Interviewing for One Group but Interested in Another — Risky to Bring Up?

Currently in the interview process for a sophomore summer role (moving into second round).

I recently noticed another spot opened up at the same firm for a group I'm more interested in, and would likely get better experience/exposure with. 

At the same time, I don’t want to hurt my chances in the current process by bringing it up and coming across as unfocused or like I’m trying to switch.

Is it normal to mention interest in another team at this stage to the firm's recruiter, or better to just stay focused on the group I’m already interviewing with?

Would appreciate any advice.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Yes… this will almost certainly hurt you.

Assume there are two candidates interviewing for X. The firm has one more seat to fill, and is struggling to pick between Candidate 1 and Candidate 2. Candidate 1, the slightly stronger candidate on paper, says they’re actually interested in Y but X would be fine too. Candidate 2 is slightly weaker, maybe on paper, maybe technically, but is genuinely enthusiastic about X. Candidate 1 will be viewed as a risk for multiple reasons (flight, motivation, etc.) and the choice to pass on Candidate 1 will not be a difficult one to make.

It could also come off as rude. It’s kind of like you’re invited to dinner by a family friend, they spend hours preparing, and you show up and say, “That looks good, but I was thinking Mexican. Could we just go out instead?”

 

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