sticky interview situation - what to do

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There is a job I want where two people do the same job, but one is a supervisor and more of the leader (position #1) and one is not (position #2).

A position was posted that didn't differentiate between the two. I applied for it and later realized that it was position #1 and that the person currently in position #2 is also interviewing and wants the job. This person has been in position #2 for many years and is very experienced. I'm worried that if I interview for position #1, and was offered the job (which I may since I have more school and credentials), I would end up supervising this person in position #2... which would be very awkward for me.

Ideally, the person in position #2 would be given position #1 and I would get position #2. Then I could grow in the position instead of being in a supervisory role over someone with so much more experience. Initially, I planned to say this during the interview (I have an interview scheduled in a few weeks), but I recently spoke with someone I trust who advised me NOT to mention it.

She claims that if I say I want position #2, and that the experienced person should get position #1, the panel will think I'm not qualified and not offer me EITHER position.

I'm so confused now and not sure what to do. What do you think? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

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I wouldn't make any assumptions about who would be hired. Education and "credentials" do not always trump experience and demonstration of leadership skills and practical knowledge.

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Would you feel awkward being in a supervisory role in general? Or is it that you would be supervising the person that has more experience in the area? Or is it an issue with you personally knowing the person currently in role #2?

Go for the gusto, the best qualified individual will get the job.

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Would you feel awkward being in a supervisory role in general? Or is it that you would be supervising the person that has more experience in the area? Or is it an issue with you personally knowing the person currently in role #2?

Go for the gusto, the best qualified individual will get the job.

lol, all of the above! I have worked with the person in position #2 professionally and personally. I am also a lot younger than that person and don't have as many years of experience.

I have never been anyone's direct supervisor so that would be a new role for me. Who knows, maybe supervising the person in position #2 would not be as big of a deal to that person as it is to me! I would just feel awkward knowing that I got a job that that person wanted despite their years of experience (should I be offered the position)... and then to be that person's supervisor... maybe I'm caring too much about what other people think.

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I wouldn't make any assumptions about who would be hired. Education and "credentials" do not always trump experience and demonstration of leadership skills and practical knowledge.

I completely agree! This is why I want the person with more experience to be the supervisor/leader until I'm ready to take that on. I'm just not sure how to say that gracefully or if I should even try.

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In the interview simply tell them that you would be thrilled to be offered either job, as it is your desire to grow with the company and you aren't above "paying your dues." If they know you are flexible and can do either position I think it will put you in a better spot. Kind of like you are interviewing for 2 jobs. I certainly would not tell them that they should promote #2 to #1 and give you #2. They are doing the hiring, let them figure it out. Just give them more options. ;)

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Please don't take this as an insult, but this is a typical girl problem. Your afraid of getting the best position possible and being in charge? That is foolish for you to think that way. Why do you think woman get paid less than men? Because if you asked the guy working at Mcdonald to be both your supervisors, he would do it in a minute without thinking twice about credentials or hurting anyones feelings. How do you know your "friend" won't become a tyrant after the promotion. And if your friend does a good job, you will never get that position. If it's offered to you, take it.

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

This has happened to me.......twice.

Except I am not person number one, I am person #2.

The first time I applied for the higher position(even though honestly our job descriptions are pretty much the same exact thing), the person in the number one position pretty much told my boss I wasn't ready for it so he gave it to an other RN. At first it was strange training her, since essentially before that #1 would supervise me and tell me what to do. I was a little resentful but as time went on, she and I became very good friends and everything was fine. Two years later she leaves and the "higher" position becomes available. My boss looked at applicants and had interviews but offered me the position. I didn't accept it. There is a chance I would be moving soon and I don't want to have that position and then leave my boss hanging. If he wasn't the awesome boss that he is, I probably would have said screw it and taken it but he is super nice so I told him I didn't want it. Its been 2 months now and I am still training my coworker. Its strange because he feels the need to be better than me and I honestly don't care. But other than that, and the annoying tendencies he got (as in taking all the work for himself -___-) I am ok with it.

He will calm down.

My point is don't jump the gun. You don't know what the complete situation is. Maybe #2 can't handle the job, or can't commit 100%. If they give you the position that is great. My suggestion if you get the #1 position is that you treat the other as an equal. Don't assume just because your title is higher you can boss the other person. By doing so the other person won't perceive you as a threat and won't try to sabotage you. It will be strange at first but it will even out.

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Base your interview behavior on how the interviewer acts. You don't want to shoot yourself in the foot.

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.
Base your interview behavior on how the interviewer acts. You don't want to shoot yourself in the foot.

^ Super excellent point.

I would also add: if the interviewer doesn't say anything about position #2 then you don't either.

One of the person we interviewed asked point blank why I didn't want the position and if she got it did it mean that she would be above me in the hierarchy ladder, we quickly dismissed her. I wasn't going to work with someone like that. No thanks.

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