Things not to do: File an EEO complaint claiming you had to have been better than the selectee
Demand an explanation (although you can ask for a debriefing)
Sulk and refuse to work with the selectee

It really depends how satisfied you are with your current position. This happened to me recently, and I was vastly overqualified for the current position and was really only there holding out for the promotion. They decided to hire from outside instead, so I decided to leave soon after when it became clear there was no next step at the company for me.

Also realize that some positions are set up for particular people and so it's not about you at all. Sometimes it is tough to spot a position like that, but that could be a reason you are not selected. So you can't feel bad about that!

10:52 here. Continue to interview. A lot of times it's a very close call. You may need to interview for 5-10 positions before you are selected. That DOES NOT mean you are not high on management's list(s).

Remind yourself that you are thinking about it more than they are. If you get passed over and you see the folks in the hallway or the caf, they are probably not even registering it. So if you concentrate on that, it should help Good luck OP and this is a great thing to consider and prepare yourself for, as with everything else about the position. You sound like a thorough person!

Advancing in house is great when the opportunity arises, but it's more common to get your advancement opportunities externally. So know that, try to keep up your morale, and keep looking. You're not alone. People who stick around in one company, waiting to get promoted internally are waiting longer for promotions and raises than the people willing to jump ship. It's sad but true.

Anonymous wrote:went through this about 6 months ago. I was just absolutely DEVASTATED to not get the job. I worked semi-closely before I applied with them and have continued to do so.

But I e-mailed the 4 people who interviewed me, thanking them for the opportunity to interview for the position, how much I looked forward to continuing to collaborate with their team in the future, and that I knew they would find the right person for the job.

The head of the department e-mailed me back to say he knew how difficult it must have been to write that e-mail, but it was a very classy gesture on my part and he and the rest of his team were also looking forward to continuing their work with me. Six months later, that relationship is stronger than ever.

Atta girl!

This happened to me twice. You just show back up with a smile and forget about it. Eventually I ended up in the perfect job for me at the same company. But it took a year and a half with a couple rejections.

went through this about 6 months ago. I was just absolutely DEVASTATED to not get the job. I worked semi-closely before I applied with them and have continued to do so.

But I e-mailed the 4 people who interviewed me, thanking them for the opportunity to interview for the position, how much I looked forward to continuing to collaborate with their team in the future, and that I knew they would find the right person for the job.

The head of the department e-mailed me back to say he knew how difficult it must have been to write that e-mail, but it was a very classy gesture on my part and he and the rest of his team were also looking forward to continuing their work with me. Six months later, that relationship is stronger than ever.

Anonymous wrote:I've interviewed/vetted many internal candidates and we have never asked that question. It's a bizarre question. Most of our candidates interview internally multiple times.

Maybe I read it wrong, but I don't think OP is saying they will be asked that in the interview. I thought OP was asking US how to handle themselves at work if they don't get the job. Maybe OP can clarify?

Like any other job you apply for and don't get, move on.

I have interviewed dozens of internal candidates. Never asked. I assumed they would stay at there current job and continue to peruse other opportunities.

I've interviewed/vetted many internal candidates and we have never asked that question. It's a bizarre question. Most of our candidates interview internally multiple times.

I've been in this position and the reality is it is brutal for a while. YOu just have to tough it out. I stuck around for a while and then moved on to (what turned out to be) a better opportunity. Just be breezy about it externally while focussing on resilience internally.

Applied for an internal position that would be a great move. Feeling confident- interview coming up. But since they are meeting with both outside candidates and a few internal candidates.. Looking for advice on how to answer/handle the inevitable- what will you do if you don't get the job.