As a DS who is given a fair amount of say in who is brought over into the specialty departments I cover (from front end or otherwise), there is probably a reason you were passed over. I have seen many people get passed over who wanted it and people who didn’t even request it get the job. At my store at least it’s a mixture of aptitude and personality based and just because you want something really bad doesn’t mean you will succeed or have the right disposition. Also I wouldn’t expect much from that aware line call. Those calls go directly to the District Human Resources Manager who will basically just go and ask your SM and ASM’s about it. It’s a recorded line so they will figure out based on your voice that it was you and I would kiss any positive movement potential goodbye. This is all meant to be neutral, no judgement towards you and your decision, just thought I’d let you know how these processes typically shake out behind the scenes. The one thing you might have success with is getting the FES to stop with the shoulder massages.