POI Etiquette

[mooseundsquirrel]

So, earlier today I got an email from a Prof. at one of my schools, asking if I'd be interested in his research/up for a phone interview, etc. Fantastic! The answer is a big yes, but I'm a little hesitant as to how to reply. (This is Prof 1.)

I've been in touch with another Prof. at this same uni (Prof 2.), and we've talked on the phone a few times about his research. I haven't heard anything from him since a bit before the app deadline (I haven't gotten in touch for fear of seeming desperate), but I have no idea if he's aware Prof. 1 has made an overture, or if Prof. 1 has spoken with Prof. 2 about me or the other applicants.

So...how do I do this? I definitely want to speak with Prof.1, but I feel a bit weird about just pretending Prof. 2 never happened (esp if Prof.2 is still interested in me).

Any thoughts? Has anyone else had this happen?

[natsteel]

Just be honest... tell P1 that you had been in contact (briefly?) with P2 before the deadline. It's not as if you have made some kind of commitment to P2 or even could have done.

Edited February 25, 2011 by natsteel

[diber]

Hmmm. Maybe you can work in to your conversation/emailed replay, "...and, as I was saying to Prof 2..."

That's a tough one.

[newms]

Just be honest really. It may not be even necessary to mention that you've been in communication with Prof B before - just talk with Prof A about his or her research and how your interests fit, and if it becomes relevant during the conversation, then you can mention that you were in contact with Prof B before the deadline. Either way I don' think it would hurt you - it's not like you've made a commitment to Prof B before, or s/he made one with you.

Edited February 25, 2011 by newms