Success Happy

I got turned down for a job but they want me to train the successful candidate in how to supervise me!?

I was interviewed for a supervisory role yesterday but the job went to someone with less experience or qualifications than me. My line manager said this was because the interview is based on a points system and the other person said "more of the right things" than I did. Yet she's now told me that as my supervisor is leaving in 3 weeks it will be largely down to me to train her replacement. I know from talking to older members of staff that this has happened before and it seems to be accepted, but legally, is this right? I feel that if she's the better candidate then she should be able to step into the role without any problem. Can they legally say that she's a better candidate but I have to train her how to supervise me?

Public Comments

1. I suggest that you read and study The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. Machiavelli would revelled in this situation. You do exactly what your employer requests, and thank him for the opportunity to be so helpful. Be gracious and earn those points. However, of course your training should be so well done and in such a way that within a week or so of the person taking on the responsibility they will fail spectacularly and leave the company with no alternative but to give the position to you. The training is in your hands, make sure it looks good but is in fact rubbish.
2. Haha, I love John's answer. I would give it a thumbs up if I had enough points.. With regards the legality of their actions, they are able to give the job to whoever they want, provided it was not done on the basis of racial or sexual or direct age discrimination. This doesn't seem to be the case here, and even if it was these are very difficult to prove. There is also nothing illegal in asking you to help with the training. Ethically it is bad (if they think you have the skill set to train the supervisor, then this skill set should also be more than adequate to perform the role). I would perhaps bring that to their attention in a tactful way, saying that you understand that the decision has been made and that you will of course help with the training, but why did they feel that you could be the trainer, but not the supervisor? lol, then revert back to John. Good luck.