Instant Interviews_ 101 Ways to Get the Best Job of Your Life - Jeffrey G. Allen [47]
This is an insult to your boss, and you’d deserve what you get. You say, “My boss would sabotage the deal if I told him first.”
I agree with you.
This is not only Option 1. It is Reason 1. More internal interviewers lose their jobs (usually within six months) from taking this option than the next two combined.
Please don’t be among them. If you’ve done it, instant interview as much as you can. You’ll get a much better job. I just want you to leave on your own terms.
Option 2: Go Under Your Boss
This would be calling your buddy in the job now and asking him to put in a good word for you with his boss.
You’re instant interviewing these days, so probably wouldn’t whine. But you’d look awfully strange.
Your boss should be doing that bidding for you.
So Option 2 is a non-jobstarter. Probably a jobstopper.
Option 3: Go Around Your Boss
This involves asking a sympathetic manager to be creative in letting the hiring manager know about you. It’s usually some offhanded remark or informal suggestion to the manager to check you out.
Sounds really good until you realize that the sympathetic manager has absolutely no stake in the outcome. You have no control over the dialogue either.
Your intermediate instant interviewing skills should make the answer obvious to this one.
Stay back. Way back.
That leaves us with . . .
Option 4: Go Through Your Boss
Your instant interviewing skills are now about to leapfrog you into executing this option with dispatch.
Confrontation time (if necessary). Take that gulp—don’t worry about his mood, his mental state, or his metabolism. You can get instant interviews anytime you want. You just don’t happen to want right now.
Get going. Walk in, sit down. Smile, and look him right in the eye.
Oh, he’s on the phone? So what? It’s during business hours. His door wasn’t closed. He didn’t wave you away. Plop yourself down and wait.
Ah, good, he’s hanging up. I’ve got clients calling with real issues, so let’s get this done:
You: Steve, I see there’s an opening in Norm Castell’s group for a contract administrator. I’d like to apply.
Steve: Yeah, I saw that. Aren’t you happy here? I gave you a pretty good review last time. You seem to be improving.
You: Yes, I’m happy, I suppose. I appreciate all you’ve done and I’ve liked working here.
Steve: Okay, then. Let’s just forget we had this discussion and get back to work.
You: I just won’t do that. (Note the word won’t. You don’t say can’t when there’s a challenge. Losers do that. You’re definitely a can-didate.)
Steve: What do you mean you “won’t”? Are you planning to apply anyway?
You: No. Actually, I was going to ask you to do it for me.
Steve: Me? Just why would I want to lose a good employee and have to find, train, and supervise someone new on the Spencer procurement?
You: There are several reasons. For one thing, I have other opportunities that I’m considering. (Remember what I said about that word consider in Do 15.) For another, I’d help you find and train my replacement. I’ll be just two floors up. In fact, I’ll work extra hours if necessary.
Steve: Well, I guess that would work.
You: I know it would. I’ll babysit the Spencer account and transition the new hire. I also will say nice things about you to our management. That’s how I can show my appreciation.
Steve: Well, I can’t argue with any of that.
You: I knew you wouldn’t. You’ve always treated me fairly. I’ve drafted a letter for you recommending me for the job. If you like, I’ll print it and bring it in. I don’t want that requisition filled before I have a shot at the job.
Steve: Okay. What do you want me to tell Norm?
You: Whatever you can truthfully say about my ability. I’ll prepare some comments for you to use, okay?
Steve: You’re sure making it easy for me.
You: That’s the least I can do.
Steve: So you really think I’ve been a