Interviewing for different jobs in same organization

[Connemara]

I could use a little guidance here. Late last month, I interviewed for a position with an organization. This week, I received a call from a separate "department" of that organization, asking if an interview could be set up. I'm going in tomorrow for that.

While my paycheck would have the same organization name at the top, these two departments are wholly independent of one another. Hiring, training, etc. is all done separately. Now, I assume it would be pointless to tell tomorrow's interviewer that I am waiting to hear back from the other department. But what if they offer me a position next week, when I'm still waiting to hear back from Interviewer 2? Do I call #2 and say, "#1 has approached me with an offer, but ((assuming this is true...might turn out not to be the case!)) I'd rather work with you. Is there a way the decision could be expedited?"

I really have no idea what to say if a situation like this arises. How do I sound diplomatic?

 

[gdl203]

Tell them right away you've interviewed with the other guys. It will comfort them in their interest in your candidacy and will likely put them in a competitive mood to get you in their dept rather than see you go with the other guys. Absolutely nothing to lose and true downside in hiding your process with the other side.

 

[BC2012]

Originally Posted by Connemara

I could use a little guidance here. Late last month, I interviewed for a position with an organization. This week, I received a call from a separate "department" of that organization, asking if an interview could be set up. I'm going in tomorrow for that.

While my paycheck would have the same organization name at the top, these two departments are wholly independent of one another. Hiring, training, etc. is all done separately. Now, I assume it would be pointless to tell tomorrow's interviewer that I am waiting to hear back from the other department. But what if they offer me a position next week, when I'm still waiting to hear back from Interviewer 2? Do I call #2 and say, "#1 has approached me with an offer, but ((assuming this is true...might turn out not to be the case!)) I'd rather work with you. Is there a way the decision could be expedited?"

I really have no idea what to say if a situation like this arises. How do I sound diplomatic?

If you get into an embarrassment of riches situation like that, politely ask the department that has not issued a decision if there is a timetable on the decision and inform them of what you said above, that you'd rather work for them. I wouldn't bother saying it is the other department as that's not really important and it invites inter-departmental communication that can't really go anywhere but bad.

 

[Connemara]

Thanks guys. It seems to me the best option is to wait until the interview's over, tell the interviewer how sincerely interested I am, that I interviewed for another position but would rather take this one. Yes? No? Does it risk coming across as desperate?

 

[gdl203]

Fine if that's true but don't lie to get the offer.

 

[BC2012]

Personally, I'd wait until I got one offer before telling either party about the other interview.

 

[Connemara]

Thus far, it's true, this is more in my wheelhouse. I imagine that will only be affirmed after the interview. But I'm still figuring out how to word it. "To be honest, I interviewed with another department here a few weeks ago. But this job is much more appealing and has really sparked my interest." I feel like she'd say "O....kay." How do I end a statement like that? "I hope you'll take that into consideration?"

 

[w.mj]

Originally Posted by Connemara

I feel like she'd say "O....kay." How do I end a statement like that? "I hope you'll take that into consideration?"

I wouldn't add the "take that into consideration" bit. That seems almost pushy. Just let her know that you've interviewed at department A but think that you'd be better suited and more of an asset for department B.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Originally Posted by BC2012

Personally, I'd wait until I got one offer before telling either party about the other interview.
I agree. I don't think you'll be a more attractive candidate by informing the interviewer that you've had another interview. You're just going to get an awkward situation like this:

Originally Posted by Connemara

Thus far, it's true, this is more in my wheelhouse. I imagine that will only be affirmed after the interview. But I'm still figuring out how to word it.

"To be honest, I interviewed with another department here a few weeks ago. But this job is much more appealing and has really sparked my interest."

I feel like she'd say "O....kay." How do I end a statement like that? "I hope you'll take that into consideration?"