I recently applied for a position along with at least 2 others that I know of. We were interviewed and then we found out that someone was hired that may not have interviewed at all. This is a job for which I am definitely qualified, having 15 years experience. The person hired has stated at least twice that he is a very good friend of the head of the organization for which I work. I have an appt. this week with a supervisor and a human resources person because I have questioned the interviewing procedure. I am worried about losing my current position within this organization. I am an hourly worker, and have been in this organization for 15 years, working as a dedicated employee. The person hired is not the most qualified for the position, and this seems to be a blatant example of cronyism. My co-workers agree that this new hire is not qualified. We are all worried about the future of our program because of this situation. Any advice would be welcome.

Cronyism, also know as nepotism, isn't illegal. The owner is free to hire his friend if he wants, even if you are more qualified.

It would only be illegal if you weren't chosen because of a legally protected characteristic (such as age, sex, religion, race, etc.).

Why would you think you would be fired? I wouldn't worry about being fired after 15 years, but I would change the focus of the meeting you have scheduled a bit. Rather than focusing on questioning their judgement in choosing the person they did, I would focus on what you need to do in order to move up in the organization and be better prepared for the next opening that comes available. That the message that you are unhappy about the decision is made known, but it doesn't sound like sour grapes or whining. It comes across as professional.