I would like advice on applying to multiple positions (on different teams) at one company (healthcare).

6 Comments

1. Kimberley Ferretti HammettMarch 8,2023 at 3:18PM UTC

   It is hard to give effective general advice in terms of applying with companies as we never really know the perspective of the recruiters or hiring managers unless we have experience with them personally. Some don't mind it at all, especially if they see the roles are very similarly aligned and they understand where people are coming from in the market right now.. others see it as a red flag. The best way to navigate this is to understand why they would see this as a red flag and address that concern.

   Organizations who don't like seeing candidates apply to multiple roles generally feel this way for 2 reasons. 1- They want to find the right fit for each role and if you are selling yourself as the right fit for several roles, then they can't trust what is true for any. 2- They may be interested in employees with some bit of longevity or at least a high level of engagement and if you'll take just anything they don't see that in you (that'd be like dating someone who is with you because you're the first person who asked them out.. not ideal).

   For the first, if the roles are closely aligned, maybe try being upfront about the multiple applications and explain what the common thread is that attracted you to each. Instead of naming a preference, use the process as a discovery process and ask the recruiter or whoever you are in contact with if they have information to help you determine which one is the best fit for you. Now you're working together on finding you a place in the company!

   To address the second (and it works for the first), in conversations be sure to focus on how you are connected or aligned with their mission and/or culture.

   Another tactic altogether is to reach out before applying to anything if you see a company you are aligned with that you know could benefit from the type of work you do. Try to find a connection there in leadership or HR, tell them you really want to be involved in the work they do, talk about your strengths and how your skills could benefit them and ask if they see potential for a role fit. This tends to work better with medium to small organizations (the big ones that everyone wants to work for of course have too much noise and competition) but I have done this before and landed a job that hadn't even been posted yet.

   And finally, remember, you don't know the hundreds of things that go on in their office while you are in the application process. Often, the decision not to go with you has very little to do with you personally or what you have done. And if it was something you did, it doesn't always mean you made a mistake. It just means THEY didn't like it.

   Good luck!

2. AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 4:54PM UTC

   I'm in the midst of my first hire through our new system and the system clearly shows how many applications are active for each applicant. Not positive of the value of that, but it's there. One of my applicants also applied for a lower-level role with another group in my office. She wasn't qualified for my role, though I get why she thought she could manage it. I don't get tons of applicants, so I often reach out to the unqualified candidates (especially internal) and ask them a few questions that make it clear to them why they aren't getting past the screening stage. I knew the other position was going to be offered to her so I didn't bother. She may well think it had something to do with multiple applications when it didn't.

3. AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 6:23PM UTC

   Yes, recruiters typically have a full view of all internal current applications. I do believe that each position warrants feedback as to what you can do to prepare more for that role if not chosen to be moved forward, especially within your own company. You need that feedback to be able to prepare for a new role. If you don't receive that send an email back to the recruiter(s) and include your leader, for accountability, on requesting that feedback. Developing an individual development plan will serve you well. Not sure why in one interview they would mention any other interviews you've had, that is not a best practice, IMO. If they brought it up as to say 'Hey, we see you've applied to other positions too, what draws you to apply to this position?" Do you have a preference on your growth here in the company? things like that. Good luck.

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 8,2023 at 8:50PM UTC

   I'm actually kind of surprised to hear that you were actively interviewing for three positions simultaneously.

   In most companies I've worked in, hiring managers would not do that. They would not want to be seen as stepping on each other's toes nor poaching candidates from other hiring managers. They would typically let a candidate complete the interview process for one position and then if not chosen, move ahead.

   I have no idea what happened with your particular candidacy but I will share feedback I received from one of my hiring managers recently: "it seemed like he wants A job - not necessarily this job".

   YOU SAID: "The weird thing is that after I sent a thank you to one of the interviewers, he responded back with a nice email. "

   I don't know what he said specifically but I'm not sure why it would be weird - most interviewers try to be nice to candidates.

5. AnonymousMarch 9,2023 at 3:03PM UTC

   I'm not sure that I would do this. Even when applying for positions with the state (the largest employer here), I waited until one interview cycle was completed before I tried another. As Joan said, there is always the perception that you want "a" job, not necessarily "this" job. You need to avoid any appearance of desperation.

6. AnonymousMarch 12,2023 at 2:16PM UTC

   Maybe you’re overthinking it, which can be easy to do when we may feel desperate to be hired.

   if you speak with someone again, consider sharing that you were thrilled to find more than one opportunity with them because they align well with your values (or insert whatever your reasons are).

   Otherwise, do you want to work for a company that is really that touchy over something so silly? In a time when so many are unemployed (companies know the state of unemployment and should not be surprised by this)?

   if you’re qualified for each role, be proud of yourself for having developed such a skill set!

   Good luck!