What to do if You're Passed Over for a More Senior Position?
So you are ready for a more senior position but someone else gets it. Being passed over for a promotion that you really wanted is disheartening. You may have been passed over for a number of reasons - maybe the other candidate was more experienced or qualified, or maybe it was simply a case of the right person being in the right place at the right time. Whatever the reason, it's important to remember that being passed over for a promotion doesn't mean that you're not good enough.
Nearly everyone has been overlooked for a job they deserved, and many have come back stronger and more successful. In this blog post, we will discuss four tips that you can do if you find yourself in this situation.
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1. Get over the initial disappointment.
The first thing you need to do is get over the initial disappointment. Although you might be sad, it’s important that you take a step back from the situation and give yourself the opportunity to cool off before doing anything else. This can be difficult, but it's important to remember that just because you didn't get the promotion doesn't mean that you're not good enough. There are many factors that go into who gets promoted and it doesn't always reflect on your abilities.
2. Talk to your manager.
Once you've had a chance to calm down, it's time to talk to your manager. Find out why you weren't selected and what you can do to improve your chances in the future. This is an important conversation to receive feedback and guidance on how to improve. Ask your manager what areas need to improve to have a better shot next time. What skills or experience do you need to develop? Are there specific projects you can work on? What can you do to make yourself a stronger candidate?
3. Opportunity to learn.
Take a step back and assess your own performance. Are there areas where you could improve? If so, make a plan to work on those areas so that you'll be even better prepared next time a position opens up.
In addition, use this as an opportunity to learn. If you didn't get the promotion, find out why. Was it because the other candidate was more experienced? If so, what can you do to gain more experience? Are there specific skills that you need to develop? Use this as an opportunity to focus on your own personal development. To assess your own strengths and weaknesses and find areas where you can improve. This will not only make you a better candidate for future promotions, but it will also make you a more well-rounded professional.
Related: How to Know You're Ready for a Manager Role?
4. Plan what to do next.
If you're passed over for a more senior position, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Should you stay in your current role, or look for a new job?
If you decide to stay in your current role, there are a few things you can do to make the most of the situation. First, talk to your boss and see if there are any areas you can improve in. Maybe there's a training course you can take, or a project you can work on that will help you develop your skills so that you're better prepared for the next promotion.
Secondly, look for opportunities to stay motivated, increase your job satisfaction or contribute to the team in other ways. If you're not able to advance in your career, maybe you can help mentor others, or take on more responsibility in your current role.
If you do decide to look for a new job outside the company, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, don't be afraid to reach out to your network of contacts. Maybe someone you know can help you get your foot in the door at a new company. The next step would be to take some time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Make sure they're highlighting your skills and experience in the best possible light.
Finally, remember that it's okay to be choosy when it comes to your next job. You don't have to accept the first offer that comes your way. Take some time to interview with a few different companies before making a decision.
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Bonus tip: Don't give up.
It can be tempting to give up and think that you'll never get promoted, but it's important to stay positive. Use the situation as motivation to work harder and reach your goals. Remember that everyone has setbacks and this doesn't mean that you're not good enough. Stay focused on your goals and continue working hard. If you keep putting in the effort, eventually you will be rewarded.
Show yourself that you're capable of reaching the next level and don't let anyone or anything stand in your way. Remember that you control your own destiny, so use this as an opportunity to prove yourself.
No matter what you decide to do, remember that you have options. If you're passed over for a promotion, it doesn't mean the end of your career. Remember that just because you didn't get the promotion doesn't mean you're not good at your job. If you continue to work hard and do your best, eventually you will land the job you deserve.
Have you ever been passed over for a promotion? Let us know in the comments how you handled it.
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