Just one rank below executive leadership, lies the noteworthy director position. Directors, most frequently, are in charge of overseeing an entire department within a company. If you are currently in a management or supervisory position, and you wish to advance to a director-level role within your current organization, you should have already demonstrated your expertise, qualifications, and dependability; as well as your dedication to the company and its mission. Your ability to put directives into action and work autonomously, as well as with differentiated clients and customers, are other important factors that will be taken into account.
Additionally, those who are seeking a promotion to a director’s role within their current company should be sure they are familiar with the nuances of the department they are looking to lead. Chances are great that you may already be managing or supervising a sector or individual team within your chosen department; however when companies are promoting from within, it’s not unheard of for a director to be assigned to a differing department, providing the individual possesses experience and knowledge in the area.
Internal Promotion
Be prepared to communicate with your present superior regarding your wish for promotion. It is important that those in charge are aware of your goals, and that you are aware of whether or not they are willing to consider your ideas and assist you toward your goal. Often this is a slow process, so don’t expect immediate changes. Be sure to heed the notion that a colleague will be leaving or moving onward in some capacity for you to attain your desired role. However, making your superior aware of your current professional objective will give them insight into what is driving you, and possibly remind them of your value, as it is understood that you may need to ultimately seek a director’s position at another organization, if that is in fact, your ultimate goal.
Entering the Workforce
For those seeking to acquire a directorial role at a different company, it’s best to begin by familiarizing yourself with the particulars of the company (or companies) to which you’re applying. Utilize your professional network to glean information on the leanings and current statuses of prospective organizations to ascertain what they are looking for as well as the nature of the work environment.
Make the most of your leads and connections by communicating with decision makers in your companies of interest. Be sure that your resumé/portfolio and cover letter accurately depict your experience, as well as what you have to offer the organization through your unique expertise.
Always Applicable
Regardless of whether you aspire to a directorial position within a new or current company, you will need to interview for the position. Once you have obtained an interview, it is crucial that you already view yourself as a potential director; as this will also increase your interviewer’s ability to envision you in the role.
Be sure to amplify your strengths in the following areas whether seeking a director’s position in
any corporation:
- Supervisory and Management expertise: keeping team well informed and holding members accountable; apportioning resources and funds
- Skills and capabilities: technical aptitude; time management and trouble-shooting skills; competencies applicable to department you wish to lead
- Leadership assets: team building skills; ability to consider and cultivate new ideas
- Communication skills: approachability, articulation, professionalism, ability to successfully interact with subordinates, superiors, and clients
Takeway
In order to land a director-level job, it’s important that you accurately and effectively portray your skill set and leadership qualities. Approaching the interview confidently, enthusiastically, and with a positive, yet sincere demeanor will help to win over your interviewer and get you closer to your goal of obtaining the role of director.
Stewart, Cooper & Coon offers Human Capital Strategy Services to both individuals and corporations. Our staff is dedicated to our clients’ success via innovative job search processes, employment management strategies, and state-of-the-art technologies. Contact Fred Coon – 866-883-4200, Ext. 200
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