#AskDesiree: What should I work on to secure a management role in ecommerce?

So, you’re ready for a management job in the ecommerce industry…but where do you even start when it comes to securing that next step in your career?

Welcome back to #AskDesiree…after a well-earned break in August (a panda can never sleep too much!) I’m back to answer this interesting question from an ecommerce professional who is ready to climb the ladder.

It’s an amazing feeling to know you’re ready for progression…but it’s daunting when you’re not sure how to show you are ready. Don’t fear – I’m going to highlight a few things that you can work on so that when it comes to the job search, you will be more than ready!

Highlight what you do well in your current role

This is an obvious one! To show you can be a good manager, show that you can manage the responsibilities you have now like a champion.

You can delve deeper than great results, increased revenue and big achievements too. Make a note of times you inspired your team, helped them flourish and demonstrated management potential. Even if you were not directly managing these people, it shows that you are able to bring a team together and deliver great results!

People skills – show off your social butterfly wings!

One of the most important skills of being a manager is your relationships with the people in your team.

The best thing you can do is observe the dynamics of a team: what makes them happy, what frustrates them and how do different individuals work? This will take some time to get to grips with but being able to convey how you deal with different personality types will really help you stand out from the crowd.

Most importantly, of course, is to work alongside your colleagues and being an example to them…whether you are their manager or not.

Strategy and problem solving extraordinaire!

To show that you can handle long term strategies, start thinking of long term projects you worked on and how you adapted your schedule to this. How did you prioritise? How much time did you dedicate and what was your desired outcome for the project?

With every strategy comes road bumps – think of all the times you jumped in and got your problem-solving cap on. One of the big qualities people want in a manager is someone who can look at an issue calmly and rally the team to get it sorted.

Internal promotion – is it possible in your company?

It could be that you don’t have to begin your quest for a management role with a new company. Are the opportunities coming up in your company that will give you the chance of securing an exciting promotion?

If there is an opening that you feel you’re perfect for, the best thing to do is express your interest as soon as possible. Don’t delay! This is your chance to show how much you want to progress in this company, which shows great loyalty and dedication to senior management.

No internal promotions…you can still show initiative!

If opportunities to progress aren’t available, once again it’s best to ask! Tell your management team that you want to follow in their footsteps and flourish in the business. Even if there isn’t an opportunity immediately available, you can let them know to keep you in mind. Whether it’s to lead on projects, mentor a new starter or getting involved with planning sessions, tell them you want to show what you’re capable of.

It’s not always easy being a manager…

But it is the most exciting and rewarding step in your career so far! I’m sure you have what it takes to find that new opportunity – you just need to believe that you are good enough!

That concludes another instalment of #AskDesiree – remember, I’m here to answer your ecommerce career dilemmas! Don’t be shy…send your questions over to me: desiree@cranberrypanda.co.uk! From job search anxieties to hiring calamities, I’m here to help.

If you’re looking for job search advice, find out how we can help in your search.