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Job application dilemma

Yesterday I sent off a job application for a great job in marketing which I think I would be perfect for. Today I saw an article in our local paper highlighting the company I applied to and it had a picture of the managing director and she is someone I know relatively well from my childrens school.

The job application was sent directly to her and I did have a feeling I knew the name but I couldn't place it. I don't know this woman well enough to have a chat with her, but if we pass each other we might smile - that sort of thing.

I have an uncomman surname and by looking at my address she may well work out who I am.

So my dilemma is - do I email her explaining who I am, talk to her the next time I see her at school and explain, do I ignore it and hope she hires me and feign ignorance if I get an interview. I don't want her to feel compelled to interview me or feel embarrassed if she doesn't think I am a good candidate - but also I really really want this job and I will do anything to get it.....

In my covering letter I failed to mention my children (it isn't usually a good idea) but it will be clear to her now that I do have outside commitments.

Am I in a better or worse position now?
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Comments

  • Cazza
    Cazza Posts: 1,165 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'd probably forget I'd seen the newspaper article, then if she interviews you, feign surprise and say "I thought I recognised the name....".
  • standupguy
    standupguy Posts: 904 Forumite
    I can see how you think this may give you an edge but it may be best not to say anything at this stage - leave it to your interview and then only in response to something she says?

    I think you need to leave her free to make her decision without any feeling of pressure and I am sure she will recognise this courtesy if she feels you are the right person for the job.

    I think it is only if you knew each other really well would it be wise to pick up the phone or have further contact at this initial stage.

    The best way to give yourself the edge is to really research the business, take the cutting along as it shows your interest in their company and to have really good reasons why you are the right candidate and why you want to work for them in particular.
  • LittleVoice
    LittleVoice Posts: 8,974 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Cazza wrote: »
    I'd probably forget I'd seen the newspaper article, then if she interviews you, feign surprise and say "I thought I recognised the name....".

    OP is applying for a marketing job. Feigning ignorance of publicity the company had received doesn't seem a good idea to me. Better to be prepared to comment favourably on the coverage if it is likely to be mentioned.
  • morgani
    morgani Posts: 228 Forumite
    In my opinion you do not need to feign ignorance to the advert but niether do I think you need to mention it.

    I believ that your professional career and your life outside even though linked, are seperate.

    In your career you usually get to know your colleagues outside of work after you have settled this is just slightly working the other way. As someone has already mentioned just treat it like any other interview and do your research and let her choose the right person. If you are good enough then you will get it. If not you can just move on.

    Best of luck
    Running challenge 2014 = 689k / 800k
  • Cazza
    Cazza Posts: 1,165 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    OP is applying for a marketing job. Feigning ignorance of publicity the company had received doesn't seem a good idea to me. Better to be prepared to comment favourably on the coverage if it is likely to be mentioned.

    Oops, missed this bit, that tactic could backfire :o ! I think the other advice here is probably the best way to go. Good luck!
  • Just be professional - you don't know this woman very well, so emailing or otherwise contacting her to say you know who she is might sound as though you're expecting special treatment. Even if she is aware of who you are, there's no reason why she should feel compelled to give you an interview; this decision will be based on your qualifications and relevant experience.

    If you have an interview, feel free to acknowledge that you know who she is, but don't make a big deal of it. Stick to talking about why you'd be great for the job. If she's a professional, as she should be to work in a high position, she won't let knowing who you are influence her decisions. Take your lead from her - if she mentions the application when you next see her, then fine; if she doesn't, that's fine too.
  • Voyager2002
    Voyager2002 Posts: 16,349 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    However, if you see her at school or wherever you could mention that you saw the article and her photo, and perhaps ask her more about the business. If she decides to raise the topic of your application, fine, but I don't think you should mention it to her.
  • nzmegs
    nzmegs Posts: 1,055 Forumite
    Thankyou all for your advice. I have decided to just wait and see. If I get an interview (fingers and toes crossed) then i will of course be completely professional, but not pretend i don't know her.

    I should find out in the early part of next week whether I get to interview stage or not. In the meantime I just keep looking!
  • C_Ronaldo
    C_Ronaldo Posts: 4,732 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    She may not be the only 1 who decides who gets an interview, there could be a panel of 3 who decide who gets interviewed and she wont be able to decide to just interview you as she may remember you,
    No Links in Signature by site rules - MSE Forum Team 2
  • flaura
    flaura Posts: 242 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    totally off track but just found it hysterical that C_Ronaldo is advising on Job applications!!!!

    ha ha ha ha ha

    your not THE Christiano are you ?
    Lightbulb Moment - March 2004 :cry:
    Highest Debt: £16,896.00 :mad:
    :rotfl: Debt Free Date 25th July 2007 !!
    :j and still DEBT FREE
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