What are the optics of applying for two positions in the same department?

Anonymous

September 15,2022 at 11:57PM UTC

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What are the optics of applying for two positions in the same department? An agency I have had my eye on for years has two positions open. They require different duties but the same fundamental skill sets. I'm qualified for both on paper. I'd be interested in both but am concerned about whether it looks questionable to apply for both. For the record, I'm not currently "unhappy" in my job but it's not where I see myself in five years. I'd apply for either of these positions if they came up individually. Would you apply for both?

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Cyndi RosenblattSeptember 16,2022 at 12:26AM UTC
Apply for both. May or may not be the same hiring manager. Regardless, I think it's pretty common to see people applying for all appropriate positions available in the same department.
AnonymousSeptember 16,2022 at 12:39AM UTC
apply for both especially since you don’t know your competition. No one will hold it against you unless they are a jealous troll
Tracey MorrisSeptember 16,2022 at 1:24PM UTC
You are better to apply for both so that the organization can review your qualifications as aligned to each position and then move you forward in the position that is the best fit for your skills/experience. I often see candidates applying for multiple roles where they meet the minimum qualifications for each of them.