When to move up?

bradl3yC

I find myself in a position where I am unhappy with where I am at and want to move. Unfortunately, there are not many IT jobs in this area. The ones that seem to be available are ones that are considered a move up from what I am doing now. So I am left with a few questions..

When is the right time to start trying for jobs that would be considered a step up from what you're doing? I end up asking myself, can I do the job? What happens if I struggle? I am not afraid of the opportunity to learn, I welcome it, but what if that is not what they're looking for? What should I disclose in the interview about my skill set assuming I make it that far?

Any advice is welcome!

Thanks

jibbajabba

Any time to be honest. There is no harm in trying. If anything you gain valuable experience in the whole interview game. One thing you have to make sure when applying for jobs "higher up" - be honest about your abilities. The only way to EVER move up is to try and try again. There are exceptions where learning on the job is a no no (VMware PSO Consultants comes to mind), but in all my previous jobs, I HAD to learn .. a lot ..

What happens if you struggle ? Well, you WILL struggle in every job in one way or another. If you do - ask for help. Be honest that you do need help. Ask colleagues, manager etc. When I applied for my current job as Senior Consultant, I told them what my limitations are and what I can do to learn it quickly.

They gave me resources to go through prior my start date. Sometimes you just need to invest a bit of time. But essentially, when I am at a customer's site and struggle, I can ask a whole bunch of colleagues.

If you are honest during the interview phase then you shouldn't be in the situation where they realize that you are not what they are looking for, because they should have known at the time of offering you the job, what they are getting with you.

And what you should disclose should be common sense. Whatever is on your resume / cv. You can certainly leave things out if they aren't relevant, but don't say in your resume / interview things you know, but you don't really - it WILL back fire.

Lexluethar

If you have to ask a forum of strangers if it's time to move on, it's time to move on

Don't discount yourself and your skills, if you can see yourself doing a job apply for it (be realistic but challenge yourself). Generally speaking unless the company you are with promotes from within the easiest, quickest way to move up is to move to another company. Even in companies that promote from within you'll find it harder to shed your former duties as a lot of people will still look to you for your old job duties even if you are in a new position. You won't know until you try, start applying if that is what you want to do.

As for disclosing what skills you have, be honest. I find that honesty is truly the best policy when it comes to interviewing. It's a win / win in my opinion. If you are too honest and they find you aren't a great fit - fine better now then in 6 months into the job when you've already left your previous employer. Also i'm upfront with potential employers, i don't know everything and i don't pretend to - if i don't know the answer to a question I will tell you i don't know, but i'm the first person to do my homework and find the right answer for you.

bradl3yC

Lex,

I fully agree that its time. Its just a question of preparedness. I live in a small area so I've got by on knowing people basically. I have skills and experience (12 years helpdesk, 2 years sys admin) just no other qualifications (currently) to back it up. They didnt matter here. Now that my eyes have been opened to whats available if I travel a little bit, I am behind in the certs. I am working on that, but as you're well aware, it takes time.

Lexluethar

Sounds like you got a solid plan, i personally would just continue down this path and start applying for jobs.