I work in a technical (IT) field and my current position (last 12 years) is technical not managerial.

6 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 10:19PM UTC

   Focus on the current, even if you last managed staff 15yrs ago.
   Showcase several examples of when you stepped up to lead on several projects. Provide examples of how you went above and beyond to train new staff to bring them up to speed. Talk about how you saved the day on projects you lead and took strategic approaches to solve problems to improve the efficiency of your org. These are very important ex of ways you are valuable in a leadership position that you accomplished recently that you can speak to if applicable. What you did 15 yrs ago, you lightly touch on it in that your first experience as a manager was back at xxx company, doing xyz. But sell yourself on recent examples of doing leadership type activities even when not asked to do so. That needs to be your selling point. Prepare to be asked softskills such as regarding active listening and have plenty of scenarios of resolving personnel conflicts and what you would do and have done when stuck on team projects and what you did collaboratively to resolve them. How did you deal and navigate difficult employees. So not only prep for your existing technical expertise but also sell your softskills and more importantly problem solving skills. When they ask you what are your top leadership traits, Problem Solving, Innovative, Adjusts to changing dynamics are excellent ones to speak to and also back with examples that will blow them away. Bottom line, you do not need to currently or recently be in leadership to speak to powerful ex of what you have been doing recently that exhibit excellent leadership traits. Plan carefully, map this out. Talk out how you would answer these questions before hand. Have alteast 8 scenarios prepared to speak to. You got this and good luck!

2. Julie HumbirdAugust 1,2022 at 10:19PM UTC

   I would focus on the impact you have made for others in your recent roles. Have you cross-trained, mentored, developed documentation, improved based on feedback from others? Most of all, how have you been an advocate for your team? We are not what we were 15 years ago. Show them the leader you would be today.

3. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

   OP here. I have the mentoring thing down. I'm not concerned about demonstrating that. I have been in the role of team lead for the five years. However, there are very specific skills / experience related to budgeting, contracts, resource planning, etc. that the applicant for the management position is expected to have. These are the skills I have not been in a position to use with my current employer and need to showcase that past experience from 15 years ago in order to be competitive.

4. KirstinAugust 2,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

   How much of that have you worked with your manager on? Include that “assisted in managing budget allocation for fiscal year” or “aided in resource planning by ensuring full team coverage, anticipating workforce needs” etc

   I’m sure there’s a lot as a lead you are privy to that you don’t think because you didn’t make the decision, you don’t get to take the credit.

   additionally, if it’s internal, reach out to the hiring manager and CC recruitment or HR either email or meeting and explain your experience. (But also make sure it’s on your resume! Yes go back 15 years to include applicable relevant information)

5. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 2:54PM UTC

   In many workplaces, an internal candidate has an edge. Your work history, reliability, and ability to learn new things should be well documented. People being promoted into frontline management almost never have the experience that the ideal candidate of the job description has.

   There have been studies showing that men are more likely to apply for and obtain jobs they don't totally qualify for, while women will not. This is one of the hidden causes of the "glass ceiling."

   My two cents -- go for it!

6. AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 2:51PM UTC

   Fortunately, personalities and human nature haven't changed as much in 15 years as tech has!

   Read some recent management books that have been best sellers, study DEI concepts, study changes in the laws (there haven't been many), and if possible gain a credential like a certificate via LinkedIn.

   These are some books I have read that can help you speak to current trends in management:

   Dare to Lead (Brené Brown)

   12: the Essential Elements of Great Managing (based on Gallup polling of engagement)

   How to be Anti-Racist (Kendi)

   White Fragility (D'Angelo)

   Emotional Intelligence (Goleman)

   Good to Great (Collins - I don't like this book, but it's popular)

   Crucial Conversations (Grenny)

   There are many more out there. Lencioni is popular (probably because his books are short!) The 7 Habits of Successful People is a great book in general. I have seen a lot about "Six Sigma," but never had to learn it or use it.

   The Harvard Business Review blog (hbr.org) has a lot of very brief articles on recent topics in management, and many of them are condensed versions of lengthy articles or books written by the original authors. (You can bypass their paywall by using an incognito browser)

   Good luck with this!