Thread regarding Wells Fargo & Co. layoffs

Internal Recruiting

Anyone else having a bad experience trying to find another job internally? I have interviewed for other roles in the last month, all which I am well qualified for. I've been rated meets or exceeds every year. You interview, hear nothing for weeks, they don't follow up, then you reach out to the recruiter and they tell you they are cancelling the roles because of headcount concerns. So you waste your time preparing and interviewing, to get nowhere! Others, you apply for and can't get an interview even though you meet every single qualification listed.

Moreover, they don't even give you 3 minutes to follow up. It's worse than trying to find something externally. They treat internal employees like external candidates or even worse.

It doesn't help that I'm not in a hub city, but I've made it clear I'd relocate (at my expense) and that doesn't matter either. What a terrible experience and awful way to deal with internal candidates.

by
| 5056 views | | 37 replies (last January 29, 2021) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+197eOrfI

37 replies (most recent on top)

@zpc+197 “ I think they talk to current manager who can block you.”

I’ve made 10 hires in the last 5 years, with 7 of those being internal hires. The only way your manager can truly “block” you is if you’ve been in your current role for less than 1 year - you need manager approval to post. Beyond that, I always have a conversation and ask for feedback, but it’s rare for the manager to have anything close to authority to prevent the move. The closest I came was a senior leader who didn’t like that one of his people was moving from one team to another, but that still went through.

I did have to deal with a couple managers who were unhappy that their person was leaving and who made the transition period as difficult as possible, but that didn’t prevent anything.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @2pwj+197eOrfI

@unc+197 “ It's clear that despite the very obvious success of remote work over the past year, that they are still blacklisting people who don't live in hub cities.”

I can’t speak for all managers, but I made a hire in June and we have a couple open postings in our group right now (back fills) and while we weren’t given explicit orders to hire in hub cities, it’s something we’re aware of. I had to lay a good performer/person off because of their location a couple years back (pre-Saul, different manager) and it’s not fun on either end of that discussion. I still look at resumes from people outside the hub zones, but they better be outstanding because I don’t want to make a hire today, go through the on-boarding and intro period only to have COVID restrictions lifted and then my new hire put on a chop list by senior management. It does my team no good and it’s absolutely unfair to the employee.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @2tuj+197eOrfI

Post ID: @bkv+197eOrfI

This observation should be pinned to the top of every thread.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @2wvj+197eOrfI

The higher up you go (anything in the 150K plus range), the more you run into the scenario where the hiring manager already knows who s/he wants. Been guilty of it myself. Another issue I've been able to uncover is that while WF tells you that as a displaced employee you get priority treatment in the interview process, the reality is that the recruiters get no insight into who has been displaced until you tell them during the screening.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1yco+197eOrfI

My rule of thumb is if the job has a posting window of 5-10 days, don't even bother. It is clearly a posting for a particular person and they just want to have it posted to make it look legit.

If it's a 10+ day post, go for it but don't hold your breath.

I've had several interviews over the last year with hiring managers and panels and nothing has panned out no matter how well I interviewed or how well I matched the position. Sometimes the position is cancelled and sometimes they choose someone else. It's always a c-apshoot at a company this size.

All my interviews are in a different LOB and I think that's part of it. There just seems to be a reluctance to hire people from different job groups. I hate the area I work in but I took the job in hopes of being able to move laterally in the future. Had I known how difficult that was going to be, I would not have come to Wells.

I will still look internally but at this point, I am ramping up my external search.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1xzq+197eOrfI

I am convinced I am bypassed for new jobs and promotions because I am disabled and work from home.

So much for diversity. Anyone else in the same situation?

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1cvb+197eOrfI

Moving internal can be tough many times there are over a hundred qualified candidates for one role. If you are not in a hub city and 99 other people are HR is going after someone in a hub city pretty simple logic. There are so many qualified people applying you need to separate yourself. Usually there is a golden spoke award winner in every candidate pool. It isn’t about whose qualified it is about whose most qualified. Also if you make it to a manager interview, the hiring manager is supposed to conduct the declination call. Good rule of thumb is to reach out to the hiring manager if you are awaiting a decision because it is their selection.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1sfz+197eOrfI

Ask. A. Recruiter.

So much information below is false. Not just exaggerated- completely false.

If you aren’t getting jobs you apply to, update your skills or performance or your attitude. If you are STILL not getting jobs you apply to, apply elsewhere.

If your manager doesn’t know (which they often don’t know HR or Recruiting policies because they are experts in their own LOB) then look in teamwork’s, find a recruiter, and ask questions.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1kus+197eOrfI

They already have someone in mind when they post a position. Everything is like a boys and girls club the better friends you are with a manager the better chance you have of getting that role. Been with Wells in retail for eight years now, and quit trying to apply out after the 6th year. Last two years just riding this retail disaster wave till I commit to something outside. I had the perfect position post near my house and finally out of the dreadful six days a week retail role. I interviewed, everything was perfect, I couldn’t have answered the interview questions any better, I built great rapport with the panel and I truly thought I was in for the role. Two weeks later I get a rejection. I kept looking at team works to only find out that a part time teller got the position. No college experience while I had a Bachelors in finance. I was completely mind blown. The position was created just for her. Since this wonderful post in anonymous I looked up that individual, svp to Facebook and did my own investigating to find out her father holds a position laterally with upper mgmt. I gave up after that. After today’s frenzy with GameStop, netting a qtr mil, it’s time to quit and pursue a real professions.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1xiv+197eOrfI

HR and middle management, they break every law in the book

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1itg+197eOrfI

lol, calls people "trash" like a 6 year old, then turns around and claims it's other people that are "triggered". Project much? And through it all, still wrong. That must be so frustrating. Also, work on the reading comp, I never said I applied to jobs in other departments, I just know people that did. And for some bizarre reason you're glad when your co-workers don't have the opportunity to compete for open positions. You ever consider that if your work culture is toxic, that you're the source? Running around calling people trash, hoping they don't get jobs, calling everyone 'yes men'. ..wow, you must really be the life of the office party. Tell you what, have a good day...sounds like you could use one.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1yyu+197eOrfI

Post ID: @wkn+197eOrfI

Hopefully you are not so condescending and passive aggressive in person. Because you are very ugly out here. You know it. And you enjoy it.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @1kvd+197eOrfI

@ent+197eOrfI Guess this guy outed himself as the unprepared arrogant internal candidate with an awful attitude,. Seems to rant just as described...

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @jtc+197eOrfI

@ent+197eOrfI

Amazing how triggered you are. Guess the truth hurts.

Sounds like the other teams who won’t give you a foot in the door can see through your BS

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @shu+197eOrfI

Yawn. This isn't the playground in 5th grade, no one really cares what you think, least of all me. You're wrong and neither name calling nor doubling down changes that. Better to quit while you're behind, but you just can't help yourself. So charge on Yes Man, this place would not be the same without you!

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @wkn+197eOrfI

Post ID: @mle+197eOrfI

Nice try, but your response just let me know I’m right. Your self-righteousness makes you stand out like the stench leading to the trash dump.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @zoi+197eOrfI

lol @ent. It's shocking how often you are wrong. Even in 50/50 scenarios you're on the short end of the stick. Kudos to you though, you keep swinging for the fences no matter how many strike outs you have. In any event, not the same person.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @mle+197eOrfI

I won't mention any specific names, but let's just say that hopefully our Head of HR will get shown the door in 2021.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @zyj+197eOrfI

My 2 cents. about to start my 3rd role in 3 years in WF. A lot of times managers have candidates in mind when they post for a role. I've been a beneficiary of this - those 3 roles were tailored.

Networks make a huge difference. Sometimes the manager reaches out to you. Sometimes you can reach out directly to prospective hiring managers before roles were posted to discuss potential opportunities - if the timing works out and it's the right fit, they can tailor the role. Can't do this in a vacuum, though - when I reach out it's always through trusted referrals or periodic check-ins if I already have a relationship. My strategy is to keep a good reputation and keep on certain people's radar, so when they have a good opportunity open you're at least on the list.

My only motivation for posting is to share what has worked for me. I leverage relationships with folks that trust me and know I get results. When they are thinking about people for new positions or know of role on another team, I have my powder dry.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @hdu+197eOrfI

That’s what my mngr told me to do when I got displaced- apply internally and when I saw the available positions the pay are less than what I was getting and most of them are call centers. So I applied and got hired somewhere else with better pay and collect my severance. Kind of a blessing in disguise, that displacement

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @slg+197eOrfI

Its pretty bad here. I have applied to approx 30 positions and received only 1 interview.

I never heard back on that one interview and only knew I didnt get it because I looked at the site.

HR in general needs an overhaul, but here it is not a positive experience

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @tqi+197eOrfI

Post ID: @ent+197eOrfI

Try not to lower yourself to her standards. She’s out here all the time and is a troll.

I will put money on it that she is the author of WHY DON’T YOU (LAZY COMPLAINERS GET OFF YOUR A– AND) USE THE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAMS. She gets her jollies from taking the opposite side.

She doesn’t know anything about Wells Fargo. It is quite evident when you read her replies. Just another worthless useless low self-esteem troll.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @osh+197eOrfI

To the dipshit in the last post, GFY! Don't lecture people about "humble" on your high horse, prick. Again, GFY. You know nothing about 90% or me, or anyone. I've earned my paycheck here and then some, and my bonus. Eat Sh–.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @ent+197eOrfI

lol, "just put WFC instead of the full company name...", do you really want to work for a manger that would be fooled by something that simple? Probably not.

In any event, it hasn't happened to me much, but I have had qualified co-workers that have had a very hard time getting an interview for internal positions that they meet the requirements on. People in our group will almost always get an interview if the position is within said group, it's when they attempt to move on to another group in the company that they get ignored and receive the canned form letter rejection. IMO it should be company policy that any qualified internal person must be interviewed. There's no guarantee, nor should there be, that you'll get the job, but not even giving people a chance to compete for it is bush league.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @oqw+197eOrfI

If you can sell yourself as humble, a hard worker with skills that will add value to a team you shouldn’t have any problem.

Our team interviewed an internal candidate recently and his attitude was awful, showed up making demands immediately, couldn’t answer half the questions then basically said “so when do I start” at the end of the interview. Just terrible from start to finish

We eventually brought on an external hire who has been great.

The internal guy then complained to Hr that he was the best candidate and tried to make a stink about not being “given the position”.

90% of the time it’s the internal candidates who need to sit down and take a look in the mirror. Just because you are already here doesn’t mean you are entitled to move to any team you want

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @tlw+197eOrfI

they already have soemone in mind if it is a real opening; I think if you apply from outside will up your chances; put like wfc versus entire company name so they dont know you work here now.

THey want to replace people here with outside people or bring in someone they already know.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @jbu+197eOrfI

This has also been my experience in recent years of applying internally – and I'm even located in a hub city.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @rbj+197eOrfI

Once again, Wells Fargo is smoke and mirrors. They are all about creating illusions with the intention of making you believe that something is being done when it is not.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @pvh+197eOrfI

Amen to the last post! HR needs an overhaul at every level! Pitiful indeed.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @jrx+197eOrfI

Our internal hiring process is pitiful. In order to create the illusion that everyone has a fair shot, they have achieved the polar opposite.

If a manager knows exactly who they want for a job opening, for example promoting a deserving knowledgeable candidate from within his own department, they have to post the job and fake interview 10 or more people. I would love to know what % of job openings at Wells are complete shams. It is so disheartening to our employees who give great effort and get stuck in certain roles.

Through the years, I have found jobs for 5 great young people in our department with other local firms where I have business contacts and friends. They all were trying to transfer internally for a year or more and they had earned that chance. They were snapped up at the other firms almost immediately. And they have done very well at those other firms.

Our HR Department is shameful, and needs a complete overhaul at every single level.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @gqu+197eOrfI

I think there are several hurdles to internal transfers, some have a predetermined candidate or they want to go external but have to post internal, big one I think they talk to current manager who can block you.

In my experience the only successful transfers work when you have some connection with the posting manager or you're just an overwhelming match.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @zpc+197eOrfI

Thanks for your sentiments. They also don't tell you why you don't get an offer after you interview. They'll say "you were a very competitive candidate." But....? But you wanted to hire your buddy in a hub city?! So much for diversity and inclusion (geographic). What a joke.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @yuh+197eOrfI

Make your name sound as diverse as possible to make it through the new diversification keyword bot

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @tfi+197eOrfI

This has been my experience as well, OP. It was a big factor in switching over to looking entirely externally. It's clear that despite the very obvious success of remote work over the past year, that they are still blacklisting people who don't live in hub cities.

It's disheartening, but there are so many wfh roles at better institutions out there, I suggest playing around with keywords in job searches like "remote" to find them. I just got a permanent WFH job elsewhere after years of trying to get an internal role here. But you know what? F- em, if they're this bass-ackwards this is not really a place I want to spend my future, as it pretty clearly is not a path to improvement.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @unc+197eOrfI

At least you are getting an interview. I can’t even get an initial screening.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @xcx+197eOrfI

I’ve applied for many internal postings, always make it to the screening, and almost always the actual interview. A complete waste of time, as the hiring manager usually has a specific candidate in mind at time of posting.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @kql+197eOrfI

That's how it is at most companies I've worked for. External candidates are almost always seen as a great new hope. Internal candidates are boring.

You'll nearly always have a much faster turnaround getting a new job when it's at a company you don't currently work for.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @bkv+197eOrfI

Post a reply

: