I work for a pretty well known company as an engineer. I have ~8 years of experience. I’m at a level 2 and have been applying for senior level engineer positions at other plants in the company (rankings go associate, lv 1, lv 2, senior, then manager). I have a bachelors in my engineering field, a masters in business admin, and certification as a professional in my field. When a position is posted, my company requires a max of 3 candidates and communication between managers is prohibited. The senior role typically means you manage a team.
In the first job I was told the other candidate that got the job was because she had direct report experience. But in the interview they let slip the other two candidates were already working at the plant. Both had graduated <2years ago, no masters, no certification. From her resume she did have experience, but it was over a intern for 2 months…
The second job was given to my coworker at my current plant. To be honest I saw this coming because his previous job was as a supervisor. But what’s frustrating is that off a resume you wouldn’t know he was fired. He works slow and makes too many mistakes. Our manager knows this but isn’t allowed to say anything. When our 3rd coworker left our manager moved all her work to me because he knew I could handle the workload.
It’s just so frustrating to be passed up for management positions because I don’t have management experience. Especially the circumstances above. I feel like I’m just waiting as opportunities past me by. I want to earn more and move my family into a nicer home and with less crime in the area. Ok rant over.