Applied for the 'wrong' job

[BananaFrenchToast]

Applied for a job in a large organisation with online application system. I was away on holiday and had limited time. I've been invited for interview. Unfortunately when I logged in to review my application I found I'd applied and am being interviewed for the wrong job. Both jobs had same title, grade and closing date. I intended to apply for a permanent role in an interesting area of the business. The job I actually applied for is more technical and a 12 month contract. It is less interesting but could be a foot in the door. I am qualified for both jobs but lacking more in experience in the one I am being interviewed for, I feel.

Question is, when I phone to confirm the interview do I admit the error and ask if I can be considered for the 'better' job?

For what it's worth the way this org presents jobs is confusing and not v professional, considering the number of employees they have.... But yes I am also feeling like an idiot.

Better to tell them before you go for interview than potentially have them feel you have wasted their time if you tell them at interview.

If I was interviewing I would have serious reservations about employing someone who applied for the wrong job. But if you aren't interested in the job you've actually applied for then you've got nothing to lose by phoning. I definitely wouldn't leave it to the interview to explain.

Maybe a white lie? You have since seen the additional job and wish to be considered for that too?

Go for the interview. Don't mention the other job (demonstrates lack of attention to detail). If you fit the company and deliver the objectives I'd expect you'll be kept on after 12 months (and it would become part of your continuous service anyway).

At the interview stress how much you want to work for the company. If THEY mention the other role then say you would be interested in considering it.

Unless of course you are already in a decent job with prospects.

Yeah I know how bad it looks. My excuse is that I had less than an hour to access a computer - normally I would take several days to check and re-read everything - and I was being pressured. But yes it was a daft mistake.

OllyBJolly's approach sounds good? But I'm going to have to think about it for a bit. I definitely want to get into this office, but the job I intended to apply for had an extra pull for me.

I like joinourclub's suggestion, mentioning that while you were preparing for the interview, you happen to notice your skillset may be even more benefit to the firm in x position, and that you would be willing to consider a permanent role as well. It may well be that the permanent role already has an internal candidate they actually want to hire and they are just going through the motions of advertising the position publicly.

Yes that might work. Hmmm.

Don't give them the excuse of being time pressured, especially if it's a job where time will be a factor. Doesn't sound good.

I know! I would never tell them that that's how it happened, it just happens to be the truth of the matter. On holiday, see job advert, have very small window in which to do something about it before heading to the back of beyond. And now here I am...

It really would help if they would give the jobs different names instead of a whole department seemingly having the same generic job title. But ultimately it was my error.

I've decided to withdraw altogether. No point interviewing for a job I'm not v keen on and since the application my situation has changed such that a new job is not immediately required. I'll keep an eye on the organisation over the next couple of months and hope for another chance.