I recently started a new job that I was overqualified for, including even more qualified than my manager.

Anonymous

July 1,2023 at 10:49PM UTC

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I recently started a new job that I was overqualified for, including even more qualified than my manager. I want to offer my assistance to her with some of her work because it is stuff I'm interested in and good at, but I don't want her to think I'm after her job or that I'm trying to not stay in my lane. Is there a tactful way for me to do this? To be clear, this is a quality assurance role in a new manufacturing facility, and I would be offering help with preparing for our first onsite certification audit. She was not the "hiring manager" so I'm not sure she has even seen my resume or knows what I'm capable of.

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Cyndi RosenblattJuly 2,2023 at 2:39AM UTC
Really depends on the person.
Some would be thankful to have someone on their team who knows how it works and appreciate the assistance. Others would indeed feel very threatened no matter how it was presented.
A possible approach would be to mention that you've dealt with these audits before and you'd be happy to provide assistance if she would like help with the preparations. Then leave it alone unless she reaches out to you. Good luck!
AnonymousJuly 2,2023 at 6:31PM UTC
I would give it a hot minute before diving into other tasks and responsibilities. It's great you bring other skills to the table but you weren't hired to do your manager's job so take a breath. Once you've mastered the job you were hired to do ( and all jobs take a bit of time and practice to master regardless).Then discuss what you MIGHT be able to assist with. Remember, these are not responsibilities you were hired to do. So don't get too ahead of yourself and assume your experience and skill is accepted or appreciated. Please be tactful and respectful. Walking in the door you are expected to do the job you were hired to do.
AnonymousJuly 4,2023 at 1:27PM UTC
I’m currently in this same situation. I have done a particular role for over 25 years and, unfortunately, due to a merger my role was not the same and left that company. I have a new job doing what I previously did,however it’s at a lower level. The person above me knows her stuff and we are basically, experience wise, the same level. I really want to be able to help (they need people in this department who know their stuff) but don’t want to push too hard to avoid giving the impression that “I’m after her job”. But I also don’t want to sit back and do the bare minimum either. I just started so I have been trying to just follow protocols and learn their process while trying to show that I know the ins and outs . You need to build trust and confidence and in time they will be able to see your an asset to them. That being said you also need to try and feel out the other person to see if they may be receptive to your knowledge and make sure they are not threatened by you. If you are newer to the company I would just try to show you know what you are doing without pushing too hard.
AnonymousJuly 4,2023 at 5:33PM UTC
Book a 1-1 with her. Share your resume with her in that meeting and talk to her about what you are best at, what you like to do and where your strengths are in sharing your knowledge with others if/as needed- tell her you are happy to help with her direction towards whomever needs it. Share with her how you manage your calendar and the best way for her to reach you when needed - slack, phone, text or email- pick one. Let her know you are a resource for her as well if need be but since she is new that you wanted her to know your limits (good and bad) so that she will be successful. If she asks, or you could offer, you could say - by the way I am not interested in being a manager. Then during that conversation let her know the best way for you to receive work tasks, and to get any corrective feedback. This should set the stage for a productive, healthy work relationship.