with in the school system and at least they'll get some exposure to him.

[Anonymous]

I hate it when the gov does this. Most likely they don't have the money to hire your husband. They only have enough money for ONE job, not two and they can't fire the woman who is already doing half the job.

I need a promotion (I'm doing things outside of my job description) in my job currently and work will need to advertise my promotion. There is 0.0% chance they have the funding or the hiring authority to authorize another FTE to hire someone else and still pay me.

[Anonymous]

Yup, interviewing for a position next week and wondering if it's actually worth the effort. As a woman I always wonder if I'm the mandatory female interview -I'm in a pretty male field. Had one last year where they flew me overseas and put me up in a hotel for two days and then hired someone else. I have the feeling that they actually had no intention of hiring me, so I looked at it like a fun quick trip to Europe. I wasn't surprised.

[Anonymous]

These things, well, you just don't know. But you have to assume the position is there and go after it as best as you can just in case. Some are real, some are not. Only the insiders know.

[Anonymous]

I would just give it my 110% and go for the job. Even if he doesn't get it this time, he may impress some people who will remember him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband applied and was selected for an interview for a position. It is a "new" position that combines two jobs. The person in one job decided to do something else and the person in the other job is applying.

He thinks this may be just an interview to go through the motions and they'll end up hiring the woman in one of the current positions. He works in education and is a Latino male -- you don't find that often. And he's really good at what he does and I'm sure this woman is too but hey need to shake it up.

any suggestions for him on how to break through knowing this might be just a box there checking? He said if anything comes good good of it it's that he'll be in front of some higher ups with in the school system and at least they'll get some exposure to him.

I understand what you are saying but, in reality, most likely these are non-factors.

[Anonymous]

I always like to bet on myself. I feel like if I am getting the interview, I have a chance. They may have someone else in mind but you can always outshine, outperform, and change people's minds. As other posters said, sometimes you will lose to economics but my first job out of grad school was with a consulting firm (i had friend there who could gather intel) and he told me that the final round was down to a former White House staffer and Myself, and everyone was gaga over the former White House Staffer (my friend actually called to tell me I was probably Sh@t out of luck).

I had the normal doubt (i.e. how can I compete against that?) but I made the mental decision to swing for the fences and went into the interview hungry, aggressive, and aced the interview and got the job! Stayed with the company for years afterwards and eventually talked about it with my boss over beers and said I am came into the interview with confidence and knowledge while the White House staffer was all arrogance and although smart, was not as prepared when compared to me.

Long story short, If I would have let that get me down there is no way I would have been able to pass the interview...you just never know!!!

[Anonymous]

Just like the woman has the inside track for this job, if your husband does a good job with the interview, he can have the inside track on the next opening or the one after that.

[Anonymous]

Your husband's race shouldn't be a factor. The most qualified candidate should be hired.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your husband's race shouldn't be a factor. The most qualified candidate should be hired.

Latino is white...

[Anonymous]

Yes, this is all really helpful. And yes I shouldn't have commented on him being Latino. It was more that in that particular role they are trying to engage more with the Latino/AA population which he has been connected with personally and professionally. But absolutely true that should not be a factor in his hiring. More of a reflection they he's unusual in a system of mostly white women.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, this is all really helpful. And yes I shouldn't have commented on him being Latino. It was more that in that particular role they are trying to engage more with the Latino/AA population which he has been connected with personally and professionally. But absolutely true that should not be a factor in his hiring. More of a reflection they he's unusual in a system of mostly white women.

Well, in that particular case, it maybe very relevant. Still... if the job is pre-wired to the other woman, then probably no chance. If it's really an open slot, sounds like he has an excellent shot.

[Anonymous]

You have to remember that they DO have a candidate in mind, but their minds can be swayed. Convince them that you're amazing, and you'll get it. I've seen many "favorites" who were "promised" advertised positions get pushed aside for new blood who sold whatever they were trying to sell.