Starting a job...then seeing a better one advertised. Help!

[MerrilyMoo]

Hoping to get some opinions on this.

I was in my previous role for 2.5 yrs. Enjoyed it, good references etc. Got a more senior role in the same field, but for a different organisation, in April. I went for the role because it is managerial – looks better on my CV and is giving me a broader range of skills. However, the money is no better than what I was previously earning, iyswim. Just passed my six month probationary with flying colours and I am enjoying the job very much.

However, just seen a similar job advertised – also managerial, literally on my doorstop and much better money than my current role. I am really torn about applying. I have heard whispers of a restructure of my dept next year and I know from colleagues that the last restructure in 2011 was brutal, so in my mind I had been thinking to get 18 months out of this role and then look elsewhere.

However, so tempted by this job ad! They have readvertised this role and I know from an ‘insider’ that they struggled to fill it and my experience/skills would very likely get an interview. Does it look totally shit to have just done a job for 7 or 8 months before moving on? How would I justify wanting to leave my current organisation at interview anyway?

WWYD?

I'd apply, and you should. Life is too short. (I'm a recruitment consultant. This is normal behaviour. It's not "job hopping" if it's a step up)

I got a reasonably senior job a few years back, and although I wasn't looking, I spotted a job advert in a trade magazine for a similar job but in a company that I'd always wanted to work for and more money. I applied, had a couple of interviews and got the job. I handed my notice in after only 8 months but had to work 3 months notice so on my CV I just put 2005 - 2006 without the months. If anyone asks me in future I'll say it was a temporary role. The first company has been taken over and most people left now anyway so doubt I'd be able to get a reference even if I wanted to.
I'm still at the second company 7 years later and have been promoted several times so it was definitely the right decision.

I'd say go for it - no harm in applying

If your CV is mainly full of long stints in jobs then I don't think that one 'blip' will be a problem. Less commute sounds a good enough reason to. Just be very positive about current role.

If your current job counter offered (if you handed your notice in) what would you do?

A pattern of short periods spent in several jobs might be a red flag. However if it's one blip and you have a good reason for applying, which you do, then it shouldn't be a problem.