I had applied to a school for a faculty position when I was a postdoctoral fellow. The application was not successful. The following summer I met the dean at a conference, asked about the position and complained.
Which is less awkward: telling someone they aren't as qualified as they think they are, or making up a story about some policy and saying your hands were tied by factors beyond either of your control?
You're saying this guy is a high ranking member of an organization completely embroiled in internal politics. Would such a politically savvy person have any qualms about lying to someone at a party?
