Should I list this on my resume?

Question

In April, after 3 months of working for this newly opened company, myself and another employee (who has been there just as long as myself) were up for a promotion. The manager came to me to discuss interviewing and said that I'd be interviewing within the week along with another person. Well, when I came into work the next day I find that she had is wearing a shirt meant specifically for managers/supervisors so I ask the Asst. Manager what was going on and she said that they decided to promote her yesterday. I didn't hear anything else from them about the position, nothing. And I know why she got the promo -- she's incredibly good friends amongst the management team. After this it has been a constant problem between myself and the team, it's incredibly catty and the girls will always run to the manager (yes, I mean the Supervisors and Asst. manager) and complain about every little thing -- right down to making things up. It's beginning to remind of High School. And no, speaking to THE manager is of no help because the Asst. manager and lead supervisor has him eating out of their hands. And to be perfectly honest I wouldn't be the slightest bit of mad had I known her interview and skills beat me out but the fact that they didn't even give me the interview as supposed, well that upsets me immensely and the treatment after the fact is worse.

So, I'm seeking out a new job.

I'm just wondering if I should list the consideration for promotion on my resume as an accomplishment or not? I mean if I was there for barely 3 months and was considered for a promotion I imagine that this is some sort of accomplishment, right?

tabdor · Accepted Answer

It wouldn't be customary to list something that you didn't actually accomplish. Also, the hiring manager for the job you're applying for will wonder why you were considered for the promotion, but didn't get it. And they might actually ask you why, and you do NOT want to launch into the above story when applying for a new job - right as you may be, it would sound unprofessional to bash your former co-workers. 
The new employer does not need to even know there was a potential promotion. They wouldn't expect you to have been up for a promotion after only 3 months in a job anyway. I personally would leave that out. 
When interviewing for jobs, be prepared to answer why you're thinking of leaving your old job . Have an answer that sounds professional, not personal. You can be honest but sound professional by wording it this way: "I'm looking for a position with better opportunities for advancement and professional development", rather than "I couldn't get promoted because of office politics."
I do some of the hiring for my employer, and if someone told me they wanted to change jobs for a reason that sounds at all like they had conflict with co-workers, I would have no way of knowing who was right or wrong, so I would worry that the person had problems getting along with people & would be much less likely to hire them.

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Should I list this on my resume?

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