Another "would you" kind of question.

[dss62467]

They have just posted a new position in our HR office for a HR Assistant Director. It's a step up from my current managerial position and it probably would be a good career move to go for it. On the other hand - I'm not really interested in it. I do a lot of computer stuff and have minimal contact with our staff. I do some employee relations stuff, but my main focus is data. The new position would focus a lot on employee relations, which I could do - but probably wouldn't dig so much.

I'm mostly happy with my current position, but get bored. I'd like to expand my horizons, but wouldn't want to give up the main focus of my position because I'm very good at it.

So, our Staffing Manager - who I'm quite friendly with - thinks I should post for the position even though I probably wouldn't get it and I'm not interested in it anyway. She thinks that I should do it just to let them know that I'm not complacent with my current position and would like to get ahead. While I agree in theory on that, don't you think that I'd be wasting a lot of people's valuable time in posting for a job just for "appearences"?

Would you do it?

 

[Aquajock]

RE: Another

No, I would not.

I would not NOT apply for a position I really wanted because of fears (or "certain knowledge") that I wouldn't get it (if I'd listened to those fears I wouldn't have the awesome job I have now!).

However, it is wasting a lot of people's time if you apply for a job you know you don't want and will probably turn down - don't underestimate how much of a career-killer in a company it can be to apply strictly for cosmetic purposes only to turn down an offer. Plus, it's rude.

A-Jock

 

[needsmotivation]

RE: Another

Donna

I wouldn't apply for a job that I did not think I would enjoy.

I WOULD apply if I thought it would be a good position for me, even if I had been told I didn't have much of a chance of getting it.

If you enjoy what you are doing...think laterally....are there other things or positions you could do along the same lines that might increase your career potential?

I don't think that by applying for a job you don't really want will show non-complacency. Just go straight to the top and tell them you want more; but, in data not relations

Best of luck

 

[Maximus]

RE: Another

I would for several reasons.

First, if you're looking for more of a challenge, perhaps you could incorporate duties from both positions, or discuss changing one job description or another to better suit your abilities.

Second, you open the lines of communication & even if this isn't the right opportunity for you, the next one might be & you'd be fresh in their minds.

Third, the economics--would the salary be higher? Sometimes giving up the security of a position you know & know well for something unknown w/a higher salary could prove to be rewarding in more ways than one.

Are you sure you wouldn't like the employee relations thing Donna? You seem very personable & I would think you'd be really good at that kind of thing. I'm in charge of all the HR crap at my job & other than the disciplinary stuff I really enjoy it. Also, if an employee wanted to discuss the possibility of changing positions w/me I would not consider it a waste of my time at all--I appreciate the opportunity to maybe help them & give them some guidance, and I also like to know how people feel about their current postions. We're always willing to be flexible to keep our staff happy.

 

[dss62467]

RE: Another

Good, I'm glad that my "gut" was on the money here. Maybe I'll just tell my boss during our meeting on Monday why I'm not going to post, so she'll know that I had considered it at least.

Thanks!