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Original poster

Applying for a director role - too much of a reach?

44 replies

CampervanQueen · 09/09/2021 10:31

I'm currently working in a senior technical role, a level I've been at for about 10 years. Up until now, I've been happy working at this level: it's reasonably well-paid, my current job is interesting, and I'm conscious that if I move up a level or two, I would spend much less time carrying out the technical work which is what I came into the job for in the first place!

A director role has come up within this technical area at an organisation I would love to join. However, whilst I fulfil many of the requirements for the role, I'm lacking the 'director' level skills.

How likely is an organisation to take a punt on someone who is keen. enthusiastic, and willing to learn? The application is quite involved, and needs to be submitted by soon, so I don't want to waste my time on a fruitless exercise.

OP posts:
TwooThirty · 09/09/2021 10:43

I would go for it. In the application talk about how you show ‘director level skills’ in other ways and emphasise how willing you would be to undertake any training or experience opportunities to improve your qualifications for the role.

Even if you don’t get it it shows the company that you’re interested in developing.

Also... A man would do it.

Original poster
CampervanQueen · 09/09/2021 10:44

@TwooThirty

I would go for it. In the application talk about how you show ‘director level skills’ in other ways and emphasise how willing you would be to undertake any training or experience opportunities to improve your qualifications for the role.

Even if you don’t get it it shows the company that you’re interested in developing.

Also... A man would do it.

Oh I'm fully aware a man would do it! I've shown it to my husband who already said 'apply'.

Yes, I think you're right.

OP posts:
DPotter · 09/09/2021 10:46

I say go for it.
There's plenty of research around that shows women are reluctant to apply up for a post, feeling they must have every single required skill, even though they think they could do the job. Whereas men will apply with less experience / skill set because think think / know they can do the job.

I would invest the time in applying - if nothing else it will be an opportunity to evaluate your skills, experiences etc and draw up a plan to get you to where you want to go.

Go for it!!

WhyOhWhyOhWhyyyy · 09/09/2021 10:50

Definitely go for it. And don’t talk yourself down in the application or interview by alluding to you lacking ‘director level skills’, I bet even the recruiters can’t articulate what that looks like. talk about the great experience that you do have and why that makes you suited to a leadership position. Good luck!

KeyboardWorriers · 09/09/2021 10:54

I've just done this. To me it's about showing the aptitude /understanding required for this level role, rather than years of experience. If you are respected as a technical specialist and have shown a more organisational /strategic awareness then they may well see you as a good fit. Certainly doesn't sound like a futile application.

AmandaHoldensLips · 09/09/2021 10:56

"God, please grant me the self-confidence of a mediocre man."

Hold your head up and go for it. Us women are famed for under-estimating our abilities.

DPotter · 09/09/2021 11:12

God, please grant me the self-confidence of a mediocre man

love this - may have to pinch it!!

OlivesTree · 09/09/2021 20:22

Sorry to hijack OP, but this is exactly what I needed to read write now. A director role has come up at my work that I am in line for but have been having doubts as I don’t have every skill on the JD.
Well not anymore! I am going to channel that mediocre man! 😄

Original poster
CampervanQueen · 09/09/2021 20:32

@OlivesTree

Sorry to hijack OP, but this is exactly what I needed to read write now. A director role has come up at my work that I am in line for but have been having doubts as I don’t have every skill on the JD. Well not anymore! I am going to channel that mediocre man! 😄
Excellent.

I'll tell you what: I will if you will...

OP posts:
Strangevipers · 09/09/2021 20:33

Do it !

HGC2 · 09/09/2021 20:34

Every director has to get their first director role, fingers crossed this one will be yours!

PegasusReturns · 09/09/2021 20:36

Yes definitely go for it.

Start thinking of all the examples of leadership, influence and people and budget management that you have from your current role, so that you can give clear examples in your application.

TractorAndHeadphones · 09/09/2021 20:36

I did this. Went for a role that I didn’t have the skills for but was willing to learn and speak up. Was then first in line for a promotion ahead of all the technical men who’s already been there ages. Do it OP.
The worst they can say is no!
And no exercise is fruitless. At least you will have experience of a director level interview and might put you on the radar for other opportunities.

TractorAndHeadphones · 09/09/2021 20:39

Also to add - my current line manager is a technical director and every exec is fighting to get him on their side 😂

Technical directors may not have much experience in terms of budgeting etc but the influencing and persuading is very much there. In fact probably more than ‘non-technical’ directors because they spend lots of time in meetings persuading grumpy techies to agree with technical plans , planning work etc etc. More and more companies need people with this skill set.

OlivesTree · 09/09/2021 21:05

You’re on @CampervanQueen!

Make sure you let us know if you get it! Good luck!

Shattered04 · 09/09/2021 22:28

Do it!! I'm not quite at director level yet (maybe in a few years!), but if I hadn't "thought like a man" over applying for my last two jobs, I'd have missed out on fantastic opportunities. Still can't believe I have my current (dream) role, part of me still unconsciously thinks "this isn't for the likes of you". I felt very underqualified when I applied even if I suspected I could do it technically - it was a massive, massive step up in terms of impact and responsibility. Yet management still appear delighted with me a couple of years in which frankly blows my mind.

Goodness knows, as a technical person myself, we need far more senior women role models, both so more junior women can see it is possible, but also to normalise for men that actually women do know their shit. And usually we have to be significantly better than the men at each level in order to reach it too; oh, to only need to be the same!!

Wishing you (and OlivesTree) lots and lots of luck! Nothing ventured!!

AlexaShutUp · 09/09/2021 22:34

Go for it, OP.

I'm a CEO and recently interviewed an internal candidate for a fairly senior role. Tbh, she only got an interview because I like to give internal candidates a shot, and she didn't get the job. However, she put herself on my radar, made it clear that she has ambitions beyond her current role and showcased her skills effectively. I'm now trying to think about how we can give her projects and opportunities that will help her develop in the longer term.

I used to hang back from putting myself forward for internal roles because I felt it would be embarrassing if they decided I wasn't up for it. However, from the other side of the table, I just think good for you for having a go! You've got nothing to lose...good luck!

PlanDeRaccordement · 09/09/2021 22:36

Go for it.

OliviaNewtAndJohn · 09/09/2021 22:39

Go for it, but prepare really well: find out what skills and competencies specifically are needed, are there any short courses you can do (remotely) that would show you are aiming for professional development, is there a mentor in the organisation who would guide you, etc.

AnnaDyne · 09/09/2021 22:44

What are "director level skills"? I don't think I know what they are, and I've been a director (and appointed directors)!

Definitely apply - everyone has to be a director for the first time at some stage. I've appointed people at director level who are new to that level and have no hesitation about doing it.

PegasusReturns · 09/09/2021 23:16

What are "director level skills"?

off too of my head when I recruit I’m looking for people with the following skill set (in addition to technical skills):

Ability to influence at exec level
Intellectually curiosity
Credibility
Emotional maturity
Strategic thinking
Visionary leadership
Adaptable decision making

All wrapped up with executive presence

Original poster
CampervanQueen · 11/09/2021 13:54

@PegasusReturns

What are "director level skills"?

off too of my head when I recruit I’m looking for people with the following skill set (in addition to technical skills):

Ability to influence at exec level
Intellectually curiosity
Credibility
Emotional maturity
Strategic thinking
Visionary leadership
Adaptable decision making

All wrapped up with executive presence

This is pretty much what I meant by director level skills.

Application submitted so we'll see. Nothing ventured etc....

OP posts:
TractorAndHeadphones · 11/09/2021 14:05

@PegasusReturns

What are "director level skills"?

off too of my head when I recruit I’m looking for people with the following skill set (in addition to technical skills):

Ability to influence at exec level
Intellectually curiosity
Credibility
Emotional maturity
Strategic thinking
Visionary leadership
Adaptable decision making

All wrapped up with executive presence

All of which there’s lots of opportunity for technical people to exhibit if they’re a domain expert - and are called upon to inform management decisions :)
HazelnutCookies · 11/09/2021 14:10

Go for it! A man would have little hesitation in doing so, and why should you be outdone by them if they do! Good luck x

legoriakelne · 11/09/2021 14:29

What does "emotional maturity" mean in this context? Emotionless?