I am working at a good company and quickly rose the ranks after I joined a couple of years ago.

Anonymous

November 16,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

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I am working at a good company and quickly rose the ranks after I joined a couple of years ago. Currently I am at a regional position. I am a high performer for the past 3 years and have a good connect with the global teams and management. I recently saw a global position that I feel I can do looking at the job description. I have the required skill set and can easily network . However the new role is two levels above my current role and reports in to a senior VP. My boss is very supportive but I am hesitant to talk to him about applying to this position internally. Should I bite the bullet and talk to him or is this out of my league? Should I take it one step at a time?

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Paulla Fetzek, MSEdNovember 16,2022 at 2:10PM UTC
Hello!
My concern from your post: Why are you hesitant to talk to your boss? You stated he was supportive - but do you not think he'd support you looking for another position?
As for the job itself - if you feel you possess the talents - go for it! The "level" shouldn't be a factor that holds you back.
Erin Thomas, Career + Leadership CoachNovember 16,2022 at 2:38PM UTC
Yes do it! Stretch or skip roles can be amazing and the best thing to really amplify you.
what are you afraid of by putting your hat in the ring?
remember, no one is going to advocate for us but us, so I say go for it!
Rebecca AliNovember 16,2022 at 3:46PM UTC
I'll add one more point to the other great points below - don't play small out of fear or temporary discomfort. Look at it this way - if you go for it and are not selected for whatever reason, this would be a great opportunity to build a development plan with your manager that will help you feel more confident in stepping into a more challenging role.
AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 3:54PM UTC
Usually, I hear from employees that are afraid of rupturing their relationship with their boss by applying for an internal position; they see it as "quitting". This is very unfortunate, but it sounds like you already have a supportive boss. Any decent manager wants the best for their team members. An internal move is the best of both worlds for all involved, so definitely talk to your boss, and apply. If you don't get the job, it's a great learning experience, and you'll be that much more prepared the next time an opportunity comes along. Good luck!
AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 7:23PM UTC
I've hired internal candidates twice into a position that was two levels above where they were, and personally once jumped up 3 levels for complicated reasons. The one downside to that I've seen is that you usually get a solid raise with the high-level transition, but you often end up significantly below the average of other people in a similar role and need a plan for addressing that gap after you've been in the role for a couple of years and proven your ability.
Crystal HowellNovember 16,2022 at 8:26PM UTC
Just crash the glass ceiling from the roof, ask and you shall receive. It will show you are looking for a career advancement and confident!
KarenNovember 16,2022 at 8:43PM UTC
Bite the bullet. You got this.