When I am interviewing for a different position/unit at the institution I work for, is it ever okay to use my work email address to communicate with the search committee about the position?

23 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 1:44AM UTC

   Is it a secret from your existing unit that you are applying? I would assume your direct manager is aware of your interest. If so, using your work email is perfectly acceptable.

2. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 1:54AM UTC

   I haven't told them yet, but they know I have considered other options from time to time because our current manager is a mess 40% of the time and we all vent to each other about that.
   So I will tell my manager if I make it to the final round. And I would disclose why I am searching and how I am doing it right now, if they inquired. Thank you for the feedback.

3. AnonymousJuly 3,2022 at 1:21PM UTC

   I would be surprised if your current manager doesn't already know. At my company (and every company I’ve ever worked for) one of the first steps for vetting internal candidates is to ask the current manager about the candidates performance, attendance, etc.

4. AnonymousJuly 3,2022 at 4:05PM UTC

   I agree completely with this - even if you haven’t told your manager, they’re probably aware you are looking to move to a new team.

   I’m a hiring manager in my organization and currently have a role open to internal candidates. I’ve spoken to the managers of all my candidates about performance, work ethic, etc. (including a couple that I’ve yet to have an initial chat with) - I’d be surprised if your manager hasn’t been asked about you already if you’re being considered for this new role.

   That said, I would have a quick chat with your manager, in case they aren’t yet aware so it’s not blindsiding them later.

   Good luck!

5. Cyndi RosenblattJuly 1,2022 at 2:10AM UTC

   I just hired for a position that wasn't restricted to internal candidates, but only ended up with internal candidates (at least the applications that were forwarded by HR).
   I didn't see a problem with it either way, but even when they listed an external email, it was difficult for me to keep looking for the external email address vs the system autofilling.

   I see the difference as being still to the benefit of the company if a valuable employee is retained and sees career progression. This standard doesn't apply when you are looking outside the company.

   Unless your current supervisor has direct access to your email, I wouldn't worry about it. Especially since the hiring team initiated the "internal" contact.

6. Jackie RukaJuly 1,2022 at 3:11AM UTC

   If your really want the job, follow their lead. It's perfectly normal to utilize your work email for an internal role in a different department, no one is going to red flag you. And it can work to your advantage.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 1,2022 at 4:34AM UTC

   Personally, I would never use my work email address in a job search and think it's bad form when candidates do it although this situation is a bit different since this in an internal move for you and someone else initiated this.

   I have two personal email addresses, one set up specifically for job search. Somehow every once in a while, I get an email at the wrong email address. I forward the email to my job search email address and then reply to them from there (you have to forward it to their email addy, otherwise you're replying to yourself) - then when/if they reply, they're replying to the correct job search address.

8. Maggie StoneJuly 3,2022 at 12:13PM UTC

   It depends on if you are trying to keep this secret from others at the organization. But just using a personal email address might not keep your interest and application confidential if it’s internal.

9. AnonymousJuly 3,2022 at 12:28PM UTC

   Since the position you want is with the same company and they sent correspondence to your work email, I see no reason for not using your work email. Good luck!

10. AnonymousJuly 3,2022 at 12:38PM UTC

    I think OP doesn't want the organisation contacting them on their work email and are asking how to go about asking them to only contact them on their personal email

11. Beth Whight MoralesJuly 3,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    So a couple of things jump out. If you are applying to an internal position, your current boss will likely be asked about your performance, etc, and efforts will be made to verify that if you are selected for the position that the transition will be a smooth one. If you are trying to keep the application a secret, then be aware your current manager may find out before you tell her you have applied elsewhere within the company. It might be better to address before an offer is made.

    That said…

    While your work email is not private, unless you have actively shared access, it is not likely your boss spends time everyday using third party access to read through your emails. The IT/IS department has access, but typically there are algorithms written to flag emails that would be concerning, or emails are reviewed thoroughly after there is a concern, or on a spot check as a standard security protocol. Just make sure you lock your screens so no one else has access and you should be okay. It would be unlikely your boss would find out you have applied by this method.

    Internal applications typically come from work emails. In my time in HR if an applicant was internal we always responded via company email. If an internal applicant would say, please do not use my company email, then that would be a red flag for us.

    Best of luck to you.

12. QuesitaJuly 3,2022 at 12:57PM UTC

    I would never use my work email for a position outside the organization. However, since you are applying within the organization, I would encourage you to use your work email. The exception would be if others have access to your email - as a normal part of your job. There is a certain amount of confidentiality that is expected at the start of this application process that might be compromised if others have regular access to your email. If not shared or accessed by others, use your work email for internal search.

    Good luck in your quest!

13. Erica MitchellJuly 3,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

    Since they sent correspondence to your work email, I see no reason why you couldn't use it. If you're set on them using your personal email, tell them that's what you prefer.

14. Melissa GreyJuly 3,2022 at 1:01PM UTC

    It’s not petty at all to ask them to use your personal email if you feel strongly about protecting confidential information within the organization. If you can, ask the person directly by phone and explain your rationale. I think a conversation about it will get the message through best.

15. Maria Paula CalvoJuly 3,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

    Being that you are applying for a new position within your current company you must keep in mind people in your organization will certainly know about it. And based on my experience I can tell that the HR department will go directly to your boss to confirm you could leave your current position in this moment prior to confirm to you any move. So, using your work email would be completely normal and from my point of view would also be the expected way to proceed by people in your company. Good luck!

16. Michelle SiskoJuly 3,2022 at 2:32PM UTC

    My company expects internal candidates to use their company email. You must notify your current manager before applying for an internal position, whether it is in your current department or another.

17. Bosco OicoAugust 8,2022 at 12:15PM UTC

    Its the same to my company that i currently work for, i remember, applying for an internal job. in my resume, I indicated my personal email, instead of the work email. The human resource officer, reached out to me and advised me to always use work email instead, especially for internal adverts. I think this answers the question.

18. Jennifer VileyJuly 3,2022 at 2:42PM UTC

    As an executive recruiter who coaches candidates through hiring processes, work email is perfectly fine in this situation. There really isn’t a reason to redirect to your personal email, it will just complicate matters. Good luck! Hope you land it!

19. Liz WanicJuly 3,2022 at 2:46PM UTC

    My organization also expects that internal candidates use their company email when applying for internal postings. In our organization you are only required to tell your current manager that you have applied for an internal position if you make it past the first round of interviews. But check with your HR reps for your company policy on this, since it varies by organization.

20. AnonymousJuly 3,2022 at 3:37PM UTC

    I think it would appear odd for you to not use your work email. If someone internally emailed me from their personal email inquiring about a position it would seem unusual and may be viewed as trying to be clandestine. You should talk to your manager prior to applying, as many pointed out, the hiring manager, out of courtesy if anything, will likely talk to your manager before setting up an interview. All the best!

21. Communication CoachJuly 3,2022 at 6:21PM UTC

    Keeping the discussion of the new position, even within your company should be treated as confidential.
    Any exchanges you have already made, you should send a copy to your private email to have on your own record, anyway. Simply at the end of your email issue a tag that says, "Please respond to Me@private.com. Such an ending is within the bounds of standard

22. Stephanie F, MSHRMJuly 3,2022 at 6:32PM UTC

    In my organization, if you apply to a position internally, it defaults to your employee email and you can’t change it.

    it is expected that all communications will go their from your internal application.

    Also any automated application notifications are the same.

23. Wendy ScottJuly 3,2022 at 8:17PM UTC

    As long as it’s an internal position the work email is fine.