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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WIBU to go for this job?

33 replies

MsMarvel · 21/04/2014 10:39

I've posted before about my work, I work in a bar where I'm working as an assistant manager but on the pay of a supervisor because the unit is too small to allow for two salaries.

I'm currently halfway through the management training programe with the company which you need to complete before you can get a managers position. This will be completed in November/December

However...

Managers are moving about just now and a small hint is going to be soon advertising a mangers vacancy. It's a lovely wee pub, has it's regulars, practically runs itself, basically the perfect first manager position for an assistant manager to move up into.

I'm thinking about having a word with my area manager about it, and ask if I can apply for it, but that I would do it on an assistant managers salary rather than the managers until I completed my course. The pub is also only 2 blocks away from the pub I'm in now, so my current manager would be very close by and would be able to offer support.

I'm currently thinking to worth a shot, if you don't ask you don't get, but worried that I'll just look daft and that it's stupid to even ask.

WIBU to apply for the position?

OP posts:
Elysianfields · 21/04/2014 10:42

Go for it, the worst that can happen is that they say no! I wouldn't sell yourself short either, use the salary as a negotiating point.

Do they do secondments? You you'll offer to be seconded there until you pass the course.

Llareggub · 21/04/2014 10:42

Not unreasonable but don't offer to do it for less money.

BitOutOfPractice · 21/04/2014 10:44

Go for it! Sounds perfect! Good luck!

FunkyBoldRibena · 21/04/2014 10:46

The thing with management is that you absolutely have to be forthright and decisive; if you play meek and mild you just never get anywhere.

Arrange a meeting to discuss what you can do NOW in order to secure that position. Don't ask if you should go for it - ask what you need to do in order to get it.

MissDuke · 21/04/2014 10:46

Definitely go for it, good luck!

Original poster
MsMarvel · 21/04/2014 10:48

But their argument would be that until I complete the course I can't be given a management position. So rather than just getting an outright no, I was going to use that as my bargaining tool. It would be on the proviso that as soon as I get a pass on my course my salary and official job title would change, but it would mean I have my own unit all lined up as secured for when I finish, rather than someone new going in now and the job not coming up again for years. It's a nice wee pub and I would love it as a first unit.

OP posts:
CleverWittyUsername · 21/04/2014 10:48

Absolutely have a word and go for it. Sounds like you have nothing to lose.

Original poster
MsMarvel · 21/04/2014 10:59

Last couple of weeks I was working in the potential pub, doing manager cover while she was covering sick leave in a different pub. My area manager specifically asked me to do it because it would be good experience.

My area manager has also told my manager that I should be a bit more assertive and tp myself forward a bit more. Thought this was strange as this was just after I asked for more pay to reflect my duties and got told no

If he wants assertive he can get assertive...

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 21/04/2014 11:03

Go for it and good luck. It sounds as though you're highly regarded.

500smiles · 21/04/2014 11:12

Good luck sounds perfect and they obviously see your potential.

Trillions · 21/04/2014 11:36

Go for it and expect the full salary! Definitely don't offer to work for less, would a man do that? Hmm Think what's in it for them - who else can they get to fill the vacancy if not you? Probably someone who isn't a known quantity, isn't local and/or is from outside the organisation so won't have done the training anyway.

Original poster
MsMarvel · 21/04/2014 12:17

I'll ask to be allowed to apply first, and if they say no I'll then offer e salary thing. It's the same situation I'm in just now, not getting paid the full amount that I should be, so it's not like much will change, and it will be a step up from my current situation. If it's only short term (till December/January) then I don't really mind.

OP posts:
Trillions · 21/04/2014 12:54

Why on earth do you need to ask for permission to apply? All that will do is prove to them that you lack assertiveness.

Trillions · 21/04/2014 12:55

You should be getting what you're entitled to now! and you should mind being underpaid! :)

namechangenumber5 · 21/04/2014 13:00

I agree, don't ask for permission to apply. And don't go in offering to accept less pay. Are you ready and able or aren't you? Submit a great application and go to the interview as a manager and show them why you're perfect for the job. Don't negotiate until you have to. Start bring a manager now, it will help you shift your mindset.

redexpat · 21/04/2014 13:01

Allowed to apply? Bollocks. If it's going to be advertised then it's open to everyone. And if they like you enough to train you, then the chances are that they like you enough to employ you.

Go for it and expect the full salary! Definitely don't offer to work for less, would a man do that? This. Don't settle for less. In fact why dont you work out the shortfall of what they should have paid you as assisant manager?

Original poster
MsMarvel · 21/04/2014 13:03

The thing that would potentially hold me back is that I'm not officially assistant manager where I am even though I'm doing the job. So on paper it would look like a supervisor was going for a mangers position, which seems daft.

OP posts:
FunkyBoldRibena · 21/04/2014 13:05

I'll ask to be allowed to apply first, and if they say no I'll then offer the salary thing

Erm; and you have been told to be more assertive? This is not being more assertive. It just gets you started on the wrong foot.

redexpat · 21/04/2014 13:12

So write 'acting assistant manager'!

Original poster
MsMarvel · 21/04/2014 13:15

I do think I'll need to run it past my area manager first. If it is going to be an outright no because I've not completed the course then if want to save myself the hassle of the application for nothing. The application will involve a lot of work, preparing business plans and stuff, which I've never done before, so would be a lot of intensive work when I'm working full time and doing my course, so am reluctant to do it if it wouldn't even get looked at because of my position just now.

OP posts:
Llareggub · 21/04/2014 13:39

You should go for it. If nothing else the selection process will be good experience and you'll know what you need to concentrate on. Know your worth - if you are a known quantity and that is worth a lot in companies.

Original poster
MsMarvel · 21/04/2014 13:42

I really think my current manager would champion me as well, I do think he thinks I'm completely capable for the job. It's just whether I can convince the area manager who doesn't know me as well.

OP posts:
namechangenumber5 · 21/04/2014 13:50

I still think you should just put the work in and apply, get some tutoring/mentoring, but NEVER ask for permission to apply, ESPECIALLY for a leadership role! If you don't her the job you'll have gained invaluable experience.

Nomama · 21/04/2014 14:05

Apply for the job as it stands, no compromise, no asking for permission.

By all means talk to your area manager. It is one way of him getting to know you as a can do person, and if he is onside you are more likely to be considered. But don't ask for permission, you are trying to become management and management is decisive and brave apologetic and uncertain.

Nomama · 21/04/2014 14:06

not apologetic and uncertain Smile

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