Help, regarding application for IT managerial role in same company.

Guys Gals and Giraffe's

My manager handed his notice in a week ago now, and whilst intially I had planned to go for the job, I talked myself out of applying because I feel I don't have the managerial certifications/experience (definitely don't!) required for the job.

However, I definitely have the same technical knowledge and skills as my current manager, as he is often coming to me for help and advice.

The only things I believe he does differently is deal with suppliers and write reports for the board of directors, and... I guess he also takes the rap from directors/owner when there is a problem. They're the only things I can think of that he does differently, and is getting paid about £20k more than me to do so.

My manager isn't really liked by staff in the company and they usually always come to me for help. This has been good, because people have been asking when (not if) I'm applying for his job. It's also makes me think that maybe I am capable of doing the job and I'm certainly willing to work at the managerial side/learn!!

Because of this, I have decided it would be good to apply. Regardless of the outcome. It shows I'm willing to better myself, improve and progress, which is hopefully not a bad thing.

I've already sat down with the other members of the IT team (2 + Me + IT Director (who doesn't know IT or even work in IT!)) and discussed what I would like to see improved and how, however I now feel like I've given my trump cards away! Perhaps I should have saved this for an interview should I get one... Or has it shown that I'm already thinking about improvements?

The job description is as follows:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8833/jobdescuv1.gif

and my CV is here

How would you go about writing a covering letter for a job/role like this?

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I talked myself out of applying because I feel I don't have the managerial certifications/experience (definitely don't!) required for the job

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I have come across a few people with this kind of attitude (dont mean that nastily) and it is definitely the wrong way to think.

You will NEVER progress unless:
1. You are confident in your own ability.
2. You are willing to take that extra responsibility when the opportunity comes.
3. You have the ability to learn a new role.


If you apply then you are marked as ambitious which then leads to better things.

If you dont apply, then more often than not you are singled out as lacking in ambition or self belief to move onwards and upwards.

I have come across this many times and, being in a senior management role, i am impressed if determination to succeed is apparent.
Forget about experience. That can be gained. Self belief is far more important.

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Because of this, I have decided it would be good to apply. Regardless of the outcome. It shows I'm willing to better myself, improve and progress, which is hopefully not a bad thing.

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and rightly so.

Good Luck.....and even if you arent successful, you will still be in the back of your bosses mind for better things.

I agree with what Blitzen has said.

A crucial thing though is that you mention that staff and Directors like you, this is a huge plus point !. Whenever you employ a new member of staff from outside of the business you take a risk, the interview process greatly reduces the risk though you could still end up with someone who doesn't fit your businesses style or just plain bull****ted to you !.

They may prefer to go with what they know (you !) and provide you with the support and training that you'd need ?.

Either way you'll be clearer on what you need to do to take your career forward :)

What have you got to loose? Go for it....

Went for it, didn't get it, but earned myself a decent enough rise from it...

We've taken on an experienced guy for 3 months who's in to consult... he's basically probing our systems and deciding whats what, aswell as taking the flak from above (which I didnt really fancy)

He's also supposed to be a good mentor for me, so we shall see.

I'm happy with the outcome, for now....

Although you didn't get it you obviously impressed them enough to earn yourself a pay rise - nice one :)

What you should do now is learn from this experience and start thinking about what you need to do in order to step up the ladder. Even if you don't want to take that step now it's worth having some sort of plan so that when opportunities present themself (or you decide to go looking for them) you are ready for them.

One thing though; if you did want to go in to the management side then you would probably be looking at a role that is less technically hands on - although a lot depends on the type of organisation you work for.

well done chap - it sounds like a step in the right direction.