Second bite at getting the post

[Glocko Shirts]

To be brief.
I work for a local authority.
A management role was advertised (externally) two rungs above me.
I applied, 108 applications, 30 on long list and 7 in for interview for the three posts.
I was one of the interviewees.
I think I flunked the interview as I pitched more from a frontline persepctive rather than strategic.
I didn't get the job but have since heard I was joint third.
They must have only filled two posts as a secondment opportunity has been circulated internally for the role.
I emailed the interview panel lead to ask if it was ok for me to express an interest in the secondment.
I was told that "previous applicants need not apply"

I haven't had feedback on my interview yet but met all desirable and essential criteria comfortably, just feel that I interviewed badly.
Any advice chaps, can they say that previous applicants need not apply with this now being an internal matter?

[Hoofy]

Maybe it's a test.

[Glocko Shirts]

Sorry, test of what?

[Munter]

Glocko Shirts said:

can they say that previous applicants need not apply with this now being an internal matter?

To my mind. They already know you. So if they thought you could do it there wouldn't be a secondment required. You'd be sat behind the recently polished distinctly 2nd hand desk already.

[Hoofy]

Glocko Shirts said:

Sorry, test of what?

Of your go-get-em leadership desire.

[Glocko Shirts]

Thanks chaps,
I'm thinking it's the old "sorry you're not a yes-man" thing!!

[singlecoil]

Glocko Shirts said:

I was told that "previous applicants need not apply"

I would take that to mean that previous applicants are not going to get the job.