Submitted by jaredavd on
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My organization is going through a reorganization and is eliminating several management roles. However, all people in a current manager or senior manager role is being interviewed, and the bottom few interviewees, I assume, are demoted or laid off.
I'm fairly comfortable with interviewing, I have the interview series and am pretty prepared, but is there anything else you would recommend in regards to interviewing for your own position? I've got examples of significant accomplishments, a good track record, and two above average coaching plans on my employee file. The interview will be with my skip-level boss and his two peers, if that matters.
In times like that, senior
In times like that, senior management is going to be particularly attuned to efficiency and effectiveness. I'm in a project based organization, so the words "better, faster, cheaper" resonate with me, and they would resonate even louder when preparing for a re-org.
So, when reviewing my accomplishments, I'd want to
1. Bring a few examples of areas where I saw something inefficient or ineffective and found a better way to get things done. If you have numbers around how that helped the company's bottom line, that's even better... but don't walk in with a folder full of data, just have some key facts at the ready verbally, and have hard data available back at your desk if they want a followup.
2. I'd also want to think about areas where I'd like to make a continued impact in the future, whether in my own team, on a larger team, or in a new area. If you were to stay in your current role, what improvements would you want to drive for 2013? If you think you can have a bigger impact by moving to another area or taking on additional load, keep that in mind and bring it up if the conversation goes that way.
3. Don't resort to mudslinging or commenting negatively on the skills of other managers or teams, if possible. If they really back you into a corner, you'll have no choice but to answer honestly. But choose your words as constructively, respectfully, and professionally as possible.
If you can show that you have ideas that can help get the company through a tough time, AND you have a track record of helping along those lines in the past, you'll likely come out ahead.
Briefing Your Business - Hidden "Hall of Fame Cast" Content
jaredavd and maura
http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/08/managing-during-mergers-and-acquist...
There is a hidden gem in the "Managing Through Mergers and Acquisitions" cast--the cast includes guidance on "Briefing Your Business"
Instead of an interview...you may be asked to provide a briefing on your department or division. Who knows, you may be in line for a promotion and not even know it. There are Five Key Areas outlined by Mark and Mike:
Mission/Role
Financials
Operations, Including Projects
People - Person by person review
Calendar - The next three months.
...there is additional guidance offered about each of the five areas in the cast. It is one of the best Manager Tools Hidden Gems