Management Job for You
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How to Find the “Right” Management Job for You
The “Right” Management Job Doesn’t Equal the “Best” Management Job
In the context of management jobs, the word “right” is often confused with “best"; the best management position for your qualifications may not actually be the “right” job for you. It’s important that you understand the difference as it relates to your situation, personality, career plans, and overall work/personal happiness.
This understanding also means that the management job that has the highest compensation is not necessarily the right opportunity for you. Certainly, if your choice is between the CEO position for one of two major corporations, you might simply pick the highest compensation offer. The rest of the management workforce, on the other hand, should consider the whole picture before deciding on the right employment opportunity.
For example, imagine that you learn of a management opportunity with a competitor that offers a 20% higher compensation than you currently enjoy. First impressions may label this as the best job available. On closer reflection, however, you realize that you know this competitor quite well and are not really impressed with its products, customer service, brand image, or potential future prospects. While a 20% compensation increase would certainly be welcome, you risk suffering a negative “career detour” by accepting this position.
Now imagine that you become aware of another competitor, one you highly respect, that is seeking someone with your qualifications and experience. This competitor has a highly effective brand and offers a promising career path. Unfortunately, their compensation offer is only minimally higher than your current level. Even so, after spending quality time with yourself, you realize that this opportunity may be just the right one at the right time.
As scientifically and professionally as we tend to approach our careers, industries, and specialties, there are times at which we should incorporate some “art” into our employment plans. How does the prospective company “feel” at an interview? Did the interviewer appear knowledgeable about the employer and the opportunity for which you’re being considered? Were the people you met professional and impressive? Remember, you’ll be spending one-third of your day (that's one-half of your waking hours) with your employer. How you feel about your experience with them can prove to be very important.
How to Find the “Right” Management Opportunity
Finding the right management opportunity is more challenging than locating other jobs without supervisory authority. For example, a senior software development job, which will require you to primarily function on your own in front of your computer, is a more “personal” choice. You consider compensation, benefits, project expectations, office facility, and computer power.
A management position, however, involves not only the considerations noted above, but also supervising a group, large or small, that you don't know. There is obvious risk involved in assuming any new management position because it's difficult to know about the quality of your team. This inherent risk makes it important to find the right management opportunity for you . Here are some tips to help you in your quest:
Do your research. The Internet can help you find the right management job by offering in-depth information on the company you're considering. You can learn a wealth of information just by visiting the company’s website. For example, start by viewing the employer’s published information, which might include pictures of staff and management. Assume that you're female. You see many women in staff positions, but few managers. This might tell you something about their promotion policies and cause you to think twice about this potential employer. On the other hand, you can sometimes get a good “feel” for the corporate culture of the company you’re considering.
Prepare insightful questions prior to your interview, along with job-specific inquiries. As a manager, you probably know you should prepare intelligent questions regarding the position you're discussing. Also, prepare some “corporate lifestyle” questions to help you select the right management job for you. For example, consider some questions like:
How important is teamwork in your company?
What do you enjoy about working for the company?
How would you rate the opportunities for promotion in the company?
These are non-controversial, yet pertinent questions, the answers to which may offer insight into the inner-workings and attitude of the company.
Observe everything and everyone. From photos on the company website to the time you spend at the company during the interview, closely observe the workplace and the people you see and/or meet. Are the work facilities and offices clean, updated, and professional? Do the staff and management appear to be happy, personable, and professional? Do people appear to be working comfortably and efficiently? Can you get a feel for the employer’s diversity or lack thereof?
Use a top-level employment firm like Kelly Services. The best search firms have high-level knowledge of their employer clients. As they get to know you as a qualified candidate, the firm can offer you a wealth of information about the employers they represent, helping you find that right management position. They can also offer help professionalizing your resume and provide useful tips for a successful interview.
Inject some “art” and “feel” into your professional search for a new management position to find the right one for you. Using the Internet, good questions, observation, and a top employment firm, you should find the right management job.