The boss resigned – should you go for his job?

Q. My boss resigned and they’ve already posted the job to hire someone externally. But I filled in for him last summer when he was out of the office for two weeks. I can totally do his job! No one’s approached me though. Thoughts?

A. Go for it! Pursue it. Get on your boss’s boss’s calendar — ask for a meeting and express your interest in pursuing the role. Outline reasons why you’re ideal for the role, in particular stepping up to the plate last summer. Plus, remind them that you already know the company, you’ve been working there and it sounds like a natural evolution. It would be easier to backfill your current role and promote you than to higher someone at the higher level from the outside.

Granted, I don’t know the intricacies if perhaps there’s a skill set you don’t currently have, so you should carefully look at the job description and attempt to acquire new skills (online, etc.) you don’t possess.

I wouldn’t just rely on that meeting with the head of the group to suddenly (snap fingers here, voila!) you’re promoted. It could take time for approvals and it may not get approved. That’s why it’s important to immediately polish your resume, set up job alerts and apply to jobs ASAP that seem like an interesting and challenging next move for you. This is especially important if your company comes back to you and says they’re still looking externally. That’s a red flag for your ability to get promoted there, but also a green light that you may need to look elsewhere to elevate your career.

Q. My group was fully remote, now we’re hybrid. I’m not a fan, but dealing with it. Can I ask to get reimbursed for commuting — my expenses shot up a lot between the train and meals back in the city compared to at home.

A. Yes, absolutely. Just keep your expectations in check because, I’m assuming, if you were in the office full-time before you went remote and now hybrid, you may not have been reimbursed for commuting. But many companies have adapted flexible benefits such as a stipend, so yes feel free to ask. If you don’t ask, the answer is already no, so it can go either way if you ask with the potential, of course, for a yes.

Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to [email protected]. For more information and to subscribe to Vicki’s newsletter, visit www.vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @vickisalemi.

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