Too Soon to apply for Boss's job?

[Cantseetreesforthewood]

I started a new job in July. It was a (big) step up from my previous job, but still below where I was a decade ago, before I became a SAHM.

My boss has just quit. How bad would it look to apply for the promotion while still on probation?

FWIW, my management style is in complete contrast to the current bosses. They moan about him, pretty sure they would moan about me for very different reasons. Noone else in the office wants to go for it. There have been some comments about me going for it - and one private message from a colleague saying I should approach the director before the advert goes out. Pre baby me could do it standing on my head. But after a decade out of industry (minus the last 3 months....)

What are peoples thoughts?

I would apply.
You've got nothing to lose.
Good luck! Be confident.

Are there any rules about not being able to apply while on probation? A previous company i was at said you had to have been with the company for at least a year before going for internal positions, which is because of the cost of recruitment.

But current job, I've been there 10 months, and having mentioned in the summer I would be intrested in management, I've just become a teamleader in a reorg.

So, if there are no specific rules against it, then go for it. The worst that happens is they say no.

As long as you're not going to be too gutted if you don't get it, why not? I'm just about to start my third job in 5 years since deciding to get back on the ladder and accelerate my career

Apply, no harm in trying.

What have you got to lose?

Apply. It shows intent, commitment and ambition. If they don't give it to you,you've lost nothing. If they give it to you, you gain everything. Your pre baby experience is just as relevant as anyone else's experience.

Always apply for any job you think you have the capability and interest to do. You may not get it, but you will have made known to your Har team and leadership that you want to develop and be considered for promotion opportunities, you’ll also have the opportunity if you’re invited to interview to tell them about skills and experience you have that may not be used or on show in your current role.

If you aren’t successful then follow up asking for feedback and for their support developing a plan to get you into that position over time.

A previous company i was at said you had to have been with the company for at least a year before going for internal positions, which is because of the cost of recruitment.

That a stupid reason. They'd likely have to pay to replace the vacancy anyway

speak to the people in charge and ask their feelings on you applying. Then you’d get an idea of whether it was worth it x

It wouldn’t look bad. It would keen, enthusiastic and ambitious.

A man wouldn't hesitate!

This. Read a study a while ago that looked at applications.

Results were that men readily apply for roles where they only have some of the listed job requirements whereas women tend not to apply unless they have all of them (plus the nice to have lists).

There is no downside in applying, especially as you have pre-maternity experience.

Even if you are not successful you are showing commitment to progression.

Daft rule as it’s more expensive to recruit externally the more senior a role is - which is why it’s more cost effective to recruit bottom up and train staff (plus less risky as you actually know the candidate and how they fit within the work culture).

OK, guess I've just added another item to my to-do list for next week!
Thank you.

You sound in a similar predicament to myself, I’ve worked in my role for 5 years but have had twins in between this which I think has knocked my confidence because a managers position came up last week and I very nearly didn’t apply! Despite me starting the job for progression.

Oh, it might be stupid, but if they have a rule like that, they're likely not to be flexible about it.

Best of luck OP! Let us know how you get on

So, err, rather fast chain of events here.
Spoke to the director, who basically turned round and said "Really pleased you've approached me, we'd (him plus other director) already been discussing if you would be a good fit. We won't advertise to replace boss, please can you sort out advertising your replacement".

So, I've no idea on actual job description (I've seen what current boss does) and no idea on salary (I know roughly what current boss earns), but it looks like I've got a new job 😮

Thank you all!

Sounds a great outcome!

Amazing news! Well done x

Congratulations on your new job! Well done!

Apply! If you could do it standing on your head before your baby a decade ago, you can do it standing on your head now. You just lack the confidence. And the worst thing that could happen is some bellend bloke who thinks he’s massively brilliant, and actually he’s just a normal day-to-day twat, will get the job instead and be your boss.

Apply! Good luck

Congratulations, but firm up the offer first.

Oh congrats!!