I shouldn't do this, right? UPDATE in OP

[bobotron3000]

I'm a substitute at a local library and my friend who works there has been wanting to get me in there for a few years. She game me the heads up that two full-time positions were just posted internally and since I'm a sub I can apply. I knew about the one position before they posted it and had planned on applying for it because it's 10k+ what I'm making now (plus I don't like my current job). But then I saw the second job which is a management position and looks awesome. I meet all the qualifications and then some, the pay is great, etc. etc. I was really excited to apply for it BUT I just found out that my friend is applying for it. So I can't apply for it right? It would make me a bad friend? But I want it


UPDATE: 

Thanks to everyone who chimed in! I ended up emailing my friend to try to get a feel for where she's at. This is part of her response: "But I'm happy to help when I can and don't see myself as someone who ends a friendship over a job -I hope you don't really think that either? It's not up to me to give or deny permission, you need to do what feels right for you and not for anyone else -right?"

Still a little vague for my liking but we've texted since then to talk about the jobs and everything seems OK. So I'm going for it! And I talked to a couple other people there that said it wouldn't be weird to apply for both. Wish me luck!

[thinkofthesoldiers]

Business is business. You can definitely apply.

[Deleted]

I'd apply. That doesn't make you a bad friend. You gotta pay your bills too!

[bobotron3000]

I just...she's been talking about getting me into this other position for so long that I feel bad applying for the job she's going for. And it's a new position that I'm wondering if they created just for her. Can I apply for them both or would that look stupid?

[Deleted]

Apply, it's a business move. If you meet the qualifications it's not a leap.

[bonnie]

Can you just tell her that you had already applied before she told you she applied?

[Deleted]

I would definitely apply. A true friend would not let that come between you.

[bobotron3000]

Sept 26, 2014 20:13:30 GMT -5 bonnie said:

Can you just tell her that you had already applied before she told you she applied?

No, they just posted the positions today. There is no way to claim ignorance here.

[moolarkey]

Apply for both and go after them both seriously. This is your financial future, this isn't whether to buy the drapes you both like and being afraid she'll be mad - this is your financial future. GO FOR IT.

[bobotron3000]

Apparently I am a pansy. Thanks for all the encouragement! How can I diplomatically tell her what I'm doing while still making sure she knows I care about her? We aren't BFF's but she's been really supportive of me. I feel like I need to tell her so it doesn't look like I'm being shady.

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2014 20:10:12 GMT -5 bobotron3000 said:

I just...she's been talking about getting me into this other position for so long that I feel bad applying for the job she's going for. And it's a new position that I'm wondering if they created just for her. Can I apply for them both or would that look stupid?

Again, there is no reason you can't apply. Stop feeling bad. You meet the qualifications. 

[mcc]

I'd just be honest and breezy about it until you get a response. Something like, "Thanks for letting me know about the position that was posted. I applied for that one as well as the other one that was posted today. I figured it can't hurt to show initiative and flexibility when applying to a place where you really want to work."

If she's a good friend who values her career, she can't argue with that.

[bobotron3000]

Sept 26, 2014 20:22:25 GMT -5 nursecramer said:

 it could be that she's been groomed to take this management job and is also is able to put in a good word for your hiring in the other position. If she feels slighted or if she's kind of paved the way for you to take this spot, she might be able to make it difficult for you to even get that job

She's been there for years so I am wondering if the job is just for her. But I guess if it is, it wouldn't hurt to apply. I know she talks me up a lot to the supervisor in charge of the other position but she doesn't seem to have a vindictive personality. Still you never really know people!

[mcc]

Sept 26, 2014 20:32:39 GMT -5 bobotron3000 said:

Sept 26, 2014 20:22:25 GMT -5 nursecramer said:

 it could be that she's been groomed to take this management job and is also is able to put in a good word for your hiring in the other position. If she feels slighted or if she's kind of paved the way for you to take this spot, she might be able to make it difficult for you to even get that job

She's been there for years so I am wondering if the job is just for her. But I guess if it is, it wouldn't hurt to apply. I know she talks me up a lot to the supervisor in charge of the other position but she doesn't seem to have a vindictive personality. Still you never really know people!

If that's the case, you wouldn't want to work for her anyway.

[bobotron3000]

Sept 26, 2014 20:54:14 GMT -5 @astrid said:

Well, chances are they won't put you from sub straight to management over her or some impressive external candidate, but I don't see it being HARMFUL.

It's only being posted internally. I have a full-time job elsewhere - I only sub evenings and weekends there. I've been in my field for 6 years and have several years of management experience both in and out of my field (which is what my current position is). I'm actually more qualified than she is. But she's been working full-time there for several years.

[Deleted]

So, I'll be a dessenting voice here.

Don't apply (for the mgmt role).

1. You could hurt a professional contact; as well as a friendship. You stated you have a hunch she may be applying for the other role and in fact it could have been created for her. If so, she already has the job. So you're wasting you're time and could potentially strain your relationship. If you REALLY want to apply, mention you saw the req and see how she reacts. Proceed accordingly.
2. When I interview, I always see if the person has applied for other roles. And it's a red flag for me if they are applying for BOTH mgmt and line roles vs. all mgmt or all line. It tells me the person just wants a "job" and doesn't know how to align their qualifications to the req. So don't apply to both is my advice.

[karmasabiotch]

Friends are over rated.

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2014 20:22:25 GMT -5 nursecramer said:

I would tread very very carefully. If she already has a position there, it could be that she's been groomed to take this management job and is also is able to put in a good word for your hiring in the other position. If she feels slighted or if she's kind of paved the way for you to take this spot, she might be able to make it difficult for you to even get that job, and might make it difficult for you to sub in the future. Not saying this is all how it will go down, but I'm from a small town, and I could definitely see this happening there.

ALL OF THIS X 1000

[10nille]

Apply, but understand that is the end of the friendship if you get hired. Maybe, she is a wonderful human and all will be good, but I wouldn't count on it.

eta: I wouldn't apply and I agree with nursecramer

[bobotron3000]

Ugh. You guys aren't making it easy for me

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2014 21:28:03 GMT -5 bobotron3000 said:

Ugh. You guys aren't making it easy for me

Your gut gave you the right answer.  Go with that.

But let me ask this qualifier: are you in a mgmt position now?

[bobotron3000]

Sept 26, 2014 21:32:06 GMT -5 fields said:

Sept 26, 2014 21:28:03 GMT -5 bobotron3000 said:

Ugh. You guys aren't making it easy for me

Your gut gave you the right answer.  Go with that.

But let me ask this qualifier: are you in a mgmt position now?

I know, I know.

Yes, I am in a management position now. With crappy pay but good experience, ha!

[whattheheck]

Sept 26, 2014 20:05:26 GMT -5 bobotron3000 said:

I'm a substitute at a local library and my friend who works there has been wanting to get me in there for a few years. She game me the heads up that two full-time positions were just posted internally and since I'm a sub I can apply. I knew about the one position before they posted it and had planned on applying for it because it's 10k+ what I'm making now (plus I don't like my current job). But then I saw the second job which is a management position and looks awesome. I meet all the qualifications and then some, the pay is great, etc. etc. I was really excited to apply for it BUT I just found out that my friend is applying for it. So I can't apply for it right? It would make me a bad friend? But I want it

This is where I'm confused . . . she told you about the job you want to apply for, yes?  Then why wouldn't she expect that you would apply for it?

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2014 21:37:49 GMT -5 bobotron3000 said:

Sept 26, 2014 21:32:06 GMT -5 fields said:

Your gut gave you the right answer.  Go with that.

But let me ask this qualifier: are you in a mgmt position now?

I know, I know.

Yes, I am in a management position now. With crappy pay but good experience, ha!

Ok, then I change my answer, with a caveat.

It makes more sense for you to apply for the mgmt position.  BUT, you need to have the conversation with your friend first.  You just do.

[olegregg]

Well, I think you should apply for it no matter if she applied or not, as that's business. And, yeah, where I work, they do have to post all job openings even though they have someone else in mind. I don't think she would have told you about the mgmt job if she were a shoe-in, though.

I do kind of think, like others, that applying for two jobs at once at the same place may not be a good idea. Others may disagree, however.

[bobotron3000]

[/quote]This is where I'm confused . . . she told you about the job you want to apply for, yes?  Then why wouldn't she expect that you would apply for it?[/quote]


There are 2 positions posted, one is management. She only told me about the non-management position and encouraged me to apply for it. But I'm more interested kn the management position, which she's applying for.

[bobotron3000]

Sept 26, 2014 23:26:35 GMT -5 mooselovah said:

I think you need to decide which job you want. I wouldn't apply for both - they may look at the non mgmt as your fall back. No one wants to hire someone for a job they don't think they will stay in for a bit. Tell your friend. Is there a reason you don't work there full time now?

I did my internship there 5 years ago and since then, they have not hired any full-time people. Librarians work until they die!

[alicenelson]

Apply. If you get the position, come back to us and we'll tell you how to smooth things over with her.

[okla]

As someone who has had a hell of a time getting hired FT in a library, I agree with Fields. I have a ton of management experience from my previous career, and wouldn't apply for management AND a normal FT position in the library at the same time.

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2014 23:31:55 GMT -5 bobotron3000 said:

Sept 26, 2014 23:26:35 GMT -5 mooselovah said:

I think you need to decide which job you want. I wouldn't apply for both - they may look at the non mgmt as your fall back. No one wants to hire someone for a job they don't think they will stay in for a bit. Tell your friend. Is there a reason you don't work there full time now?

I did my internship there 5 years ago and since then, they have not hired any full-time people. Librarians work until they die!

That's even more of a reason to apply in my opinion. 

I'd be honest with your friend and tell her you've been looking at all available management opportunities and when that one came up, you thought you were qualified and decided to apply.