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View Full Version : Competing w/ coworker for external job?



villanelle75
08-25-2006, 09:32 AM
I think I know the right answer, but I want to hear it from some of you to make sure.

My coworker recently made an ultimatum of sorts to our boss. She basically aid that she wanted a sizable raise and more responsibilities, or she will leave. God for her. However, I was planning on doing a very similar thing and now that' she's done, it, I feel I can't because it will look like a follow on "me to!".

She was on the verge of getting and internship doing something related to her Master's. During this time, she told me about a job posting in the umbrella organization that administers our grants, payroll, HR, etc. Her friend works there and told her the job would be posting soon and my coworker encouraged me to apply. (It much more money than I'm currently making and more responsibility as well.) Her internship fell through. Now that there is no internship, she is going to apply for the umbrella org job.

During her conversation with our boss, she specifically mentioned this other position and I believe that pay for that position is what she used to justify the amount she was asking him for. (I would be applying for X position that pays $$$, unless you can match that.)

When she encouraged me to apply for Other position, she had something lined up that seemed fairly certain. Now that she doesn't, am I a bitch if I still apply for this other position that she knew about and that she told me about? Is it "hers" since she heard about it first, from her friend, and told me about it when she it looked like she had something else lined up and she wouldnt' "need" this new one?

I think our boss will find a way to give her the giant raise she asked for. He adores her and her skills are so specialized that it would be very difficult to replace her at all, much less for what he's currently paying her. But if he doesn't and for some reason I get this this other job over her, I'd feel guilty about it.

ca_girl
08-25-2006, 11:35 AM
I say, apply for it. They will hire who they want to hire. If you get it, then you deserve it! No job is "hers" until she is hired by the company. She's the one that told you about it. If she didn't want you to know about it, she would've never told you.

bookworm
08-25-2006, 11:38 AM
As you said, you know the right answer: of course you should apply.

And FWIW, I think the "threatening to leave" bit only works if you have another offer in hand--and you (general you) have to be willing to back it up.

Sabrina
08-25-2006, 11:42 AM
You should absolutely apply for the job.

Leia
08-25-2006, 12:35 PM
Apply for the job, and don't discuss it with your co-worker.

villanelle75
08-25-2006, 01:19 PM
Okay, thanks guys. That's just what I needed. And making it even easier, coworker just got news that it looks like her giant raise here will be approved , in which case she wouldn't take the other job anyway. I'm going to work on the online application system tonight! Wish me luck; it would be a giant raise and a turn to wards more of what I'd like to be doing.

lawyerlee
08-25-2006, 01:27 PM
I hope it works out for you. :)

working_mom
08-31-2006, 10:41 AM
Good luck... we share opportunities in my office and it seems to work out okay for all involved.

villanelle75
08-31-2006, 12:12 PM
I rocked the hell out of the interview. IIDSSM, I was amazing. I even got a couple, "Exactly!"'s to my answers. I think my coworker is still more qualified on paper, but the interview went so well that I think I do have a decent chance. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I can't help it a little!

(Coworker's deal with Boss has all but totally failed so it looks like we will in fact both be taking the job, should it be offered. If I get it over her, I feel a little bad, but I will definitely get over it!

bookworm
08-31-2006, 12:38 PM
Good luck! I hope it works out.

Liz
09-02-2006, 09:32 PM
Good luck! I hope you get the job offer. Let us know how the situation turns out!