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Folks,

I'm nearing the anticipated decision date for a position I interviewed for. Didn't go as well as it could have (Interview Series came out after the interview :( ). Now, I've gotten a call from a corporate recruiter in the same parent company for a different opportunity.

The recruiter indicated that it didn't mean that I didn't get the other position, just that they have multiple opportunities and the second hiring manager was also interested, and that I have a rare skill set.

My questions are....
If I pursue this next opportunity do I kill my chances for the first one?
Is there a tactful way to let the first hiring manager know that I'm still interested (and want an offer), but feel that it would behoove me to also look into the other?

I want to make calls and submit applications tomorrow, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

jhack's picture

Not sure of the political situation, but I'd say apply. As Mark says, until you have something (an offer) you've got nothing.

Do you owe the manager hiring for the first position an update on your search? If so, why? Don't hide your interest in the second position, but you don't need to broadcast it, either.

John

WillDuke's picture
Training Badge

I agree. Apply. This is all internal to the same company, so nobody will feel territorial right? :) Seriously though, nobody has made a commitment to you. In fact, I think it might improve your chances of being offered the first position. Everyone will see there's a limited supply (you) and demand will go up.

Plus, how dumb will you feel if you don't get offered the first position and never applied for the second?

ccleveland's picture

My suggestion:

You should follow-up with the first, regardless of the second. Tell them your still very interested. I don't think you should say anything about the second unless they specifically ask or you get an [u]offer[/u] from the second. If you have the interview series...listen to the follow-up podcast.

Pursue the second opportunity if you're interested. Wouldn't it be great if you had to choose between the two! You're certainly not going to "hurt" yourself by doing so. You've made no commitements with hiring manager 1, have you?

CC

terrih's picture

This is addressed in the Intervew Series, pt. 2 (5 Parts). Do you have it?

The gist of the advice is to go after every opportunity as if it's the ONLY opportunity. And, what Will said. :wink:

TimCarlson's picture

Thank you everyone for the prompt and insightful feedback. Right or wrong, here's what I did...

I followed up with the first. Started with thank you, then another close to reiterate my interest and ended by mentioning that I was going to apply for the second. I emphasized that it didn't mean I wasn't interested, just that it was another opportunity that fit my skillset and expertise and that I felt compelled to look into it further. Then I proceeded to apply for the second.

My rationale was really twofold:
1) The second opportunity only came about because my resume was "in the system" as a result of the first.
2) It was the hiring manager of the first opportunity that called me directly that started this whole thing in motion. It just didn't feel right to pursue another opportunity that he was indirectly responsible for without letting him know.

So, there you have it. Thanks again to everyone.

Tim

juliahhavener's picture
Licensee Badge

I applied for and interviewed for three different internal positions. They were similar in scope. One was at the same site, one at a location about an hour away, and one two states away.

I applied initially for the same-location position. Between application and interview, my manager called me (on vacation) and asked if I would consider the out of state position - they had asked for recommendations. After applying for the out of state spot, I was asked by our local recruiter to consider the position west of town.

I closed all but one of the interviews. I had two offers on the table, and would have had a third if I hadn't accepted one of those two. I moved out of state and I've been *extremely* happy with my choice. Everyone was aware of the multiple applications, and I had no political repercussions for it. In fact, the contacts I have from my original location have been invaluable to my success in my new role.