Should I apply for 2 positions at the same company?

Is it okay to apply to 2 different positions within the same company?

• I have a good chance to be hired by a technical school for position in the Adult Learning Department. Currently Human Resources has my background pending review, but position A has not made an offer. I applied for another position B within the same school because I was interested in the position while I wait on the status of position A. The responsibilities are different, and position B is in the Academic Affairs office at the same school. The position hours are both part-time for 29 hours a week with the majority of hours being at the same time. Am I wrong to apply for a second position within the same company if an offer has not been made yet from position A? I do not want to lose out on opportunity. Did I do something stupid? If interviewed, should I tell the Academic Affairs officer about my situation?

• Answer:

  I don't believe you were wrong in applying for 2 openings where you think you're qualified for both. Depending on the size of the school, your apps may both be going thru the same HR person anyway. So there's probably no harm in disclosing that you feel you're qualified for 2 openings. If you get offers on both, good for you. Good luck!