This is so hard for me. Especially since I did recently take what I thought was an upward career move over my best friend. We weren’t competing for the same job, but I had to move out very quickly and last minute. For starters, I’m gonna make some assumptions. First, I will assume this is a very close friend, I’ll say I’ve known her since elementary school. I was at their wedding, etc. Secondly, I’m assuming this new job would give me a huge income boost, but if I decline the job I’m still doing ok financially.
Kant Philosophy:
If I was following Kant, I would be unable to interview at this time. The job posting is only internal, meaning if I apply, I’m breaking the rules and have an unfair advantage against other outside candidates. It’s also unfair to the company’s employees, like my friend’s husband, who should be considered before bringing in outside talent. I would also tell the VP “My friend XYZ is interested in the same position and I won’t interview until it’s posted externally.”
Utilitarianism (Mill)
For this scenario, I’m going to assume I’d be better for this position than my friend’s husband. If I was following Utilitarianism, I would have to interview and eventually accept the job. Utilitarianism is about the greater god over individual needs. Some would argue the greater good is allowing my friend to close his house and start his family. However, if this company is a non-profit, hospital, or even a company manufacturing company making something essential. Than guiding their PR team would be the greater good. If I was better at the hospital PR job, not to sound overdramatic, but lives could be saved. Example- I post on socials the warning signs of a heart attack, and through algorithms it reaches are target audience of men over 50. Tedd, 57, might see this ad on his way to work. Later that day, he remembers seeing the warning signs and recognizes that he’s about to have a heart attack. Again, this is a dramatic retelling, but it makes the case under utilitarianism, my friend’s family may not be the greater good.
Conclusion
I would actually follow the golden rule- treat other the way you want to be treated. I would accept the interview- I personally believes interviews never hurt anyone. I would tell my friend’s family that I was approached but I’m taking the job. I know hw much this means to my friend and their spouse. I would then bring salt, wine and bread when they close on their house. I picked the golden rule, because it seems the most ethical thing to do, but also I believe good inspires good. I wouldn’t want my friend taking a job I really want, especially if I was planning my future (house, kids, etc.) around this job.