The answer to this question depends on your goals, your job search strategy and the company you're applying to. Are you applying for one position, or two? What are your goals for the position? Are you trying to get a specific title or do you want to move up the corporate ladder?
One of my best friends is getting ready to apply for two positions at the same company. This friend is well-qualified for both positions but is concerned that the company may not consider him for either if he applies for both.
Well, one of the best ways to get ahead in a new role is to apply for more than one position at the same company. This not only shows that you’re interested in the company and its mission, but it also gives you the opportunity to talk about your skills in different ways. You could customize your resume and cover letter for the position you’re applying for, and if you’re passionate about a particular role then, by all means, make it the main focus of your application. You never know; the fit just might be better for one position than the other!
However, sometimes applying for two positions at the same company could also show an employer that you're not qualified to be hired for any position or that you haven't read the job descriptions in detail. Here is what you can do: limit your options to not more than two jobs and in case, you're not sure if you should be applying for both jobs, stop awhile and consider these questions:
Do you have the qualifications to take on both jobs?
Take the time to study the job descriptions and then carefully consider whether or not you're suitable for both positions. If there's a distinction in your skills and you are aware of the differences in responsibilities, go ahead and apply for the job that is most suitable for you. The employer would be impressed that you were aware of your talents and would mention that they believe you might be suitable for different job opportunities.
On the other hand, if you decide to apply for both in spite of being insufficiently qualified for one of them, the person hiring you will likely be able to spot the disparity in your background and possibly ask whether or not you have read the job description thoroughly. After an extensive evaluation and if you're still unable to determine which one is the best fit for you then you might be better off applying for both roles. Let the manager determine which job is most suitable for you.
Does the business hold any particular significance for you?
Every career-minded professional would have a dream company which they would do anything to get into. See if the company you are applying to holds any importance to you and if you are a fan of their work culture. Express what you like best about the company and show genuine enthusiasm. This could be a huge factor in considering you in the first place as an ideal candidate. Make sure this enthusiasm reflects in your resume and cover letter as well.
Do you intend to submit two separate applications?
If you're planning to apply for two jobs, make sure you submit two distinctly different applications that are tailor-made to complement the job description. Furthermore, it's more crucial than ever to personalize your resume and cover letters to suit the specific job role. By doing this, you eliminate any impression an employer might feel that you may not be professional enough. Make sure both the applications that you send for two different jobs are equally good. Being sloppy in one is a sign that you simply want your foot in the door, and don’t recognize your own strengths.
Do you intend to conceal your double application from the recruiter?
The job application or applications you submit will definitely be known to the hiring manager. Therefore, it's not a good idea to hide the fact that you have sent a second application. The HR department usually utilizes an application tracking system (ATS) - software that assists with the recruitment process, such as locating candidates, processing applications and managing job listings. The system also maintains a record of your submissions.
The bottom line is this: Be careful while writing your cover letter. It should be concise and describe the reasons you're applying for two positions. At the interview too, it is essential to state in the beginning itself that you've applied for two different jobs with the same company. The person who interviews you will be aware of it anyway but they'll be glad that you were honest. Most likely, the interviewer would ask if you have been able to understand the differences between the two roles and the reasons each role interests you. Here is where you answer by presenting your experiences and skills relevant for each position.
There isn't a universal rule about how to apply for different positions within an organization. If you're in the beginning stages of your professional career, it can be tempting to consider applying for different positions as you expand your perspectives. But, the most important thing when you apply for multiple posts within the same company is to prove that you're truly motivated to join the organization. Additionally, you prove yourself to be a capable and adaptable individual.
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