Our manager recently left the company and I was told, when talking to our director about another matter, that if I wanted to apply for the position I should do so. I subsequently sent my application to him and was told that I would be interviewed. This position was never advertised internally as all our other positions are - via e-mail. I have now heard that they have offered the position to someone from outside the company. I have not yet been interviewed. A couple of questions - is telling me about the position in a phone call considered "internal advertising"? Are they obliged to interview me? What steps can I take?