Would you apply a job knowing your colleague desperately wanted it.

[midddleclassonbursary]

Posting here for traffic as application deadline is tonight.
I'm interested in a job, the person advertising it suggested I applied as I was the sort of person they're looking for, I'm human so I was flattered! I like the look of it, it's got lots of aspects that I think I'd like and the hours are good and I've got all the "person specifications" listed. So I decided to apply. But I'm not absolutely desperate to get it, I'm considering other options as well.
Yesterday I discovered my colleague is also applying, I like her and know the hours are exactly what she's looking for, she really wants it, it's internal applicants only so there are unlikely to be many more applicants.
I'm in two minds whether to apply or not.

I'd go for it. The final hiring decision lies with the panel, not with you, and you can't get it if you don't apply!

In your shoes, I would let her know that I'm applying though. She'd probably be hurt if she found out from somebody else that you went for it - it might look like you went behind her back.

Apply and let the best person for the job get. Even if you didn't apply, it doesn't mean she'd automatically get it anyway - what if either a third person applied or the people recruiting decided she wasn't right for the role anyway (hence them mentioning it to you in the first place)?

It's a kind-spirited thing you're thinking but it's only based on knowing half the facts.

Do you want the job? If so, apply. There's no point "gifting" it to your colleague-she might not even get it anyway if there's a stronger candidate on the day.

The 3 members of our team just all applied for the same job, in full knowledge that we were all applying (promotion). One withdrew because she got a different job in the meantime. My other colleague got the job. Although I was disappointed I am pleased for her at the same time.

TBH even if you don't apply there is no guarantee that they'll pick your colleague anyway. She might not be suitable and they'd have to readvertise (happens a lot where I work).

I did, I work with one of my best friends and I knew she desperately wanted the promotion. A lot of my colleagues wanted it also. Unfortunately them getting a promotion doesn't pay my bills or help me progress my career, so I applied, interviewed and got the job. A few noses were out of joint but my best friend was delighted for me and took me out for drinks. She did admit slight disappointent for herself but that was it, and I understood that completely. You can't go through life putting everyone else first every time.

You are overthinking it.

1. You aren't in charge or in anyway responsible for your colleague's life
2. You have now considered the job... without your colleague having told you anything about her preferences, you would apply
3. You have been invited to apply, take the ego massage, apply
4. Your current boss? Meh! he can do what other bosses do... advertise
5. Just bloody apply for it if you fancy the change!

Can't abide dithering, especially when you are guilting yourself into hesitating. STOP IT.... APPLY!

The real question to ask yourself, is if you would apply if your colleague wasn't? If you would, then you should still apply. If you wouldn't have, then don't.
Basically, don't let her choice impact on yours.

It stands to reason that with any internal vacancy, you will be up against colleagues. Do you intend to go through your career never applying for internal vacancies because of this?

It's rather bizarre to be honest.

This is only an application. Apply. Have the interview. Use the interview to find out more, to see if you actually want it. You may decide it's not for you. You might not get offered it. If you do get offered it, and you want it, take it. It's really that simple.

We recently had this situation in my workplace.
The hours would have been perfect for me, the job would have been interesting and I would have loved it.

Another very good colleague also expressed an interest. I thought about it and decided that in my opinion she would be the better candidate as she had more experience in our current roles. I decided I would rather work for her than the other way around.

I'm happy with my decision not to apply. We work well as a team and the dynamics make it a good environment to work in.

Of course you should apply. Don't mistake colleagues for friends. All's fair when it comes to getting promoted.

I applied recently for an internal promotion. I was invited to apply, thought I'd like it and applied. I didn't get it but a colleague did. Although I'm happy for her, it spoilt my enjoyment of working there and I've lost interest. Yet before I was really happy and if it hadn't come up or I'd not applied I would still be happy!

If the tables wrre turned, would she step back for you? No? Didnt think so. And just because they want you to apply it doesnt mean you will get it.

If you want the job apply for it, if you don't then don't. Don't just apply for it because someone said you'd be suited for it!