Corporate etiquette dilemma

June 15, 2007 6:39 PM

I'm trying to get a new job, but stay within my current company. I've applied and had two interviews for a role I'd love in a different department. Is it bad form to ask people I work with in my current role, who are in that department, to put in a good word for me?

To be a bit more specific, I work in a role that interacts directly with sales, at an entry-level position, and would like to go into sales. I'm in a very large (fortune 100, worldwide, 1200+ employees at my location) company. IT industry, if that matters.

The job I'm going after would be on the same team as a couple sales reps I've had a strong working relationship with for a few years now.

I've been there for about three years, but it is my first "corporate" job, so I don't know if it would be bad form to say "hey, you know that opening over by you? I interviewed for it last week, could you put in a good word with the manager?" or something similar.

posted by Kellydamnit to work & money (9 comments total)

Of course not. This is called "networking" and its how 80% of jobs are filled.
posted by ChasFile at 7:14 PM on June 15, 2007

It would be bad form to not tell these folks you are interviewing for a job that will put you in their group. Let them know. They can help.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:42 PM on June 15, 2007

There is no reason at all not to ask these people to put in a good word for you. Go for it!
posted by subclub at 8:16 PM on June 15, 2007

I personally couldn't bring myself to ask; I hate putting people on the spot like that. Instead I would just mention that I am applying for a job in their area. Then if they feel like giving a recommendation they will go ahead and do it on their own.
posted by indyz at 8:47 PM on June 15, 2007

Beware the awkwardness that may arise if you don't get the job... I was recently in a similar situation where I was passed over for an internal opening, and many collegues had stuck their necks out for me with recommendations. Not only did I have to work with the person who was hired instead of me, I also had to cope with many co-workers whispering to me that they liked me so much better and I would be doing a better job and what the hell is the big boss thinking etc. etc. I really wanted to move on but when everyone knows what's up things linger in people's memories...
posted by bonheur at 9:40 PM on June 15, 2007

If you want a really good reccomendation, you'll have to ask for one with some tact. Don't just give the 'put in the good word' line, or you will get just that. Your friend on the inside will give you a good word, but not much more. He will feel obligated to, but will feel like he was put on the spot. Bring it up organically during conversation, and only bring up putting in a good word when they're already being supporting. Don't just drop it on them. Done well, it might go something like this
"Oh, by the way, I might be working with you soon"
"oh, cool. How so?"
"yeah, I just interviewed for X position, but i'm kind of worried about getting it. I met the guy i'm in direct competition with, and he seems really good. etc"
"Oh, man don't worry about it, i'm sure you'll do fine. I mean, come on, you're so good at this and that and stuff"
"Yeah, i guess. Hey, actually, just in case, could you do me a HUGE favor and put in a good word to the guy who does the hiring? I'd really appreciate it, and coming from you, I think it would help a ton"
"Oh, yeah. That's no problem"
"Thanks so much!"
"of course, man."
"so anyway, about that segue into another topic"
"oh, yeah, i heard about that"

Good word put in, and you don't feel like you're putting them on the spot, and they don't either.
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew at 1:56 AM on June 16, 2007

One of a hirer's problems is finding people who will stay. Anyone who takes active steps to agitate for the job looks a better bet. So make some sort of approach to several people if you feasibly can, graded from "put in a good word" to discussing some bit of shared work that you booster could detail to the hirer.

For the two you work closely with, a good move would seem to be to ask their advice. People rate highly someone who listens to them intelligently. I assume you would keep applying if you don't land this one, so even if you don't get through this time it should not make things too awkward, just carry on using their advice to improve your chances next time there is an opening there.

I guess the only downside of this is that your present department will learn you are trying to move on. If that seems a problem scale back your lobbying to the people you know best and swear them to secrecy, but a better bet is probably to be open about wanting promotion and/or widening your experience. Many jobs do come through networking, and your colleagues may have ideas you haven't thought of.
posted by Idcoytco at 3:47 AM on June 16, 2007

thanks so much... I just got an email telling me I'm a finalist for the position!
posted by Kellydamnit at 11:27 AM on June 19, 2007

and... I got the job!
posted by Kellydamnit at 12:32 PM on July 12, 2007