How do you know when you are ready to step up to the next level? Is it simply enough to think you can ? You feel ready but can you convince an interview panel? I can do most of the things they want I’ll apply and let them decide or are you someone who decides not to apply because you can’t demonstrate you have everything they require?
Sometimes the advert states but more often it implies that the organisation wants to appoint someone to hit the ground running. Because of course employers are impatient to get on with the transformation of the organisation of which this post is a key part. It would also be very helpful if you were already successfully doing the role somewhere else since that would involve little risk on their part. But that is not a very realistic expectation. So you don’t have to be able to do everything from day one but you do have to have confidence in your ability and be able to evidence your potential from what you have done before.
Increasingly there is a view amongst recruiters that the best predictor of a successful appointment is the extent of insight the individual has into their own behaviour and how it effects others. Such a candidate knows their weaknesses and has/is taking steps to address them. For example sometimes my enthusiasm is over powering, I recognise I need to give space for others to contribute, which involves listening more. I remind my self of this at the start of every meeting that the aim is to open up discussion not close it down. This sort of feedback comes from 360 degree surveys , annual appraisals. Executive coaching and one to ones.
Honest feedback will help an individual determine whether they are ready but it may not be the answer they want to hear.
As a manager I will have encouraged many individuals to apply for promotion. I have also occasionally tried to get individuals to be more realistic in their ambitions.
I recall a discussion with a Director about an Area manager applying for an Assistant Director’s post in another organisation. The Director had told the manager he did not think they were ready for such a senior post pointing out that the manager had at times felt uncomfortable with the responsibilities and uncertain of his abilities. The manager applied for the post any way. The Director provided a reference that identified the managers strengths but stated that he believed the individual needed longer to broaden his experience and confidence at this level before stepping up. The employing organisation disagreed.
Your boss may not think you’re ready but someone else might!
Blair Mcpherson former Director author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk
