How to express that I am potentially interested.

w00519772

I recently found out that my line manager handed in her notice and is leaving mid January. She approached me and said that I should speak to the head of department if I am interested in a promotion and I have a few weeks to do this. She also said that the head of department is looking at options now as it is a senior position.

I am not sure how I should do this. I believe I have a few options:

1) Send an email to the head of department saying please think of me when considering the future of the role.

2) Casually bring it up in conversation when next talking to the head of department. The next time I talk to him casually could be tomorrow or could be in a fortnight or more - this would be by chance.

3) Approach the head of department in his office.

5) Wait and see if the job is advertised. Then apply.

6) Other option?

I am working from another office next week, so tomorrow is the only time I could see him face to face for ten days.

In normal circumstances I would wait for the job to be advertised and then apply if interested, however the current job holder did say let the head of department know if I am interested in the next few weeks (she said that this week).

If it makes any differences; I was offered three jobs in the last seven years and the company has fought to keep me each time. Therefore I did not accepted any of the roles.

I am not sure if I want to apply for the job as it depends on what his plans are for the role. I enjoy my current role; I am very good at it and I have done it for this company for 12 years.

jonnygee2

I am not sure if I want to apply for the job as it depends on what his plans are for the role.

Big problem. Don't rush this. If you tell him your interested he might base the new role around that fact, if you withdraw later you could seriously sour relations.So make sure you decide first!

If you do approach the HoD (which I think is a good thing if you want it!) I'd say in person is preferable but only if the time looks right and he doesn't seem stressed or busy. If the time doesn't go right go for the email approach instead.

Either way I'd just phrase it as an expression of interest (just to let you know that if the role is advertised, I'd definitely be interested in applying).

2) Casually bring it up in conversation

I wouldn't do this, it would make it look a bit like you aren't serious. A formal expression of interest shows you are keen. This just makes you look blase about a major promotion.

theoretica

At this stage the HoD has presumably not decided what his plans are for the role - if you want any chance to influence the decision towards making the more senior role one that perfectly suits you then you need to contact him soon and not just leave it.



I would contact him tomorrow and let him know that in light of your manager's resignation you would be keen to discuss with him your future in the company and how you might progress.

BrassicWoman

I’d book proper time, not bring it up casually

ohreally

I'd be inclined to have a chat over a coffee and put yourself on his radar, find out what his thoughts are in the job going forwards and chew it over.

TELLIT01

I'd try to speak to him privately, on an informal basis. If he's approachable, just knock on his door and ask if he has a few minutes spare. As said by others, just express an interest in the role assuming that you meet the requirements of the final job spec.

jjj1980

I would say it depends on what your working relationship is like with the Head of Department. Face to face is better but whether you need to pre-arrange or can just drop by his office depends on the above.

Due to how my role at work like tothe other offices and that I am the PA for our own HoD, I can just drop in on most of the other members of the management team. However, other more junior members of staff would be expected to pre-arrange a meeting.

I would want to be clear on what the plans were for the role and if still interested, try to influence the direction. You may be able to give some insight to how things will work practically that the HoD might not be aware of.

jackomdj

If it was me in my office I would knock on the door and ask if they had five or ten minutes.

I would then word my interest carefully, "I am not sure how you see the role going forward, depending on what the role will entail I am extremely interested".

gettingtheresometime

jackomdj wrote: »

If it was me in my office I would knock on the door and ask if they had five or ten minutes.

I would then word my interest carefully, "I am not sure how you see the role going forward, depending on what the role will entail I am extremely interested".

This is exactly what a colleague did with my boss after I handed in my resignation

ReadingTim

theoretica wrote: »

At this stage the HoD has presumably not decided what his plans are for the role - if you want any chance to influence the decision towards making the more senior role one that perfectly suits you then you need to contact him soon and not just leave it.

I would contact him tomorrow and let him know that in light of your manager's resignation you would be keen to discuss with him your future in the company and how you might progress.

If you are minded to progress that is - you might be happy where you are!

In fact, I think the OP needs to decide whether, in theory, he wants to progress in general, and disregard the potential for change - the risk is that is he or she makes it conditional on things shaping up a certain way, if that's not the way the HoD sees it going, they risk marking themselves out as a target for being let go, even in their current role.

I appreciate they've made counter-offers before, but there's the risk that the HoD will feel like you're getting too big for your boots and giving them some sort of ultimatum, and not react well to such demands....

Suggest therefore decide whether you want to go for it, come what may, or not. Don't say anything, except when asked, and say you're perfectly happy with your current role.

steampowered

You are all adults, there is nothing to be gained by trying to play silly games.

Simply speak to the HoD and say that you would like to have a chat about the line manager opening as you might be interested if there is an opportunity. Ask the HoD when would be the best time to speak.

A conversation does not commit you or him to anything.