Going for a Promotion...

[Neptune188]

Been in current role coming up to 3 years (Commercial, but strong sales background). A role has come up that i'm interested in applying for which is effectively two levels above me (A result of two roles being aggregated into one - one retiring, one "Pursuing other opportunities"). I suspect I won't get it but the company (an Aerospace Giant) gives priority to internal moves.

CV Hasn't seen the light of day in 3 years - since I got this job.

Normally when i've applied for jobs i've sexed it up a bit and made it sound more grandiose than it actually is, but i've never gone for an internal role before. What's the best way of going about this? In this instance glamming up the CV probably won't wash.

I also think i'd be a very long shot for the role but feel like it's time to start rattling some sabres that i'm keen to keep progressing...

[StevieBee]

Neptune188 said:

Normally when i've applied for jobs i've sexed it up a bit and made it sound more grandiose than it actually is

'Embellishment' is the word you're after

Just go for it! Treat it like any other job application. If you don't get it, you'll learn from the experience, learn why not (so you can address where you were lower scoring) and your card will be positively marked as someone with the ambition to progress within the company.

[RSTurboPaul]

Pull out the requirements in the advert / Job Spec into a bulletpoint format.

Evidence how you meet each of them, so the reviewers can easily 'mark your work'.

Write some waffle about challenging oneself.

Good luck!

[FlyVintage]

That’s pretty much the same position I found myself in with (I assume) the same company some years back. Of course optimising your CV is a great idea; it’s very likely that given the policy regarding internal candidates that you’ll be in the running for an interview if you meet most of the criteria. The thing to focus on once at that stage is how you will transform the operating methodology of the department to achieve/enable the overall business objectives. Taking on the role to just continue the existing delivery model will not be enough. Do some research, talk to some stakeholders and test your ideas before the interview such that you can describe rationale. Good luck.

[mikef]

For an internal promotion, you’ll need good internal references, ideally from people with some clout, which could mean expertise or seniority. Sound your potential referees out early and get their advice. At worst they may warn you off a role, at best they may put in a good word for you before you even formally apply

[Mortarboard]

Go for it.

There is no downside. Even just your name in discussions around higher roles is a positive, even if they dont think you're suitable.

M.

[ozzuk]

Do you even need a CV if internal? Applying blind is rarely a good idea, I'd suggest sounding out the hiring manager, what are they looking for etc, could you be considered. also be prepared to treat the conversation like a mini-interview (if they take it in that direction), i.e. what you bring to table, what challenges are there.

Good luck!

[55palfers]

Dig out previous appraisal forms

Demonstrate how you have dealt with "areas for improvement"
Big up any really positive observations
Refer to any "where do you see yourself in n years" type questions and how this is the prefect post for my objectives, etc.

Good luck

[rog007]

If you genuinely think you can do the job, then consider applying.

As mentioned above, it would be worth reflecting on your appraisal discussions over the last couple of years to see if your line manager thought you either had potential or were ready now.

As an internal, you should exploit that potential advantage to have an early discussion with the hiring manager to confirm if you could work with them and whether, after that discussion, you still think you could do the job and do it really well.

That discussion should also allow you to update your CV with some real specifics gleaned from that discussion, again, hopefully giving you an advantage at shortlisting.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[RayDonovan]

You've got nothing to lose

My experience within a global organisation is that internal moves, especially when you move higher up are all politically driven. You may be the best person for the role, but if it doesn't suit particular agendas then you'll come unstuck.

[Neptune188]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the hints and advice. I had a chat with my line manager who said "why not, go for it" - there's quite a lot of change in the company at the minute, so i've tarted up the CV; touched up my professional profile and put an application in.

Lets see what happens - It turns out i'm a lot more ballsy when i've not got a lot to loose (and am applying from a position of a stable seat...).