A promotion opportunity has come up at work.
there are 9 technicians and there is an opportunity for one of us to become the line manager for the rest. My boss has sent an email out asking if we have any questions. I really want this job but am not sure that I come across as the leadership type to the bosses. I am very confident that I can do the job I just want to convince the powers that be. What questions should I be asking my boss that make him think "Ooo this could be the guy we are looking for" Any advice from people who have gone for promotions?
( Peej, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:13, 21 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Tits or face?

( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:14, Reply)

A line I think works well for leadership type roles is something like..
"I want to take responsibility". I think that pleases the bosses because you're almost taking heat/responsibility off them by being so forward and confident about the buck stopping with you.

Mind you I have been rejected from my past 2 interviews so never mind me..
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:15, Reply)

I undertook some line management duties once.
It was for a bunch of casual staff who'd been employed to do a specific task. It was an absolute fucking nightmare and I hated it. Had to do a disciplinary on someone within a week.
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:20, Reply)

I know its going to be a nightmare
but I want it as the next step up on the career ladder, im nearly 29 and have been a regular tech since graduating
( Peej, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:21, Reply)

Just do a David Bellamy impression.

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:28, Reply)

I used to do a terrific Bellamy impression when I was a nipper!
Mind, the huge beard helped...
(The Boy Monders I have ginger bits in my beard., Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:30, Reply)

'wummaging awound in the undagwowth' perchance?

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:31, Reply)

I'd ask him if there's any improvements I could make that could benefit my application
Or hint that the other techs are baby rapists and Man U fans.
(The Boy Monders I have ginger bits in my beard., Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:29, Reply)

tell him you've got some good ideas for streamlining the team, etc
then make up some good ideas
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:30, Reply)

There's a good QOTW (last weeks)
that pretty much has everything you need to say..

More specifically: www.b3ta.com/questions/buzzwords/post686455
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:32, Reply)

Ask about their favourite Ian Dury lyrics
Guaranteed to bring instant respect and popularity.
(Cave Duck, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:38, Reply)

How does this sound?
I am very keen to increase the amount of responsibility I have within the department and will be applying for the Senior Technicians role. Are there any improvements I can make that could benefit this or future applications. Also as you know ************ was giving me basic training in Exchange Management that I enjoyed greatly but was not successful in my application for Exchange Management training. Realistically would you be looking for someone with more experience for the Exchange Management role and again would there be anything I could do to improve my chances, for example perhaps fund myself on a training course.

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
( Peej, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:39, Reply)

that sounds like it is along the right lines to me

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:41, Reply)

I don't want to come across as a prick
and reading it back I am worried I do
( Peej, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:43, Reply)

the fundamental trouble there is that you are a prick ;-)

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:44, Reply)

You're going for a management position dammit
if anything you need to sound even more like a prick
( Colonel Dracula Two manky hookers and a racist dwarf, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:48, Reply)

if you've worked there for a while
they'll already have figured out you're a prick.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 12:05, Reply)

I'm certainly no expert but, as at this stage, thay have only asked if you have any questions
it may be best to start with a question rather than what sounds like the kind of formal opening statement you would make on your application. Though you could sneek in the responsibility bit after the question. I think I would probably remove the reference to you having been unsuccessful with your training application as it perhaps makes a negative impact. Perhaps use the term "haven't had the opportunity yet" instead.
(Cave Duck, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:53, Reply)

Remember that one of the questions you may be asked will be
"What will you bring to the job?"

So, what will you bring to the job that you think the others can't or not in as great a measure? Presumably you can at least bring everything they will.
Observe them all and steal all their best behavioural traits and improve them.

It's a lot like keeping a woman. Just make it unthinkable for them to do without you.

Love

Swiss Tony.
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:56, Reply)

Alternatively
Pin it to the ground and do what you need to do before gasping for breath and start feeling slightly awkward, before getting up sheepishly and leaving the room.
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 11:59, Reply)

Do you provide the cattle prod or should I bring in one from home?

( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Thu 22 Apr 2010, 12:03, Reply)