So I got this job interview with a company but I'm more interested in another position they have out there(tmrw @ 11:30)

[jinduy]

alright so i got a phone interview with HR regarding a sql programmer position in santa monica, but i'm more interested in this java programmer position from the same company in pasadena...

do you guys think it would be a bad idea for me to tell the hr person up front that i am more interested in the other position?

here are the scenarios i came up with

1) i tell the hr person up front that i am more interested in the java position at the other location

2) i proceed with the interview and tell the hr person at the end that im interested in the ohter position

3) i just go on with the interview and try my best to land this sql position

worst case is the hr person cannot help me with the other position and i also show i lack interest in the sql position..... what should i do?

 

[MBentz]

Just say that you are more interested in the Java position, but if it's not available you will take the SQL position.

 

[jinduy]

Originally posted by: MBentz
Just say that you are more interested in the Java position, but if it's not available you will take the SQL position.

u dont think it will hurt my chances for the sql position if she (it's usually a she) cant help me with the java one?

 

[DaveSimmons]

2) is a great way to burn bridges at the company.

1) might be worth a shot if you really want the java job enough to give up your chance for the sql job.

Did you apply to both jobs? If so, it probably means they have better applicants (from a resume point of view) for the java position and aren't really interested in interviewing you for it unless possibly if all the people with more experience bomb their interviews and you made it to the second-choice pile in the sorting.

That's the way it worked at my current and last jobs. We get a stack of 100+ resumes, sort them into A, B, C piles and ask HR to set up interviews with a couple of the A people. Then more A's, and if necessary B's. We can only afford to take a little time away from real work to interview people so we can't interview everyone that might be good enough.

 

[jinduy]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
2) is a great way to burn bridges at the company.

1) might be worth a shot if you really want the java job enough to give up your chance for the sql job.

Did you apply to both jobs? If so, it probably means they have better applicants (from a resume point of view) for the java position and aren't really interested in interviewing you for it unless possibly if all the people with more experience bomb their interviews and you made it to the second-choice pile in the sorting.

That's the way it worked at my current and last jobs. We get a stack of 100+ resumes, sort them into A, B, C piles and ask HR to set up interviews with a couple of the A people. Then more A's, and if necessary B's. We can only afford to take a little time away from real work to interview people so we can't interview everyone that might be good enough.

hmm i guess ill try option 1... hope the recruiter doesnt get pissed for allocating 20-30 min for me, thanks.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: jinduy
hmm i guess ill try option 1... hope the recruiter doesnt get pissed for allocating 20-30 min for me, thanks.

Try to be polite, positive, a little apologetic, and just say that you are interested in the SQL job, but that the java job is closer to what you want for a long-term career.

You never know, the worst they can do is say no chance and end the interview, but they won't have the anger at you for "tricking" them by not telling them up front.

 

[jinduy]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Originally posted by: jinduy
hmm i guess ill try option 1... hope the recruiter doesnt get pissed for allocating 20-30 min for me, thanks.

Try to be polite, positive, a little apologetic, and just say that you are interested in the SQL job, but that the java job is closer to what you want for a long-term career.

You never know, the worst they can do is say no chance and end the interview, but they won't have the anger at you for "tricking" them by not telling them up front.

THanks I will keep this in mind