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[riptide_71]

Is it "ethical" to apply to two departments in the SAME school, if you fit the qualifications for both?

For example:  Can I apply to the Department of School Counseling and the Department of Clinical Counseling in the School of Pyschology????

(Please note I am NOT a pyschology major so I made something up)

Or is that totally a faux paus????

[doctorhu]

I don't see why it would be unethical.   I did exactly this, interviewed in both departments and got one of the jobs.  There was even some overlap between the SCs.

[much_metta]

Actually, I once served on a SC where numerous applicants had applied for both of the open positions in our department (one in each of two major subfields that year).  We recommended one of them to the other SC because they were a better fit, and as I recall that candidate got an interview and an offer, but turned us down.  I've seen similar application approaches with surprising frequency.

[yellowtractor]

It's not a problem at all (assuming the two departments in question aren't feuding, which isn't something you can do anything about).  In the cases of candidates--or departments!--whose work or teaching focus is interdisciplinary, this is more the rule than the exception.

Write separate cover letters, though, pegging your strengths to the respective job ads.  Don't mention that you're applying for both positions.  Simply present yourself in the best possible light to each.  If you get a double set of interviews, then perhaps you can bring it up.  (If you get a double set of interviews, it's likely that the school is very interested indeed.)

[jobseeker27]

I did, as I felt qualified for both types of departments. I was rejected from one dept., and had a wonderful interview a few days ago at the second department. Go for broke.