Hi,We have a prospective client X whom we have been in touch for the last 2 yrs. I haven't been involved with X so have never met them. They have not commissioned us any work since they have their own internal team we suspect they meet us for gathering market intelligence/ideas.There is a vacancy in their team. I have been strongly considering applying as I tick all the boxes. It’s not a senior position but considering I am not learning anything in my present job it appears a step forward.I called X's HR and asked if my application will be treated confidentially- I informed them that the people I work for directly interact with their team. They assured me that yes your application will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Should I apply? I am just dreading that if I am rejected at the interview stage and I get to be involved with X in a project with my present firm.

Which is exactly why the meek will NEVER inherit the earth.You want to grow some cajunas mate and I don't mean to be rude but the point is, surely we have to look after number one? They haven't commissioned your current crowd in two years of skirt-lifting so I can't see it being a massive issue.If I were you? If I like what i saw i'd be all over it like a tramp on chips.

exactly, go for it - if they interview you and don't like what they see, they're even less likely to hire your firm in any case!

...but i have been told by a lot of people that its morally wrong. My employer won't bevery happy. Plus firm X will probably want me to reveal how we do things.

Oh stop it!This hurts.

"morally wrong. My employer won't bevery happy."Welcome to the world of business. There are few morals and your firm will be loyal towards you for as long as you are useful. Once you stop bringing home the bacon you're out without so much as thanks but no thanks. So enlighten us all, how do they do things Firm Y and after two years trying to win business at Firm X don't you think they be flogging a well, dead horse.

here's a suggestion: agree to the interview but only if you can be blacked out into a silhouette and have your voice electronically changed, like they used to do to IRA spokesmen on TV

Till now your employer has got nothing out of X. Maybe your employer will be happy as you may give them work !! Merry Christmas ...think +ve and +ve things will happen to you :-)

Have given it a shot :-)

They've given you no deal flow and it sounds like you may be suitable. Do it. Moreover, in the worst case (that you're rejected) that does not need to mean you are not good for other engagements with them. Indeed, you may well impress at the interview, but just miss getting the job. That'd wouldn't count negatively.In terms of professionalism - most firms worth their salt always treat job apps in a confidential manner, so I wouldn't worry about it getting back to your bosses.PaulTutoring for early-stage investment banking and consulting interviews in the UK:https://sites.google.com/site/bankingandconsultingtutor/