The company that I work at has few full time employees but a large number of part-timers, mostly all who work elsewhere full-time.
I have a very good friend that has worked part time in my department for a number of years, in addition to various full time jobs elsewhere in other business sectors. This person applied for a full time position to be my assistant when it became available but is not going to be offered the position.
It is my job to tender the rejection and try to keep her on as part-time.
We have both been in this business over 30 years and started at the same company "back in the day". People with the specialized experience we utilize all tend to know each other and know where the skeletons are hidden... I am at a loss on all points - keeping her as a friend, telling her she did not get the job and convincing her to keep working here anyway.
Any suggestions would be welcome.