Applying for a Lead position - wish me luck!

[Dave1982]

I'm starting a new thread off my "Proverbial Last Straw" thread.

I've decided - at least for now - not to resign. As was pointed out in that thread, there are always options. At the time, I was so upset and mentally exhausted that I didn't see any way out of my situation except to quit my job. I'd even gone so far as to write, date, and sign a letter of resignation and was fully prepared to submit it.

However, I found a listing on monster.com for a Customer Service Lead opening at another store in my district.

Yesterday I had a private chat with Professor X in which I told him I wanted to apply for that opening (strictly speaking I could just apply without speaking to him first, but they would undoubtedly ask for his evaluation of me, and having that be a surprise would only antagonize him). He explained to me what would be expected of a CSL and what I would have to prove to the District Manager in order to get the position, and I told him confidently that i believed I have what it takes. He did not say anything one way or the other about if thought I could do the job, though he did express some concern about whether or not it was a valid opening, because we couldn't find it on the company's internal job listings.

Luckily, we had an all-hands meeting tonight and the district manager was there, so I asked her afterwards if the opening was legit.

Not only did she confirm that it was definitely legit, but she told me that as of the last time she looked, there were NO APPLICANTS IN THE PIPELINE FOR THAT POSITION!!!

So assuming that no one has applied for the position through Monster over the weekend, I'll be the first to do so. Add to that the fact that the position has been open since at least October 16 (the date of the listing on Monster), and that as a matter of policy internal applicants get first consideration, I think my chances of getting the position are excellent.

So, everybody, please wish me luck!!! This will be an excellent step forward for me. It will solve a number of job-related problems I've had lately, and would be a far cry form having to resign.

And, since CSL is a management-type position (though not strictly speaking a manager), please hope that a Spine-ectomy isn't part of the training process.

[NightWatch]

Good luck!!! *Staples metal spine bracers to your flesh to prevent said spine-ectomy*

[nomorecarts]

for lead positions they only hit your spine with a baseball bat a couple times it's still there.... kinda

[DerangedHermit]

And, since CSL is a management-type position (though not strictly speaking a manager), please hope that a Spine-ectomy isn't part of the training process.

No, but a Bobbittectomy is!

Choppy choppy your pee pee!

[draggar]

Good luck. I was a tech lead at Staples years ago, it was fun (especially being shipped to different stores to train newbies).

[cinema guy]

Best of luck.

[cool2batroll]

Good Luck!

[Justiceguy216]

Wish you luck man. Btw, what store is it that you applied to? Cuz I know that our CSL left from store 0296 about a month ago..

[Dave1982]

Some news to report.

After a couple days of fits and starts, I've now been told how I need to proceed with this. The problem was that although the opening was posted to monster.com, for whatever reason it wasn't posted on the company's internal job listings. And without that posting, Professor X didn't know what to do (to be fair, I don't blame him. He hasn't been with the company that long and this is probably the first time he's had to deal with an employee looking to apply for a position at another store).

I've also learned that supposedly another store much closer than the one I had planned to apply to is also looking for a CSL, which would be even better. So I will be talking with Professor X again today and I'll see if I can try for that store first.

Edited to add: Almost forgot. If I remember correctly, I know the sales manager at this closer store. He used to work as an a full-time associate at my store, and is an incredibly good guy. If he's still there, then it makes going to this store all the better, because the CSL works very closely with the sales manager.

[Dave1982]

I have an interview with the GM of the store I'm applying to tomorrow at 2!

Oh, and after getting it all set up, Professor X decided to say "I don't think you're that well suited to the position."

Gee thanks Professor. Great confidence booster!

[bainsidhe]

Good luck. Do let us know how things go.

[Dave1982]

I think the interview went well. It was mostly informal; a "get to know you" interview, but they seemed to like me and they said I gave good answers to their questions.

Once I hear back from them I'll post another update.

[wagegoth]

I have an interview with the GM of the store I'm applying to tomorrow at 2!

Oh, and after getting it all set up, Professor X decided to say "I don't think you're that well suited to the position."

Gee thanks Professor. Great confidence booster!

He's scared to lose you. However he may treat you, he probably knows his ass is on the line with the new store set-up, and he needs every smart, reliable employee he has.

[MaggieTheCat]

Oh, and after getting it all set up, Professor X decided to say "I don't think you're that well suited to the position."

Gee thanks Professor. Great confidence booster!

Agree with Wagegoth on this one...however a feeble and inappropriate attempt it may be, this is his way of trying to get you not to apply/not have the confidence to do well in that position, so he doesn't lose you. He knows you bust your butt at your current position and is probably panicking about having to replace you. It was the same when I was promoted from a call center agent to my current position; my then-supervisor told me it was a "bad move" because I was "too good on the phones."

Glad the interview went well, though, and good luck!

[Crazeyal]

Think about it.

Chrome dome is in CHARGE of that sinking ship. How great are *HIS* prospects??