How do I get a "promotion" after a job interview?

Anonymous

March 8,2022 at 4:41PM UTC

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How do I get a "promotion" after a job interview?

I used to work for 8 years in a global telecom, where I was slowly but steadily climbing the corporate ladder. I started 8 years ago as a support agent, became a team leader, Acting Manager, Manager, Senior Manager, and then advisor to the VP ( my official title was still Senior Manager). I left the company due to personal reasons a year ago and now I am ready to go back. During all the time I have spent in this company I have built an excellent reputation, I always exceeded my goals, I always had excellent performance reviews, the entire senior management team of the company loved working with me, as well as peers and employees liked me. So when I called my last boss and asked him if he can support me to get back to work in this company and he was more than happy to help me.

One of the issues, however, is that my position is not available anymore. There are two positions - one for Manager ( which might be a step back for me) and one for Director ( which is a step forward for me) - both in a different department than the one I have left. The other issue is that the hiring manager is someone I have never worked with ( he joined the company after I left).

Thanks to the very positive feedback from both my last boss and the rest of the senior management team (including his boss) and the HR team he has scheduled a short 30-minute interview for me to decide which position suits me better. So in 30 minutes, I have to convince him:

1. That I am right for the job in general and

2. That I am a good fit for the Director's role.

I have seen a job description only for the Director's role and I was told both are similar with small exceptions, which the hiring manager will explain in the interview. Also, I was told that only the Manager's position is available in my location, the Director's one is not even for my country, but if I manage to convince them I am a good fit for it they may change that as the entire company works remotely at the moment.

So, please help me with advice on how to prepare so I get the Director's role.

P.S. My education, qualifications, and experience cover the requirements for both positions.

Thanks in advance!

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AnonymousMarch 8,2022 at 6:09PM UTC
You only stress the Director Position. Do not entertain the other role. They will be looking for Leadership, team management, people development and strategic planning skills. If you cast yourself as a "Team" player or someone who understands admin, process and being in the trenches. That is a manager. Since you've never performed at a director level, they will be wanting to see you as a manager only and have you earn that director title.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterMarch 8,2022 at 6:57PM UTC
Emphasize the level of work you did for the company previously, especially the level of influence you had (i.e. with other departments, senior executives, etc.).
To piggyback on the previous comment - before the interview, fill up a sheet of paper with all the reasons you are an ideal candidate for the director position. Think in terms of your skills with strategy, budgeting, people leadership - all the things a director does that a manager may not do.
You've got this, girl!