applying for two positions at a company
I recently went through a second interview at a business which I know I will grow and advance my career at. The position is a mid-level .net developer roll, which I feel confident I will succeed as. However, there is also an entry-level .net developer position open there, and I would not mind taking the entry level title in order to start out at the company, to learn more and again, further my career.
Both positions pay more than what I make now. The problem is, do I wait until I hear back for the mid-level position before letting them know I am seeking the entry-level position? I am worried that if I wait they will find candidates for both positions.
I really believe I can do well at both positions, but again I am willing to take the entry level if they find someone who they think would better fit the mid-level position.
Time is ticking (at least since I am always anxious to hear back from interviews) and I don't know what to do!
[980 byte] By [
bjswift] at [2007-11-20 7:12:50]
# 1 Re: applying for two positions at a company
Well you shoot yourself in the foot if you apply to the lower level position and then the mid-level position. You also shoot yourself in the foot if you apply to the lower position in the middle of the interview process for the mid-level.
They think you dont have confidence.
I say wait for the interview results from the mid-level, and then try the lower level if you dont make the mid-level.
# 2 Re: applying for two positions at a company
Applying for mutiple positions at the same company, is almost always a recipe for disaster (even one after the other). A candidate really needs to do the research as to what position is best for them, and then go for it with confidence.
[speaking as a hiring manager for over 20 years....]
# 3 Re: applying for two positions at a company
Thanks for your reply. I feel the same way, but am also worried that if I wait they might fill both positions and I will be out completely. Well, waiting is probably the best solution, because it might kill my chances with both.
I really need to get rid of my doubt.
# 4 Re: applying for two positions at a company
I recently went through a second interview at a business which I know I will grow and advance my career at. The position is a mid-level .net developer roll, which I feel confident I will succeed as. However, there is also an entry-level .net developer position open there, and I would not mind taking the entry level title in order to start out at the company, to learn more and again, further my career.
Why don't you apply for the mid level position. If they want you for that, you win. If they don't consider you good enough for that position, I'm sure they would consider you for the entry level position, along with the people applying for that job, because that makes a lot of sense.
cilu at 2007-11-9 13:04:42 >
# 5 Re: applying for two positions at a company
Applying for mutiple positions at the same company, is almost always a recipe for disaster (even one after the other). A candidate really needs to do the research as to what position is best for them, and then go for it with confidence.
[speaking as a hiring manager for over 20 years....]
Why would this (almost) be a disaster?
A single candidate seeks for a job and finds a company with many open positions. He notices that there are 3 positions that fits his skill level and could match with all. He decides to apply for one, gets an interview, then doesn't get the job. Now he has 2 other opportunities to work, so he applies for those positions also.
Why would this be a disaster? And why would this appear to have less confidence? Let's say he went for his top choice and didn't make it. Now he's going to go for number 2, then #3. I don't see anything wrong with this, but since you are a hiring manager, maybe you can give some insight.
... I'm curious.
# 6 Re: applying for two positions at a company
The probability that he would be applying to the same supervisor can be quite significant. Often, the supervisor will realize he/she has already met the person before, and base a judgement on that, and not even call back the candidate. This can happen even if the two jobs require completely different skill sets, and the second set of skills was not even discussed during the interview.
Much better for the candidate to pick one job, then at the initial stages make sure that the skills pertinant to the other potential positions are covered. In this case it is much more likely that the hiring manager will realize that the candidate may be better suited for one of the other poisitions, and bring it up him/her self..
# 7 Re: applying for two positions at a company
"Why don't you apply for the mid level position." (sorry I do not see a way to add quotes)
I did apply for the mid level position, had a second interview then found out an entry level position opened up. I do not want to apply to that entry level until I hear a 'no' from the mid level, because it might make them think I don't personally feel up to the job.
# 8 Re: applying for two positions at a company
To add quotes, just highlight the text and click the "quote" Icon at the top of the Reply text box [it is the last one]. All of the important tags are on that button bar... Which is covered in the FAQ's :rolleyes:
# 9 Re: applying for two positions at a company
The probability that he would be applying to the same supervisor can be quite significant. Often, the supervisor will realize he/she has already met the person before, and base a judgement on that, and not even call back the candidate. This can happen even if the two jobs require completely different skill sets, and the second set of skills was not even discussed during the interview... this I consider as a disaster for the company who has such supervisors/managers who are biased in their opinion and could not test someone who could be very fit for their alternate position. This is a blessing in disguise for the candidate to not work under such managers.
To me - the ideal thing to do would be - since your application got accepted for the mid-level position - look up to that. If you do not get selected for that - try another place - prepare better. But don't apply for a lower position at the same organization. This doesn't feel right. You may find it okay but you may realize that you have lost some time - the delta that you would need to climb up to the mid level position. Don't only think in terms of money.
If you don't get selected for the mid-level - let the company decide what position they want to propose you. If they say, that you are unfit for mid-level and they offer you an entry level - see if that really fits with you after discussing the growth prospects and what it would take for you to climb up to that mid level or even higher. Don't make a decision in desperation. It might even be right to reject that entry level offer, IMO.
I am sure, you can find a job at mid-level based on your experience. But you are the sole person to understand your skill level. You should always look at finding the highest position that you can look up to at your level not downwards. All the best. And yes, of course, this is just my opinion. (Money is the least important of all this).
