Everyone feels that their hard work should be rewarded. A pat on the back, a bonus or even a small gesture is enough to feel appreciated for what you do. Sometimes, you might think you’ve worked so hard that you’re ready to progress within your workplace.
A vacancy is available, and it’s a nice step up from your role. It’s something you know you’re ready for, but then…it doesn’t work out. Whether it’s a fellow colleague or an external candidate filling the seat, it’s hard not to feel deflated. Fear not, as #CareerCounsel is at hand to take you on a road to career recovery.
“At this time, we’ve decided to fill the role with someone else…”
Those are definitely the words you didn’t want to hear, yet there they are. It’s likely to bring on a wave of emotions; confusion, sadness, embarrassment, and maybe a sprinkle of anger. Stop right there! This is not the way to go forward. Ultimately, you are still employed by this company. Becoming disillusioned with them because of this blip on the career ladder, could send you hurtling back down it.
How can I face my colleagues now?
Your first thought will be what everyone will think of your failed attempt. Why would anyone think that way? Is wanting to progress your career and enrich your life a terrible thing? Absolutely not! Stay calm and realise that you had the drive to succeed, and that is admirable. Don’t let that drive dissolve because of a bump in the road. The hiring body probably struggled with the choice too, so don’t presume anything other than experience had anything to do with their decision.
Once you’re over the initial sadness of the situation, follow these steps:
- Look forward: You have your normal routine to get back to, so approach it as you always would. Hopefully, you’ll slot right back in and remember that it was only “this time.” More opportunities will come, but is it more the fact you wanted that step up in your career as a whole, not just your company, that is getting you down? Consider your options, as you need complete happiness in your career. There might be one ladder that takes you higher than the one you are on…
- Happy with your feedback? The hiring body will have discussed the reasons but was it enough for you to apply to what you’re doing currently? Politely requesting a quick meeting to go over some details will not hurt. In fact, they will see how much the company and progression really means to you.
- Analyse your efforts: Go back six months before your application for the promotion (or however far back you can) and analyse your work. Were all your goals completed comfortably? Is there anything now that you’re looking back that you could have improved? Even highlighting what your resources were and checking if these need to be revised will really help your plan of improvement.
- Talk to your colleagues: It’s great to be open with the people you work with, so be open to them about how you feel going forward. Are they supportive of your aspirations? After all, these are people you would potentially manage had you got the promotion. Show your team skills and that you are someone the team would respect as a manager.
- Keep your eyes open: Any opportunity to progress, that would be a perfect fit for you, could pop up at any moment. Show an interest in the team, and constantly show your manager that your hunger to achieve is as strong as ever.
The path to success is not always a straight road but, if you are honest with yourself and your company, you’ll find a clearing in the end. Don't forget to catch up on our other #CareerCounsel sessions.