Social quandary: Friends applying for the same job

Have you found yourself in an awkward situation? Has someone irked you and you’re not sure how best to proceed? If so, you’re not alone! Every week, we feature a reader-submitted quandary so that you can weigh in with your best advice. What would you do in their situation? If you’d like to submit your own quandary, click here.

Sarah and I met at work four years ago. We became quick friends, bonding over lunches and our mutual love for baking. About a year ago, we got a new manager and first things got bad and then they got worse. So, for the last few months I've been quietly looking around for a new position. Last week, Sarah mentioned that she applied for a new job. I hadn't seen the posting for the job she applied for, but after she told me about it, I looked it up right away. Sarah and I both share the same qualifications — so it's no surprise that I want the job, too. It's a great opportunity.

But I'm not sure what the etiquette is here. Should I tell Sarah that I'll be applying for the job... the job she told me about? Should I not say anything and just wait to see what happens? After all, neither one of us may get the job at all. What's the best way to handle this situation?

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Read our previous social quandaries here.