Applying for a director position, how can I illuminate my management experience?
Asked by vbslinger
I have roughly 9 years of IT experience. I'm applying for a director position (with probably 3-4 managers reporting to me, each with 4-8 people reporting to them). This would definitely be a big step up in responsibility for me, but I feel I'm ready for the challenge. I've been largely a technical lead in the past. I've handled interviews and budgeting, but I'm concerned that since I have't been "strictly a manager" for 5+ years, that I won't be considered. According to the job requirements, they want a "big picture thinker", and all the other traits fit me perfect. However, I know I'm skinny on the pure management piece, which is supposedly 20% of the job. I don't want to exaggerate my resume, but I want to make sure I phrase information about my team and project leadership in a way that makes me seem as experienced in management as possible. Any tips?

Best Answer:
Not to bust your bubble, but I probably wouldn't hire someone for a director role of this scope who hadn't had a significant amount of management experience. However, my job is to assist you, not evaluate you, so here are some ideas. -Mention your involvement in any type of team projects - if you were a leader on the project, that is essentially a "management" function. -Do you interface with team members in remote locations? There is a certain amount of management involved in matrix-managing remote resources -Of course mention any sort of previous management experience you have, putting it toward the front of your resume points. -Any leadership/management classes or school coursework that you could list? Seminars you've attended? Anything will help here... Good luck.

First of all, I lloved your use of the word "illuminate" Stress your experience in running specific projects, in conflict resolution, in financial bottom line decision making, in hiring. After that, take a look at some books on management styles and see how they fit for this job description, and look at your resume again. Can you stress anything else that fits the job from a managerial standpoint?
Answered by Think4Yourself

First off a leader is honest so don't embellish, they'll see that not as creative but as deceitful, bad impression, that 's not to say you can't toot your own horn,that's self confidence good impression, let them know who you are what you've done and how you will contribute to the big picture. They have said that phrase themselves so I am sure they will look at your big picture and what you can bring to the table. It's not always about the experience as much as it is the work ethic. Good Luck
Answered by Chuck P