To apply or not what would you do?

[SmellyLittleBelly]

Went for a senior role recently it needed 2x things managerial experience and very niche knowledge in a particular area.
I hold my hands I definitely thought went well but the feedback said I could have stronger strategically which is more than.
Anyway the person who got it was an internal candidate- he has neither the managerial experience or as specialised a knowledge I do but I obviously scored better on the day hence he got the job. He’s a good all rounder but I was disappointed in myself.
Anyway at the time the interviewing manager said there would another coming up (his) and she’d let me know and want to apply.
They’ve not been in touch but his old job is now advertised.
It’s 12k less. I might not even get it.
And if I did it would/could feel awkward. I’d rather have the senior role and I think I would be good at it so I might resent missing out on that even more.
But it’s an organisation I would like to work for?
But I don’t want to embarrass myself applying when they haven’t been in touch?

Would you go for it or feel too awkward?

I don't see the harm in emailing HR/the hiring manager and saying you've seen it and would they consider you.

From a hiring manager's perspective, though, they've seen that you want the bigger job and so might see you as a flight risk if something more senior came up elsewhere. You'd have to convince them that it's not about that, that it's the business you're super keen on working for for xyz reasons.

Is the £12k less a pay rise for you at the moment, or would it mean a pay cut?

It’s a slight increase in what I’m currently on but had clearer progression route.
Do you think it would be better to get in touch before applying?

What have you got to lose? I would go for it. If they ask you why you applied for the more senior role initially you can say that you are acting on their feedback, and that you really admire the company.

Yes, I would get in touch with one of the people who interviewed you/ gave you feedback

I wouldn't expect them to remember to contact you. It's not especially awkward. Internal candidates are often advantaged. He probably got the job on merit/ because he is internal / or because he talked himself up and people tend to fall for it when men exaggerate. It just depends if the role and the salary interests you. Is it the sort of place where if you were offered it you could negotiate for more responsibility for more pay? And walk away if they say no?

@SmellyLittleBelly yes, I'd email the hiring manager/HR rather than applying direct. Shows you've actually thought about it and not just hit apply on a website/LinkedIn for any old role.
Go for it!

The interviewing lead last time is not named as a person to contact it’s just the man who got the senior position- so would contact them both?
It feel awkward as if I’m completely honest if I was him I wouldn’t want to hire me

@SmellyLittleBelly Was there someone in HR involved last time? I see why contacting the guy who got the job might be awkward.
I'd email the previous hiring manager (and HR if they were involved last time) and make it clear that you're aware Mr X got the job but you'd be keen to be considered for his old role that you've seen advertised.

Dear Mrs Hiring Manager,

I hope you remember me; I interviewed for the smellybelly role with you recently.

I see that you are now advertising for Mr Xs position due to him being promoted into the smellybelly position, and I'm keen to put myself forward for the role.

Although I'm aware that this is a smellygut role rather than smellybelly, I still hold the same interest in working for smellystomach incorporated, and as such I'm keen to be considered for the position.

I feel that my attributes of belly button smell, stink management and nipple whiff would be of great benefit to the team, and I'd be really interested in learning from Mr X, developing my skills in line with the feedback I received from my interview.

If this is not to be then I wish you all the best for the future, of course.

Many thanks
SmellyBelly

Excellent Mkch 🙌

I’ve decided not to apply for it I think it’s too much of a sidestep and I really want a senior position so I will wait this out and see what else comes up.