Archive for March, 2009

Tips for career moves as you become senior

Posted on March 7, 2009. Filed under: Uncategorized |

I got a all from a a very respected business house in the country, for a role in one of thier companies. The urgency in the voice was palpable. Thier understanding of my profile was not something to write home about though. The lack of clarity of the role they were planning to offer was as visible as effect of Taliban in Pakistan. I digged deeper on what exactly was that they were looking at, failing to get a concrete answer. Nevertheless, I was asked to come the very next day to meet a very senior person in the management committee (reporting to group CEO).

The lack of planning was surprising. I landed up for the interview which went on for an hour. I was told multiple times that the role is not defined and I will need to define the role myself. I wonder what they mean when they say that. There has to be some plan, when you are hiring some one at mid management level.

The interview went on well, and I was promised a meeting with other senior people in the organisation. I left the place not sure what exactly I got interviewed for. Anyways, in the evening my wife gave me the spark of speaking to a senior from my insti, who now run a placement consulting firm. And man…what a suggestion that was.

I spoke to him, and the clarity that emerged was eye-opening. I decided to put it up for your benefit.

There are 2 sides to any job…softer and harder. And as you become senior, the relative importance of the softer part has to go on increasing.

So what exactly is it ?
1.       Softer aspects
          a.       Are you comfortable with the people you are speaking with
          b.      Are you comfortable with the company/culture/people in general
          c.       Do the people have clarity on what the job is
          d.      Do the people have clarity on what you are all about
          e.      Why do the people think you fit in
          f.        What is the plan for the business you are getting in to? What are the milestones ?
2.       Harder Aspects
         a.       What is the salary ? how much is the jump ? Is it good enough ?
         b.      What is the position ? Is it better than current position? Will you next promotion here be faster than there? 
         c.       How does career grow there ?
         d.      Who was doing the job before ? If not, why not ?
         e.      Where is he/she ?
         f.        Why is he/she moving ?
         g.       Has he been promoted or moved laterally

I told him I just got a call and I dint know the jd much. he said that’s not a good sign… he said a lot of companies are just testing waters… seeing what kind of candidates come over… also he said calling someone at a days notice happens, but they shud have managed it better…

Also I told him that they said it’s a something new they are starting… he was not very convinced and he said a lot of such openings fizzle out after couple of interviews…

True to what he said, after the urgent interview call, its been 3 days, and I have not heard from them again.