Going for an internal promotion

[GreenLaurel]

A more senior role has come up in my fairly small team. My current manager and ex-manager (she moved teams internally, we are a large organisation) would be on the interviewing panel.

I’d say I’m 80% qualified for the role and have been here for a few years so I have lots of inside knowledge and my ex-manager brought into the heart of tasks for good experience. I know the two interviewers well and have a good relationship with both.

I don’t know whether to

a) just apply
b) apply and let them know
c) ask them if they think I should apply
d) something else

If I don’t get the job that’s ok. I have a more qualified colleague who I think should apply and I’d be happy to see him get the job (I’ve encouraged him to apply). He says he is on the fence which makes me feel like I should have a crack. I think I have more enthusiasm and passion for the job right now.

I’ve never applied for an internal promotion before so don’t know what’s appropriate and what’s overstepping. Is it good to look keen and ask for advice or is it bad form to try and take advantage of being an internal candidate?

Many thanks for reading and for any advice.

Do you actually want the job?

Just apply and then start thinking of answers to possible questions. Enthusiasm for the role also does show at interviews.

do it if you’re interested in the job, definitely. I’ve just applied for an internal promotion yesterday, also a small team, so am in the same boat.

Shy bairns get nowt as they say up
here in the North, i doubt a man would worry about that 80% number and would just apply.

I would let my current manager know as a courtesy, and in some companies it’s policy that your current manager needs to endorse the application I.e. saying they’re willing to let you go from their area. It would say on the advert.

option 1, just apply is totally normal. Don’t ask people if they think you should apply (sounds quite junior, and you own your career, not others). Tell people you’re interested and ask if they’d support your application as a reference or with any advice.

It sound like you’re depending whether you apply on your colleague and other factors, it should only be “do I want to do the role?”, if yes, apply and it is up to the business to decide.

Thanks. I do want the job. I’m really interested and enthusiastic about the tasks of the role and keen for more responsibility and money. I love where I work. My colleague is senior to me and it would be a natural progression for him to get it then for me to apply for his vacant role. If he got it I’d be happy with his job, but if doesn’t apply for the current vacancy there’s unlikely to be anywhere for me to go. It’s public sector so roles don’t really get created and the pay etc is set in stone.

Thanks

I suppose my thinking is that my colleague is more experienced than me so he would be more likely to get it. Lots to think about. I don’t need sign off from my manager to apply.

Apply and then let them know you have and you're keen.

Apply and let them know. Assuming you have a good relationship with your manager then I’d have a conversation in your 1:1 about anything in the role profile they would particularly see as a development area for you and then you can swot up / put a development plan in place for if you got the role.

I would definitely have a chat to your manager and then apply.

If your slightly more senior colleague does apply and gets the role, as you have said, their role would be advertised. But i wouldn't let this put you off applying for it. Either way it's good interview practise.

I was in exactly your shoes earlier this year and ended up getting the role above my slightly more senior colleague so am above him in hierarchy. Though no actual line management. I was conscious that is was two steps above my previous post, but i love my job and company and chances for senior roles don't come up that often.

Go for it.

I would speak to your manager but not “do you think I should” more “I want to apply for this, have you any advice”. I’d make it clear that you’re enthusiastic and think you can do it but will be totally understanding if a better qualified candidate gets it. But don’t indicate you’ll withdraw or not apply - it’s good experience anyway and sends a good message that you’re ambitious and serious about your career.

I've been in this position as the interviewer recently. 2 internal candidates, one just applied the other talked to be first. Not to "ask" if they should apply but to discuss the opportunity.

I don't think it made any difference to the outcome, but definitely the panel felt the one who just applied was a bit "off".

I'd chat with them. Tell them you plan to apply, you never know they might inadvertently give you useful advice on how to fill the gaps.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate it. My manager was on leave today but I spoke to their manager who was encouraging and gave me a bit of insight into the most important bit of the role and if I don’t get it don’t be disheartened because it will show me what I need to do. I will talk to my manager on Monday. I messaged my old manager too who said she couldn’t say much as she will be on interviewing panel but said “What’s the harm?” so I said it would be good experience if nothing else and she gave me a thumbs up so I think I will, just need to spend some time on my application this weekend. I feel out of my comfort zone but it’s the only want to get ahead.

Every promotion or job move is bound to take you out of your comfort zone, that's the point.

A bit of career advice here - If all you do is put yourself behind someone else (especially a man who has way more advantage than a woman in the workplace, just by showing up each day!) and think about their career and whether or not they're more experienced than you, you'll never get anywhere.

And asking "should I apply?" will give away the fact you feel the need to give the power to someone else to decide and your career path. Focus on what you can offer and let others deal with their own career decisions.

I would recommend you try to find yourself a mentor / coach who can confidentially talk through and test your thinking to help you build your confidence.

And don't discuss you applying with your senior male colleague anymore either. Keep it quiet.

Someone (a man) once told me "if you don't feel out of your depth for the first 6 months you've taken the wrong job"

Thanks everyone, I’ve been shortlisted for an interview. I’ve booked some coaching sessions too, which I need as a general, long term help I think. Going to give it my best shot then I have my annual review the week after.

Best of luck!

Good luck op. 💐💐

Good luck!

You will get this role - you deserve it and I recently took a big decision like this

make sure your answers have three points including a practical example of what you have done professionally to back up your answers

keep you hands out and open in front of you

don’t talk about it now that you’ve said it - just be confident and calm and assert yourself

remember to show them how keen you are at interview.

Good luck with your interview!

"if you don't feel out of your depth for the first 6 months you've taken the wrong job"

This is a great quote and one I'm going to keep in mind!

Excellent! Good luck! Treat it like you would an external interview, don't assume they know /can remember everything you have done