ALT-1 Careers how to Handle being Passed over for an Outsider
Employers want the best person available filling every key role in their companies. They also like the infusion of new ideas and perspectives being added to the mix. Couple this with the need to keep up with innovation by their competitors, and you have a formula that means good people will sometimes be passed over in favor of bringing in an outsider.
Those doing the hiring sometimes perceive that the gap between the leaving manager or supervisor and the employees below is too great. To solve this problem, they will go after someone who has already proved themselves in that type of position. Regardless of why, you can be left feeling frustrated that you were not the one selected.
If you genuinely feel slighted, you can take a few paths tried by many before you. You can quit. This is extreme and doesn't always bring the results expected. If you walk out, it will make a negative for finding a better position. Giving adequate notice will help, but you still may not have a job by the time you leave. That carries plenty of potential problems.
You can begin to look for a job while getting used to your new boss. Given time, you may be won over and decide to stay. Or, the new person may not be what was expected. Management may decide to make a change, and having been burned by a bad hire, choose to look in their own house for the replacement. You're back in the running. It is not uncommon for this scenario to play out within a six month span.
Finally, you can realize that life isn't always fair. You could be wrong about your readiness for the promotion. Get on board and help the new person be an asset to the company. Most people will see your support and effort and remember it when they have an opportunity to speak on your behalf. This helps pave the way for your next opportunity for promotion to be successful.
It's always best not to burn too many bridges along the way in life. You may need them later.
