Apply for a job to ‘get on the radar’?

[anicecuppateaa]

My dream job has come up internally. My line manager has flagged it to me and thinks I should go for it, but it’s a big step up and the chances of getting it are slim. She suggests applying anyway to put myself on the radar for this specific type of role (they are few and far between).

I don’t know if it’s worth applying just to get on the radar. The advert states an explicit preference for people based in another location and that’s likely to work against me before anything else. Previously I would have gone for it, but doing well in the interview would take a LOT of prep, and with a FT job and 3 pre school dc, I am leaning towards only going for jobs I am likely to get. Also wondering if applying and screwing up the interview would be a disaster given its an internal role.

Any thoughts?

Do it

I would, you never know what will come of it.

Your manager has given you great advice. Do it! You literally have nothing to lose.

Nothing to lose surely? Good luck!

Your manager is right

Do it! Worst case scenario, you don't get the job but it will give you good experience of the application and interview process for that field. Best case scenario, you get the job. What is there to lose?

Good luck!

Do it. My old manager suggested the same to me for another manager position which I had no experience, but was on my "5 year plan"

I got the job.

Wow ok, an overwhelming yes! In answer to what there is to lose - time (I’m already juggling at home) and pride….

I’m back from holiday on thurs so will apply then.

thanks for the push to do it!

Definitely go for it! You don’t know until you try. And even if you don’t get it, it’s good practice and you’re showing you’re interested.

In my industry if your line manager said that and you didn’t go for it, it would be EXTREMELY unlikely you got the next role.

But would you be willing to work from the location mentioned if you did get it? If not, be very clear about that in your application and interview

Sounds like a good manager! Best case scenario, you get it. Worst case scenario you have interview feedback and your manager can help support you with training to get there in future.
’on the radar’ might imply there are other opportunities coming up and they feel you need your name in the frame for those- is that possible?
Go for it and good luck.

Go for it. If you are the best applicant they may work around the location issue.

I agree. Do it. It would be a chance to show your enthusiasm for the job. If you don't get it, send a note thanking them for considering you and saying you will continue to develop the skills needed and hope they might bear you in mind at a future date if the role comes up again.

Nothing to lose.

Are you me? Well, I only have two DC, but otherwise. Mine is a once in 4-6 years opportunity. I am going for it, 100%. Pleased you are going for it too. If you want something doing, ask a busy person, as they say.

I would also be very annoyed if someone not as good as me got the role, purely because I didn't apply. (Not necessarily likely in my case as it's likely to be quite competitive)

If I get the job I will be hiring a gardener!

Worked for me. Didn’t get the initial job and was a bit deflated despite managing my expectations. As you say, to do well you have to find time to put in the prep. But I had lots of really positive feedback, and having gone through the prep was really useful. A few months later a role that fit even better was created for me, and then another year later a more senior role came up that I got. So only good things have come from it despite the initial ’failure’.

Applying to show interest is definitely a thing. Most organisations don’t do good talent spotting and succession management and instead rely on people putting themselves forward.

If your manager suggested you apply, they’d probably be willing to allow you some work time to prepare.

On the location point, the desired location is an office (or range of offices) in a different country. I am based in London and the desirable location is one of the European offices. Years ago I would have moved in a heartbeat (I’ve lived in Spain before), but have 2 dc starting school next week so not as straightforward now. If the company paid for relocation or it was agreed as a 3 year move I would consider it.

Luckily, I have enough flexibility to do prep during the work day (hopefully). It’s a different part of the firm so thinking about what to prep and then actually doing it will take some time.

Good luck @JollyJellyCat! I hope you get it, and if nothing else, it’s good experience going for it.