I want to compete for the same job as three of my co-workers that I consider friends… How can I let them know that I will be competing against them? How can I not be hated if I win?
At work, we have two branches. The branch that we are all in is the Crummy Branch. Nobody in the crummy branch gets bonuses or pay raises at the end of the year, and the boss is a jerk. The opening is in the Good Branch. The good branch has great leadership, runs smoothly, and the employees are rated highly for their work, which means they have higher salaries. Everyone wants to be in the Good Branch.
I worked in the Good Branch for a while "on loan" when they needed an extra hand to get some stuff done. They were really impressed with my attitude and work ethic, and have basically said I am "THE ONE" they want for the position, and are not interested in any other applicants. It would be a great career opportunity for me, and would help me earn a promotion in the future. They are holding the door open, and all I have to do is walk through. If I turn it down, there will not be another chance for at least a couple years and it will not be guaranteed.
The opening hasn't been officially announced for internal competition yet, but three of my friends expressed to me separately that they *really* want the position. I even already helped two of them with their resumes before I was told that I was the favorite. I feel like I would be betraying them if I take something they wanted. Do I do the selfish thing and take the job? Or do I take my name out of the running so a friend can get it?
If I do not compete, the job will be opened up to outside applicants too and none of my friends would get it anyway. They would not realize this though, as they are newer to the company than I am and haven't figured out the personnel dynamics yet.
Really, only one of the three is even qualified for the position. But he has a very punky style (bleached blond spiked hairdo, and a long goatee) that is not appropriate for the business environment, and will never be selected because of it. Even though his work is good.