Just about to start a new job... And seen another! Advice needed.

[tethersend]

I've never been in this position before, as I am an advisory teacher in a bit of a niche field, and jobs don't come up very often.

I'm about to take up post next week in what looks to be a great job, with a pay rise and in a neighbouring borough to where I live. However, an advert has just gone out for a post one level more senior than I'm currently on (which would be my 'next step'), and which is even closer than the job I'm about to start. It would be a stretch, but a good challenge and I could literally walk to work.

Obviously, the problem is that I haven't even started my new job yet and I'm considering applying for another. Also, I'm currently part time (0.8), and this post would be full time. It is a September start.

Has anyone ever done this? It feels like an awful thing to do, but should I apply and see if I get an interview? Or should I show some loyalty to my new post and not apply for the other?

Any advice gratefully received...

[newbieman1978]

You're going to need some very creative wording in order to put a positive spin on why you are applying for a job having not (or only just) started a new position!

Loyalty to the current new job aside, you wouldn't be showing a prospective employer you are likely to be loyal to them.

I guess if you can show you offer something really special then maybe you'd get an interview but in the position you are in I'd guess most employers would look to pass you over.

[tethersend]

Good point.

I think it would come down to the scarcity of positions like this- they are like hen's teeth. I'm pretty sure I could honestly make a case for this being a rare opportunity. But yes, I wouldn't look like a very good employee.

Should I apply and see if they discard my application on that basis?

[newbieman1978]

It's a tough one, if you apply will you need time off from your current (new!) job?

At the end of the day you don't want to look bad to your current employer should you not get the new one if that makes sense?

As a boss (I'm not one) I'd say get stuck into your new job and look to move on in a year or so.
As a friend I'd say if you are really really keen on the sound of the advertised job then go for it and suffer and potential consequences!

[CharlesRyder]

I think I would go for the new job. In specialist areas you have to take opportunities when they come up.

I would be really open with everybody about it though as (assuming the same field) lots of people across the services will inevitably know each other.

[tethersend]

This is another point to consider... it's a small world and people talk. I'd have to be comfortable with my new boss knowing I'd applied. I'm not sure that I would be, TBH. But is it too good a chance to pass up?

Thanks both, this is helping

[CharlesRyder]

These things happen in love and war!

You would be in your 'interim' role for a term so could care-take and they would have time to recruit again. Similar to having a term of supply or secondment for them.

A total hassle for them, but better than you not turning up at all. You will meet these people at case conferences/ training etc. though, so it has to be open.

[tethersend]

Yes, completely agree- open and transparent or not at all.

Shit. Why now? It's like bloody buses

[DavidTennantsBeard]

Just apply.

As a recruiter, if you were the best person for the job then I'd hire you anyway if I understood it was a step up that you wanted to take despite your short service in previous post- it's just one of those things, alls fair in love and war.

[tethersend]

Thanks, I'm definitely leaning towards applying...