Applying for a promotion you don't really want

[step33]

I've applied for positions I didn't really want, just to alert management that I did want to move - just not to that particular role. It afforded to opportunity to talk about structure and other possibilities in a more formal setting. We have to interview with 2 levels up, so it also helps get face time with that even higher ranking person who isn't always readily available. And its helped in getting in to a position I was interested in, even when that position didn't actually exist at the time of the interview.

I've also been told NOT to apply for certain jobs because "we have other things for you". Which of course means I applied - just to make sure the process for those other things happens in a timely fashion.

Now, if someone tells you they want you for a certain position, but you are sure you do not want it - No, do not apply. Applying, getting their hopes up that they have solved their problem (filling the job), and then turning it down is likely to tick them off.

[jaypee]

I don't know if your company policy is similar to mine but if you officially/formally declare your interest in an internal position (by interviewing, obviously) then your immediate manager is notified. You can't keep it on the downlow as you would for an external position. This could be good or bad depending on your manager.

[yellowsnow]

I've done this before because it lets people know I am serious about moving on. And for me, it worked.

There was a job I wanted but I knew they had really already decided who they wanted to hire before the job was even posted. I knew they were not going to hire me but they would feel obligated to interview me. It was an opportunity to interview and meet people in that department. It would put me on their radar. They would at least know who I was. My strategy was to interview and be turned down. Then there would be a good chance the NEXT job would be mine.

[jaypee]

Originally Posted by yellowsnow

I've done this before because it lets people know I am serious about moving on. And for me, it worked.

There was a job I wanted but I knew they had really already decided who they wanted to hire before the job was even posted. I knew they were not going to hire me but they would feel obligated to interview me. It was an opportunity to interview and meet people in that department. It would put me on their radar. They would at least know who I was. My strategy was to interview and be turned down. Then there would be a good chance the NEXT job would be mine.

I think yours is a different situation ... OP is interviewing with no intention of accepting the offer.

[CapnTrips]

One drawback is that, if you really don't want the job, you're not likely to come off well on the interview. Not exactly a positive for future promotions, and not really good "practice" either.

[MPowering1]

Practice interviewing with people willing to coach you or with external jobs. You will lose all credibility and leave a bad taste in people's mouths if you do that within your company.

[Kibbiekat]

Lots to ponder. Thanks for the advice. I'm leaning toward not applying.

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by Kibbiekat

To learn the process, the kinds of questions asked, practice interviewing.

I hear what you all are saying. Thanks for the advice.

If you want to practice interviewing, apply for an outside job and use that to practice.

Besides wasting your time and theirs at your current company, if you interview and are offered the job and turn it down, it looks really bad. People will question why you did this.