What are hiring managers thoughts on applying for 2 different positions at the same company within a week or two?

Jennifer Ziolkowski

May 25,2022 at 8:29PM UTC

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What are hiring managers thoughts on applying for 2 different positions at the same company within a week or two?

I applied for a job early last week that sounds wonderful and exactly what I want to do professionally. I have many similar experiences to what the position advertises, but it would also be an opportunity for me to grow and learn. The biggest downside is that while I meet the position's requirements, I don't meet ANY of the posts "preferred qualifications" (i.e. I have a bachelor's but not the preferred master's, I have project management experience but not the official certification, etc).

Earlier this week, I noticed that they had posted another position that is similar to what I have done in the past and, on paper, is probably a better fit for me. I'm tempted to apply for that position as well to help get noticed and get my foot in the door.

Unfortunately, I don't have any contacts with the company, so I have no way of getting updates other than what they choose to tell me. I'm concerned that applying for 2 positions that are obviously of different skill levels may come across as desperate, but I've also left nearly every job I've had due to lack of growth opportunities.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

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AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 8:45PM UTC
Some companies will post a post a job with lower skill levels after receiving people they thought might be interesting that meet the lower skill requirements.
Some organizations require there to be a job description and an open job in order to hire. For that reason I would go ahead and do it it helps to say I really like your company and even if it means I have to start lower I'm willing to do that.
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:10PM UTC
As a hiring manager, I would actually look at it as engagement for the company - that you really want to work there! Personally I think it is worth applying and then discussing with the recruiter or HR once you start interviewing.
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:14PM UTC
Not a hiring manager, but the flip side of appearing desperate could be that you're showing an active interest in their company... and that should count for something, right?
Good luck!
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:23PM UTC
Not a hiring manager, but I’m currently working with one and expressed interest in two of their roles. Ends up she’s managing one of the two and passing me along, so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with expressing interest in the company by applying to two. Shows you’ve been keeping up with them and willing to put in time to complete the applications.
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:25PM UTC
I would apply as well. The thing with larger organizations is sometimes those two job postings are being handled by two different HR people who would never know about the other posting/application.
LaurenJune 1,2022 at 3:44PM UTC
Nothing wrong with applying for multiple roles as long as your experience aligns. A lot of roles use different skill sets, so not uncommon and shows genuine interest in the company.
Joanne RosenJune 1,2022 at 4:04PM UTC
Apply for both but use a bespoke version of your resume for each. Don't just send the same resume. It's lazy and shows you haven't put any thought into it.
Your resume is a selling tool. You are the product. Think of looking at cars. You don't give the same spiel for a minivan as you do for a muscle car.
If you want a free analysis of your current resume, please upload it at: https://www.analyticadvantagecc.com
Cheers
Joanne
Colleen MolloyJune 1,2022 at 5:05PM UTC
Personally, I loathe a cover letter and think it asks too much of candidates. That said, I think a brief outline of why you'd be an excellent candidate for this type of work at this specific company would be appropriate. Especially since any resume tailoring would likely be minimal as it's two similar jobs at the same company.
As for applying to multiple jobs, I think you're in the clear if you apply to just two. I've personally never minded when candidates apply to a litany of roles, but I know some HMs and Recruiters may view it as 'desperate.'
AlexisJune 1,2022 at 10:49PM UTC
Tailoring your resume can definitely help. I think applying for multiple positions likely to show interest in the company. Show your interest by highlighting accomplishments at prior roles that align with this company's mission.
AnonymousJune 4,2022 at 5:04AM UTC
That is usually not a problem. If they select you for an interview, they will let you know, which one they think is more suitable and according to their expectations.