Some of us have been there. Applied for a job, thought we were a shoe-in, only to see it go to someone else.
I've now come to believe it could just have been a matter of timing. The timing wasn't right.
Looking back, reflecting honestly on the couple of disappointments I've had, I now accept that in one case in particular I wouldn't have been the best, most suitable person for that job.
Didn't think like that at the time of course when told I wasn't successful. Well I wouldn't would I? You're understandably disappointed when you miss out on a job you wanted. A job you think you're ideal for.
Making the short list gives you a boost, means you've obviously got what's required and are under serious consideration.
You prepare well for the second interview with hopes raised. Even so, with sought-after senior positions, you know you will be up against other well qualified, capable applicants trying for the job.
To eventually receive a "thank you but no thank you" is naturally disappointing. And it hurts. For a little while at least. But you get over it. And surprisingly quickly. I ended up thinking "their loss" and just moved on.
With the job that I missed out on I'm now thankful I wasn't successful. I got to know the man who headed me off. A really nice person. He left the job after 12 months. Three people were recruited for that job in five years. That tells you something.
Apparently the board didn't know, or was reluctant to acknowledge, there is clear demarcation between governance and management. A competent chief executive knows the difference and will not tolerate any blurring of lines. I wouldn't have lasted 12 months either.
Three years ago Noeline Taurua must have been bitterly disappointed when she was overlooked as coach of the Silver Ferns.
Janine Southby got the job instead. You hear all sorts of reasons why Noeline didn't get the job.
The whole country expected it and she would have too. Noeline had to suck it up with the whole country watching. Maybe in the end she just thought "stuff you".
And we were. Big time as it turned out. She didn't sit around moping, didn't have to. Skilled people are always in demand.
In Noeline's case Australia benefited. There she successfully coached and guided the Sunshine Coast Lightning to back to back titles in Australia's Super Netball League. They also had multiple wins against other countries.
New Zealand on the other hand has fared badly. Gone off the boil completely. The great thing for Noeline is she's very much wanted now.
I hope her employment contract recognises what she brings to the job and that she's paid accordingly.
Don't forget we have a significant gender pay gap in New Zealand. And she's got to pull the Silver Ferns back from the brink.
Her job won't be easy but I have no doubt she's up to it. She has the confidence of the board and the players respect her as a former player and captain.
I watched her being interviewed on TV shortly after her appointment was announced. She did say she is returning home with additional skills gained while in Australia.
Those skills not only served Australia well but can now do the same for us. So it appears it may have been a question of timing all along.
Timing or not, welcome home Noeline. All the best in your new job. We are right behind you.