doctorwho
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This isn't really a "typical" confession - more of a rant about what recently happened to me.
As some of you may know, I am scientist. From 2000 to early this year, I worked at a place I'll call Company A. While at Company A, I interacted a lot with Company B. We used their instruments and products extensively in our research. Unfortunately, we had quite a bit of difficulty with their products, but I kept a very courteous and professional relationship with that company. I enjoyed interacting with the people at Company B and felt that perhaps one day in the future, I might even want to work for them.
Early this year, I left Company A to join Company C. Company A was very sad to see me leave as my work there had been quite successful. I left for a wide array of both professional and personal reasons - one main one being the fact that I did not feel this company was truly committed to their work - but I left on very good terms. Six months later, Company A still contacts me asking for my advice and they have recently offered to make me a consultant.
Sadly, my new position at Company C is not working out. The position that was described to me during my interview is not even close to the actual position I am doing. As such, I have once again started hunting for a new position. I learned of an opening at Company B and was elated.
Having several colleagues at Company B, I asked if one wouldn't mind talking to the hiring manager for me. This woman, to my face, seemed to be a strong supporter of me. She empathized with the difficulties I had at Company A and profusely apologized for the problems I had with their instruments and products. She also stated that if I was looking for a position at her company, I should not hesitate to give her a call.
Well, one such position opened up. I was elated! Here was a chance for me to do the work I love at a company that seemed committed to the work. I appeared to be a near perfect match for this position, and, having a person "on the inside" to support me, I felt certain that I would at least get an interview if not an actual offer shortly thereafter.
Just yesterday, I found out that the hiring manager at Company B has decided NOT to pursue me based on his conversation with this female colleague that I just mentioned. I am stunned. Apparently, despite her glowing words to my face and through e-mail, when the opportunity came, she gave me a VERY poor referral.
I have never received a bad referral in my life. For this woman to disparage my scientific credibility is unforgiveable. I just sent her an e-mail asking, in the most professional manner possible, why she said what she did. When and if I hear from her, I may update this thread.
The irony is that almost exactly one year ago, Company B was heavily pursuing me to give a talk at a conference. They were willing to pay all of my travel expenses and list me as a "highlight speaker." This company also used my name when they recently visited my new place of employment (Company C). In fact, it was because of my recommendation - despite the probelms I had with their instruments and products - that they even got in the door. And, as I wrote above, this female colleague at Company B recently sent an e-mail stating that if I was interested in a position in her area, I should feel free to contact her. Yet, now, when it the opportunity came for me to actually work for this company, my name is disparaged and I am told that they are not interested. It seems that they are happy to use me as an "unpaid salesman" but nothing more.
I await to hear from this woman so that she has the opportunity to express herself. There is a slight chance that the hiring manager was grossly misinterpreting her words and an egregious error occurred - hence, I will give her this temporary benefit of the doubt. Still, for her sake, I hope her reasoning is solid. Otherwise, she will lose the business of my former company (as I still do consultant work for them) and the business of my current company. Additionally, I know several people VERY high in Company B and I will not hesitate to contact them expressing my discontent with this woman and their company. I do not tolerate this type of unprofessionalism and two-faced attitude well amongst my peers.
As some of you may know, I am scientist. From 2000 to early this year, I worked at a place I'll call Company A. While at Company A, I interacted a lot with Company B. We used their instruments and products extensively in our research. Unfortunately, we had quite a bit of difficulty with their products, but I kept a very courteous and professional relationship with that company. I enjoyed interacting with the people at Company B and felt that perhaps one day in the future, I might even want to work for them.
Early this year, I left Company A to join Company C. Company A was very sad to see me leave as my work there had been quite successful. I left for a wide array of both professional and personal reasons - one main one being the fact that I did not feel this company was truly committed to their work - but I left on very good terms. Six months later, Company A still contacts me asking for my advice and they have recently offered to make me a consultant.
Sadly, my new position at Company C is not working out. The position that was described to me during my interview is not even close to the actual position I am doing. As such, I have once again started hunting for a new position. I learned of an opening at Company B and was elated.
Having several colleagues at Company B, I asked if one wouldn't mind talking to the hiring manager for me. This woman, to my face, seemed to be a strong supporter of me. She empathized with the difficulties I had at Company A and profusely apologized for the problems I had with their instruments and products. She also stated that if I was looking for a position at her company, I should not hesitate to give her a call.
Well, one such position opened up. I was elated! Here was a chance for me to do the work I love at a company that seemed committed to the work. I appeared to be a near perfect match for this position, and, having a person "on the inside" to support me, I felt certain that I would at least get an interview if not an actual offer shortly thereafter.
Just yesterday, I found out that the hiring manager at Company B has decided NOT to pursue me based on his conversation with this female colleague that I just mentioned. I am stunned. Apparently, despite her glowing words to my face and through e-mail, when the opportunity came, she gave me a VERY poor referral.
I have never received a bad referral in my life. For this woman to disparage my scientific credibility is unforgiveable. I just sent her an e-mail asking, in the most professional manner possible, why she said what she did. When and if I hear from her, I may update this thread.
The irony is that almost exactly one year ago, Company B was heavily pursuing me to give a talk at a conference. They were willing to pay all of my travel expenses and list me as a "highlight speaker." This company also used my name when they recently visited my new place of employment (Company C). In fact, it was because of my recommendation - despite the probelms I had with their instruments and products - that they even got in the door. And, as I wrote above, this female colleague at Company B recently sent an e-mail stating that if I was interested in a position in her area, I should feel free to contact her. Yet, now, when it the opportunity came for me to actually work for this company, my name is disparaged and I am told that they are not interested. It seems that they are happy to use me as an "unpaid salesman" but nothing more.
I await to hear from this woman so that she has the opportunity to express herself. There is a slight chance that the hiring manager was grossly misinterpreting her words and an egregious error occurred - hence, I will give her this temporary benefit of the doubt. Still, for her sake, I hope her reasoning is solid. Otherwise, she will lose the business of my former company (as I still do consultant work for them) and the business of my current company. Additionally, I know several people VERY high in Company B and I will not hesitate to contact them expressing my discontent with this woman and their company. I do not tolerate this type of unprofessionalism and two-faced attitude well amongst my peers.
