Going for a job beyond my experience - bad move?

[Directorlevelmaybe]

I think I might be in a bit of a pickle.

I’m thinking of leaving my job after just a short while. It’s not completely secure. Other than that I love it.

Prior to this I was an account executive. I had been doing it for around 17 years. I also did a few years of account management in there. But I stepped “back” because I had kids and I wanted to be part time which I knew in account management would be a no no. I have spent the last 5 or so years doing a job I could do with my eyes shut. It was easy, comparatively stress free. I’ve had 2 maternity leaves in there too. So two years away.

I have recently moved to a slightly different sector in a new company, got a huge pay rise and have a director in my job title. The issue is… everyone here is director or senior director or president Etc. It’s not completely reflected in the work in my opinion.

I’ve met up with a recruiter and he seems to think I’m now account director level. I’ve got an interview after Easter for a role.

I have never done line management although I have mentored and interviewed many people over the years. This is one thing mentioned in job specs.

My account management stuff was quite a few years ago now. I can remember bits. I was good at it. My career path is not a straight climb.

Is this imposter syndrome or do I have zero hope? Are they going to laugh in my face?

The only thing that gives me hope is that when I left my old job, I was offered a counter offer and pretty much could work on any team I wanted. More money, back to account mgmt etc. So they must have wanted me to stay.

Every progression I've made has meant applying for a role above my current level of experience. My general rule is that if I hit at least 50% of the requirements I go for it.

The only way to get the experience is to go for a job that lets you do those activities.

So I say apply and do your best.

I’ll go for it! I’m deffo missing the experience of managing people. I’ll be honest and act confident that I could do that. Based on what experience that I do have.

I also have very comprehensive experience in the sector but this company is a bit more diverse in their offerings. And I perhaps only know 1 or 2 very well.

Go for it! After all, I'm pretty sure most men would walk in there confidently, even if they had less experience than you. It always seems to be women who are plagued with self-doubt.

You say yourself you have loads of experience. I'm sure you can do it. Good luck!

Think about what 'managing people' means and really look at your experience for examples.

have you trained people or acted as a mentor for anyone, did that include setting goals for them to meet and assessing if they've met them then adapting your approach?

Have you given constructive feedback, had difficult conversations with someone about their performance, provided feedback to management?

Have you identified improvements to processes or implemented a change within your team that required you to provide information at a level accessible to everyone, to influence them to buy into the change, to come to accept something they were initially dubious about and see the benefits.

You may not have had one role that combined all of those experiences but have you done those types of activities in culmination across your job history.

What have you got to lose? All line managers were new to it at some point. As long as you're realistic (ie don't see it as easy/always a fun experience) then you should be fine. Mentoring and interviewing are both great things to prepare you for it. Good companies will provide you with training to help too.

As my colleague says - What would a mediocre white man do in this situation?

Do it!

Thanks all. You are right it’s always women that feel this way. I look back and sometimes all I see is my maternity leave, feeling awful for 9 months prior to that, handing over etc. Plus life is different with little kids… I wanted to work part time which In my role meant I had to say goodbye to jumping on planes to pitch or hold meetings. And saying goodbye to more senior positions with line manager responsibility. . I wanted to fly under the radar for a bit and I Guess that has knocked my confidence a bit now that I’m wanting a bit more.

My kids are older, the world is a little different after the pandemic, I believe that work life balance is possible. So I want to up my game a bit more but it’s just this terrible lack of confidence and feeling not as good as those that just ploughed on with their careers.

A (female) recruiter once told me if a man hits 3 out of the 10 boxes for a job he will still go for it, adamant he could do the role. A woman could tick 9 of the boxes and still have doubts.

Go for it, ask questions and discuss the role with them.

Just an update.

I now have 2nd/final interviews lined up for the level below. Talking to the team was a good move and they were impressed with me, enough to say I had potential and that they would like to place me somewhere in their companies even if not at director level. They didn’t think I was quite at that level but are thinking the level below… with room to grow/be promoted if that’s something I want to consider down the line.

I’m pleased with this outcome and it’s boosted my confidence whatever happens.