URGENT QUICKIE PLEASE - If I apply for 2 jobs at the same company will they cancel each other out?

[Rhubarb]

It's a school up the road from me. One post is for a Learning Support Assistant which I'm keen on, the other post is the rather less challenging Typist. Same good salary, same part time hours, term time only.

I'm applying for them now and want to hand deliver the applications. But the return address is to the same person. So will they just think that I'm applying for any old job that comes up? Should I just apply for the first post and forget the other?

Trouble is I'm giving in my notice at work and am desperate for another job. If I only get the Typist one I'd be happy as the wage is good and the hours are great, I'd piss the job. So I want to apply for both of these, I've experience of the former too. Just worried this will go against me.

Hard one as it's a school, and not necessarily regularly exposed to the scrutiny of an objective HR department. I would not personally hold it against a candidate applying for two separate jobs - it's not like you have sent in multiple applications for one post using aliases
They will inevitably have a view of which they think you are better qualified for and that might influence how they shortlist.
Very best of luck rhuby, you deserve an upturn in fortunes

Tough one. My gut instinct says apply for the one you really want - as otherwise it smacks a bit of desperately applying for any job going. And if you don't get that job then it's may be worth a phone call to ask if the typist's job is still available.

But try and think positive - and put everything you've got into applying/interviewing for the LSA job. Very best of luck and fingers crossed for you.

Tricky one. I think I would apply for the first position and include a letter asking that you be considered for the typist position if thought not suitable for the first position.

But as Marina disagrees with me ...honestly, I don't know: it is a real dilemma. I think it's because it's a school that I think the way I do - any other company and I'd say apply for both. But there's something of the "higher calling" about a LSA job - it feels to me like diluting that to apply for the typist's job as well. That's probably bollocks. I don't think I'm helping am I?

Write a covering letter explaining. I applied for 2 jobs at same place for exactly same reasons as you. One was admin assistant, one was project assistant. I really wanted the Project assistant one and luckily, I did that interview first and they told me within an hour that I didn't need to come for the 'other' interview as they were offering me this one. Good luck.

That's a good compromise from fmv.

Hi Rhubarb,

I would do both applications but put a covering lettter saying that the assistant's job is the one that you are most interested in - but as you would really like to work at their school, and can also type, if you are not considered suitab le for the assistant post please could they consider you for the typist post.

That way everyone will be clear !

Good Luck !!

Do you know the HT? Is there any way you can discuss your concerns on the phone maybe?

Oh I type so slowly you all beat me to it !

Thanks guys, I'll do as fmv says. I knew you'd know what to do!

FMV is right and you are too moo. Where I work equality of opportunity is rigorously enforced (no problem with that myself), and that means that if a person has the qualifications and experience, they can theoretically apply for every vacancy on the website simultaneously

Go rhuby

I've done a quick covering letter explaining that I am most interested in the former as I do have experience within that field, but that if my application for that post is not successful, could they consider me for the Typist position as at least then I will have the experience of working within a school environment.

I've also put that both positions are offering family friendly hours which is also very important to me.

Fingers crossed - I NEED these jobs! I've been through weeks of shit with my job and I'm giving in my notice on Tuesday. I just hope I find another job quickly as quitting your job is not a great start to finding another one.

My DSIL walked from a job that was causing her huge unhappiness with nothing to go to, and with a mortgage to pay on her own.
She is much happier rhuby and landed a temp to perm post in her profession within days.
What is the temping market like locally?

I'll also telephone too, just to further ingratiate myself with the lovely Human Resources Manager who is going to be my new best friend!

I really hope you get the one you want, Rhuby - good luck!

I could temp no probs. But the hours are difficult. Ds is booked into the nursery for 4 days 9 - 3.30 so I'm limited to working within those hours. The nursery are now fully booked so changing hours could be a no no and I don't want to swap nurseries now and cause him distress.

I need to work round the kids really. Both these posts are 20 hours a week, flexible times, term time only, much more pay than I'm on now - ideal really!