How to Get a Manager Position: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting promoted into a management role is an exciting career milestone. As a manager, you’ll have more responsibilities, authority, and opportunities to advance However, the path to management isn’t always straightforward You need to proactively develop the right skills, mindset and experience to get noticed and be considered for promotion.

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to get a manager job and transition smoothly into the role

Develop a Managerial Mindset

To get promoted to manager, you first need to start thinking like one. Adopting a managerial mindset is about seeing the bigger picture and thinking about organizational needs, not just your individual work.

Here are two key mental shifts

• See the big picture – Consider how your role impacts the department and company as a whole. Start evaluating decisions from a broader, more strategic perspective.

• Shift from “me” to “we” – Focus on group performance rather than just individual accomplishments. Think about how to develop your team and make them more effective overall.

Demonstrate Managerial Skills and Behaviors

In addition to mindset, you need to demonstrate you have what it takes to be a competent manager through your skills and behaviors:

• Hit deadlines consistently – Managers need to be reliable and get work done on time. Missing deadlines can hurt the entire team.

• Communicate effectively – Keep your manager and team updated through emails, meetings and status reports. Practice active listening during 1-on-1s.

• Connect the dots – Explain how your work aligns to departmental and organizational goals. Show you understand the big picture.

• Use strategic language – Incorporate industry trends, opportunities and organizational challenges in everyday conversation.

• Collaborate cross-functionally – Partner with other departments to accomplish shared objectives.

• Coach teammates – Offer feedback and advice to help others improve. Be approachable.

• Think long-term – Consider how decisions impact the future success and direction of the team.

Seek Out Development Opportunities

Gaining the right skills, experiences and relationships will help strengthen your case for promotion. Here are some impactful development activities to pursue:

• Take on stretch assignments – Volunteer for challenging, high-visibility projects that let you demonstrate managerial competencies.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives – Building relationships across the organization will expose you to diverse perspectives.

• Find a mentor – Ask a manager you admire to mentor you. Their guidance can help you navigate your path to promotion.

• Enroll in leadership training – Formal programs teach critical skills like conflict resolution, performance management and team building.

• Learn operations and systems – Understand key business operations, tools and systems beyond your daily role.

• Join committees – Volunteering for event planning, diversity council, etc. builds visibility and influence.

Communicate Your Ambitions

Don’t wait for management to read your mind. Clearly convey your aspirations through ongoing conversations:

• Discuss career goals with your manager – Set up regular check-ins to share your desire to move into management. Offer ideas on how you can gain the right experience.

• Ask what competencies the company values – Learn what exactly managers look for in promotion candidates and tailor your development accordingly.

• Inquire about open management roles – If a relevant position becomes available, express interest. Highlight how your skills would transfer over.

• Request to shadow managers – Volunteering to shadow current managers helps you learn what the day-to-day realities of the role entail.

Ace the Interview Process

When a management role opens up, be ready to effectively convey your qualifications throughout the application and interview process:

• Align your resume to the job posting – Tailor your resume summary, skills and experience bullets to what the hiring manager is specifically looking for.

• Prepare STAR interview stories – Reflect on examples that demonstrate important managerial capabilities like leadership, problem-solving and relationship-building.

• Explain why you want the job – Share your motivations for pursuing management and how it aligns with your long-term career vision.

• Ask thoughtful questions – Inquire about challenges of the role, traits of successful managers in the company, training programs, etc.

• Send thank you notes – Follow up and reiterate your interest after the interview. This leaves a positive final impression.

Make a Smooth Transition

After securing that coveted promotion, avoid common new manager pitfalls by taking proactive steps to transition smoothly into your new role:

• Set expectations – Have candid discussions with your new team about working styles, challenges, goals and norms.

• Document past responsibilities – Create guides and checklists to help your replacement maintain continuity in your old role. Offer to train them.

• Observe and listen – Resist making significant changes right away. Take time to understand processes before putting your own stamp on things.

• Find a mentor – Lack of guidance is tough for new managers. Find an experienced manager who can act as a trusted advisor as you navigate this career stage.

• Figure out your management style – Be authentic to your personality. With experience over time, you will settle into leadership behaviors that feel natural for you and get results on your team.

Keep Growing as a Manager

Getting promoted is just the first step. Great managers continue evolving and improving throughout their careers. Stay dedicated to your management development.

• Continuously expand your skillset – Keep taking on new challenges and courses to strengthen areas like influence, conflict resolution, coaching and data-driven decision making.

• Request feedback – Ask your team, peers and boss for regular constructive feedback on your management strengths and growth areas.

• Stay connected to the details – Don’t lose sight of the on-the-ground realities your team faces day-to-day. Roll up your sleeves to help with individual contributions when needed.

• Build relationships company-wide – Effective managers connect with peers across the organization to enable collaboration, sharing of best practices and new perspectives.