Follow up after interview, mention other offer?

[Anonymous]

I had an interview with a fed agency. It went well and they said they'd be back in touch with everyone they interviewed in a few weeks. It's been a few weeks and I haven't heard anything. Before I had the interview my current company was asking me to take a promotion that involves moving to another office. They said think about it for a while, but are now putting on pressure to give them an answer. I would much, much rather take the fed job but have no idea where I stand with them. I'd like to follow up with them to see if there's any update on the hiring, but am not sure if I should mention the other offer or not. Is that tacky? I will probably take the promotion if I don't get the fed job.

[Anonymous]

I think it's completely appropriate to mention the promotion. What if the Feds end up wanting to hire you? They'd want to know that you were considering another offer because that might make them move more quickly in order to avoid losing you. And if they haven't decided yet, it makes you more attractive as in - someone wants to promote her, she must be the real deal. But I know there are other folks on DCUM who have more experience with these things. Let's see what they say.

[Anonymous]

I'm a fed and I do a lot of hiring for my department. I also think it's appropriate to mention the promotion, but be prepared if they tell you that they still aren't in a position to make a decision yet (which can be for any variety of reasons.) More than once, I've had my first choice come back and say that they have another offer. If I know we can't make a quick decision, I wish them the best and ask them to stay in touch. If we really are close, then I can push it along.