Are there any hiring managers who will hire someone for a managerial or lead position who has not been a manager or lead before?

Are there any hiring managers who will hire someone for a managerial or lead position who has not been a manager or lead before? If so, what do you need to see on their resume?

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6 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Not in a position to hire for a manager or lead role, however I've been in your shoes. My best advice is look for ways to showcase how you've led people in an informal way. Have you led a project team, or some type of charity event where you had to lead people? Additionally, adding any sort of learning opportunities such as leadership courses or certificates can go a long way to show your commitment. What it all comes down to is showing your natural abilities and willingness to learn and develop a new skill.

  2. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career Coach

    Demonstrate with examples how you have lead on specific events/projects/ very specific things they are looking for on the job posting!

  3. Barbara Negron

    I have hired people with little to no previous managerial position to lead in the past. What I look for primarily is a self starter and someone who has lead projects successfully in the past. I also look for some key words in the past history; critical thinking, accountability, good communicator and always important to be passionate.

  4. Jennifer Elliott

    Include experience that highlights projects that you managed, strategies that you implemented or anything that shows your leadership abilities.

  5. Anonymous

    Yes! I would say they typically look for someone who has been a lead on projects before. What they are really looking for is the skills to lead. Try to highlight to them how you will lead and why you will choose to run your team like so. If you haven't been in a management position before I would highly recommend googling leadership styles and then sit down and ask yourself what type of leader you want to be and how you will achieve that. Best way to get yourself prepared for interviewing for these roles !

  6. Krista Pasfield

    I look for evidence of leadership inclination and aptitude even if the opportunity for an official leadership role/title hasn't happened. Demonstrated initiative within their sphere of responsibility, spearheading a new project, enthusiastic responses to pre-screening questions that highlight why the person would be good for a leadership role, asking for expanded and/or growth responsibilities in their current position, taking leadership-focused continuing education courses, etc.

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