Promotion in the CS

[MileEndMaisie]

I’ve recently started a new job in the CS and realised pretty quickly that I’ve gone in at too low a level- I’m quite a bit more experienced (and older!) than others at my level and even at the level above. I took the job as a returner after a career break so thought maybe a step down would be a way in, but I think I’ve stepped down a bit too much and would have been better waiting for a role at the level above to be advertised. (This was actually mentioned at interview where I was asked whether I thought I was a bit overqualified, but I just focused on giving a good answer rather than taking it as an indication this might not be the right role.)

That said, I really love my department and I don’t want to move- I just want to be promoted asap.

I’d welcome any advice on this, in particular on building a case for promotion. Am I right in thinking that all experience referred to in a promotion interview will have to be CS experience, or can I also refer to previous experience as I would have done if I’d been external? How soon is too soon to start talking to my manager about next steps etc?

Thank you.

You generally have to wait for a more senior position to come up and apply for it. It may be that your manager can make a case to create such a role but it still gets openly advertised and goes through the due selection process. Yes you can refer to examples beyond cs , if relevant.

You don’t have to use CS experience in applications.

Get yourself on CS jobs and start applying. If there are vacancies in your dept they should be on there.

You can jump grades I.e. go from EO to SEO etc.

Your age, and the age of your colleagues, is irrelevant. CS does not discriminate on the basis of age and so you can have people of all ages at all levels. Do not use this as a reason for promotion.

I always advise get into CS and then look for the right job, it’s easier once you are a CS.

Be aware that if you are on probation you might need to pass that before going for some internal vacancies.

Tslk to your manager at your 1:2:1s about development and L & D, ask about getting a mentor.

Use your time to learn about how your dept and CS work. You wlll have spare capacity so use it wisely to build your breadth of knowledge.