Dear Cindy – I Want To Be a Manager, But …

I want to apply for a management job. I have the education but not much in the way of experience. How should I sell myself when applying for jobs?

Sincerely,

Up and Coming

If you think hard, more than likely you will be able to identify instances when you have been in a quasi-management or management role. Have you held a charge role? Have you been a preceptor? Have you been involved with staff or student education? Have you been active in committees, whether in chairperson or other roles? And did you receive positive feedback in these roles?

And in this situation, you may also want to go outside of your current work situation. So, if you are doing some form of volunteer work and supervise other volunteers, or, if you are responsible for managing the budget of a community organization of which you are a member, talk about it.

Finally, write a convincing statement about the qualities, which make you an effective manager. For example, "I have been charge nurse for 50% of shifts for the past year. I receive positive feedback about my work in the charge role, and, additionally, I am regularly told that I am easy to talk to, a good listener, and provide direct, honest answers. I have also been an active member of our unit's continuing education committee for two years. Outside of work, I was captain of a co-ed soccer team and successfully brought cohesiveness to our diverse group through initiating increased team practices and motivating my teammates – we went on to win the league championship!"

The sum of your parts could make quite a convincing case for you taking on a management role.