Hi Friends!

Hi Friends!

I recently started a new job, after months of being laid off. I am in 1 month ( go me!) Love my coworkers, the drive is ehh, my executive I support is great ( she kind of does her own thing and is a free spirit). Recently the coworker that sits in my pod with me told me she is leaving, due to receiving her Master's and wanting something more! So she will be leaving! Her role is slightly different as she supports the President, and does a lot of things more administratively. (which I am used to doing from previous jobs). My question, when her job comes open, do I apply for it even though I am only in 1 month? Also, when I was looking for other jobs, a position came open in another area that I am interested in. Do I just decline that offer to interview or does it not hurt to hear what they have to say?

Thank you!

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

18 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    Always do what's best for you.

  2. Anonymous

    This is tricky. It depends on how well established your company is. In these times, most employers are simply dividing that work up and divvying it out without hiring a new team member. Just wait and see what they decide to do.

  3. Kat

    Has your co-worker given notice yet? Or is she going to leave after she finds another job? If she hasn't left yet, it could be 3-6 months (or more) before she leaves, so you wouldn't have to worry about changing jobs after such a short time. When she does leave, they might cut the position and redistribute her work (to you and maybe others) rather than hiring a replacement. Only apply for the co-workers job if it's something you want to do (being used to admin work doesn't mean you really like it) and you like the President enough to switch jobs. As for the job in the other area, why not find out more about it? If it's not for you, then decline after the interview. At least that way you won't wonder if you missed a good opportunity.

  4. Audrey Kirsch

    Don't wait until she is gone. Ask her if she thinks you'd be a good fit for her job. It would be helpful to have someone already recommending you for the job before she leaves. If you already have the experience, just being at the company for only 1 month shouldn't matter.

  5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    The first thing I would do is check your Employee Handbook - some companies have guidelines around this. That you must be in your current position for 6 months or a year before you can apply to another position. Or sometimes if it's less than the required time, you have to go to your current manager first.

    Second, I would carefully consider making a move this quick - think of how it will be perceived by hiring managers. I can see hiring managers being put off by you wanted to make a change after only a month. Like if I hire her, is she going to jump ship from me in a few months.

  6. Anonymous

    I like the previous posters info.

    Not to scold, but this is exactly why companies don't like to hire people who are overtly/overqualified for a position. They truly believe you'll get bored and want to leave/move-on and then they have to start this very expensive process over again. Give it time, try to learn some things or share your expertise with the other employees wanting to upskill themselves. Keep track of it so you can bring it up during evaluations. If it's not in writing, or recorded somewhere, did it actually happen?

  7. Anonymous

    If you’re not happy with the job you were given, why did you apply and why did you accept? You should stay where you are. If you wanted a different job you should’ve applied for it.

  8. Anonymous

    Never stop interviewing, but it seems like you are a bit all over the place. Lock down your list of what you need. Interview the person who is leaving to find out exactly what she does to be sure if you toss your hat in that you know what you would be getting into. Also it is still job hopping and could irritate the internal leadership if you do this which could cause them to replace you. Think hard about this before you start hopping around internally and externally. It won't be a good look.

  9. Patriciai Allen

    You are still in the probation period learning the new position. You should ask yourself if it is fair not to have understood your role before applying for a new one. In other words, you still need to prove yourself and your skills to the new company. Therefore, you are jeopardizing your new job by applying for another position. The question is, is it worth the risk? Only you can answer that question.

  10. GirlBossanova934974

    Go ahead and apply for your co-workers job when her job shows up on the company career site or job board. The worst thing that can happen is that your employer will say no, you cannot do that if you just started your current position. As a business owner myself, I would love to see my employees do that. Shows some ambition and drive. Even if it is not feasible at the time, I would keep this person in mind going forward. Frankly, some employees barely read required company emails these days. So GO GETTERS are always appreciated in my book!

  11. Anonymous

    Volunteer to fill in for your coworker after she leaves. It takes time to hire. You could learn on the job and see if it's a good fit. You might also impress management which may help your career. You can always apply for other jobs but try to maintain some stability. The grass isn't always greener. Good luck!

  12. Anonymous

    Don’t. You’ll look like a job hopper. Stay in the job at least 3 to 6 mo before you think about switching

  13. Anonymous

    For many companies, you won't be eligible to move to a new position for 6-12 months. Offer to fill in. It never hurts to hear someone out about a new position so take the call.

  14. Liz Milne

    If you're happy where you are (as you seem to be) why on earth rock that boat? It's only been a month, give yourself time to settle in and enjoy having a good manager for a bit. Only after a few months, minimum, should you decide if you want to move onwards and upwards, imo...

  15. Erica Mitchell

    It's ok to let them no you'd be interested but just know that it might be too soon, so they may not offer you the position. Work hard and earn a promotion.

  16. G C Hesse

    Go for it!!!

    Don't use the old adage of working hard; the company could bring a new hire and the opportunity is gone!

  17. Andrea Ainsworth

    I suggest you have a candid conversation with your current manager. If you share what you shared with us about your current positive experience she will be able to guide you, is it too soon or not... maybe for her the other position is more important and would feel supportive of moving you there knowing how hard you work and well fitted in .

  18. Anonymous

    Inquire about this with your current manager to see the process. There's no harm of casually asking and express interest.

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members