To apply for a job that's 5 steps up?

[TheExecutionOfAllThings]

I really hope this isn't outing, but here goes.

A job has become available in my organisation which is within my remit (but not my team or department) but has more significantly more responsibility. The main objectives are actually what I do but on a much smaller scale (think organisational level whereas this is on a regional level).

As far the job goes, they are looking for special emphasis on 4 competencies - I fully meet 3 and partially meet 1 - but the partial one is an 'understanding of', the others are 'able to do' so it's researchable.

However I work or have worked with many of the staff in that department and I'm conscious that they are aware of my current grade. Additionally, an aspect of the role would be managing some of those colleagues (who are currently all paid more than me). I wouldn't even be considering this if it was 2-3 steps up, but at this grade I'm worried I'll just be embarrassing myself.

And of course, I have no way of knowing if it's actually already ear-marked for someone in that team already but it's part of the 'process' to fairly advertise.

Do I apply and risk making a fool of myself or am I better holding back, discussing with the manager (who I have also worked with on numerous projects) about my interest of being part of the team and asking to be kept in the loop if something else comes up?

I’d call the hiring manager as you suggested and ask a couple of questions about the role. You’ll be able to gauge something from that. It does sound like a big ‘step’ up but I don’t know exactly what you mean by that. 4 layers of management between you and it?

Given your update I'd apply. And yes to an informal chat first.
£15k isn't a massive jump where I am - would be 1 and a bit levels.

If it's Civil Service, the competencies are the same, BUT if you read all the documentation online, what they expect from you within that competency at a Senior Civil Service level is very different to a HEO/SEO which is 2-3 levels below.

I once applied for a job that was a big jump up - but in a field that I wanted to move into. The job was already earmarked for someone internally - but I was offered their job instead, which was actually more suited to my level and experience. On that basis I say Go for It.... And Good Luck.

16k isn't much for a substantial increase in responsibility and grade so I am wondering whether there are lots of very incremental layers between and it's not actually such a huge jump.

I would go for it if your skills and experience match the JD and competencies. If civil service, have a look at the competency framework for the grade if you haven't already. I'm thinking not though as there is more than 16k between say, AO and G6 which is 5 grades higher.

You won't make a fool of yourself, just make a really good case for why you're interested and able.

Of course you should apply, you've got nothing to lose.
If the job really is so similar to yours (albeit on a wider scale) and it's 5 steps up, the organisation has more management layers than a bloody onion

Given your update about how your role needs regrading, it sounds like perhaps it wouldn't be 5-levels difference were you graded accurately?

Definitely have a chat with the hiring manager, and I would put in an application. Especially since the objectives are practically what you do already!

Not civil service, no. Our pay difference are awful here. If I was to apply for the next grade up, I'd only be on £2kish more.

Mgt levels are a bit overboard too. For instance in my team, we have 8 of us inc. the manager AND a supervisor for the 3 admin staff part of the team (which is dropping to 2 in the new year).

Is there someone senior you can speak to informally about whether your application would be well received? I'd probably start there.

Go for it—16k isn’t a huge salary jump and not reflective of 5 levels in most sectors, they may also struggle to get people interested in a role with so much responsibility if it’s not correspondingly remunerated! You can also argue in interview that you have essentially been working 2-3 levels above your current title anyway, so you are looking to out this on a formal basis and get a promotion. So in reality only rising 2 levels.

When you said 5 levels, I thought you were talking like 25k to 120k, and thought you were mad!

@TheExecutionOfAllThings

It's £16k more than my current wage. Significant increase from my current wage.

Over the years my responsibility has changed but my job description hasn't, so I've ended up taking the lead on projects rather than just supporting. In our current climate (and working in the public sector) there is no way anyone will do anything if I suggest my JD needs regrading.

The pay is substantially higher due to the responsibility (my work affects an organisation of about 10K, this would be an entire regional area) , but the work is actually the same but would just be a change of audience.

I'm questioning myself as it's even more than my current manager gets paid, but I do actually do a similar role. Ironically one of main 2 objectives for the role is a project I'm working on at the moment, the other objective is what I do on a usual day-to-day basis. But I am worried I'd come across as a bit of an idiot if I did go for it because it isn't the norm for someone to jump up that much here.

They did research on this. Women will only apply if they meet all of the criteria whereas men will apply if they meet something like 40%.

Apply for the job!!!

A man in your position would apply. Do you want to risk it going to a man less capable than you?

@tulippa

A man would do this without a second thought. It's been well researched that women will only apply for jobs they're 100% sure they'll get whereas as men are much more happy to take a chance. That's one reason why we have more men in top positions. Go for it!

Apologies for making a massive assumption you are female.

This a 100%

Biggest jump I’ve had was £25k but that was more to do with the fact I entered at a much lower grade to get a foot in the door

I had my doubts going for the new role, the bloke next to me went for same role convinced he was going to get the job. He sent me his CV. The things he was claiming to have done and knowledge he said he had was laughable and untrue to anyone in the company reading it

His false claims and beliefs actually gave me more confidence that i could get and do the job

Go for it

The jumping of several steps has nothing to do with it. You meet 3.5 out of the 4 requirements for the job. That's more than most men who would probably apply for it.

Apply now.

Go for it, if you meet the criteria, why would you be embarrassed? If you don't push yourself no one else will. Go for it showing your confidence and ability.

I literally went on a conference the other day talking about applying for high level jobs, and how you shouldn’t not apply because you don’t have a necessary qualification or skill. You will need to demonstrate you have stepped up and done to fill the gaps which it sounds like you nearly fill anyway.

I’m interested to know how you think this might possibly be outing though?!

You have nothing to lose. Go for it. A man wouldn't think twice about it.

You should definitely have a go. You don't have much to lose here, and plenty to gain. It doesn't sound that much of a stretch if your role has expanded over time (but does sound like there are too many layers in this org!).

Once I went for a job that was clearly a stretch. They actually created me a role at the right level.

Once I went for a job a bit above my level and I came 2nd and was offered another one, same salary slightly different focus.

Once I went for a job probably 2+ levels above where I was and they offered me the job but at a lower starting salary which was then reviewed because I was performing at the higher level.

Definitely go for it!