How to Become a Manager

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In every industry, companies rely on managers to successfully lead their team and ensure that business objectives are met. Learning the steps to becoming a manager can improve your chances of getting a manager-level position. This article discusses the key features of being a manager, identifies the advantages of this professional level and provides practical advice on how you can become a manager through an internal promotion or with a new company.

What is a manager?

A manager is an individual who is responsible for supervising the various projects and operational activities of a company. There are positions on this professional level in all industries and career fields. Managerial positions can include project managers, IT project managers, marketing managers, network managers and HR managers. In terms of experience, a manager is an intermediate-level position, which is usually suited to candidates with a minimum of five years of relevant employment experience. Due to being tasked with job responsibilities that are more challenging than those of entry-level employees, most managers enjoy relatively more employment benefits.

Why become a manager?

A manager-level position offers several advantage, such as: 

  • Increased salary. Managers earn more than entry-level employees, according to the data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Gaining more job authority. Since a manager is an intermediate- to senior-level employee, you can expect to have more authority on the job as a manager. For instance, most managers oversee a team of employees, provide entry-level staff with training, oversee their team’s adherence to company policies and are accountable for their team’s performance.
  • Developing new skills. As a manager, you are likely to have job responsibilities that have more impact on your department’s overall output when compared with entry-level personnel. Getting a job as a manager enables you to document managerial job duties that develop skills in leadership, communication and collaboration which can improve your chances of getting a better job in the future.
  • Professional advancement. Once you become a manager, you are more eligible for senior-level positions. Most jobs with the highest salaries and best benefits are more accessible to candidates with managerial experience.

How to become a manager in your company

If becoming a manager in your current workplace interests you, consider using the following steps to get promoted: 

1. First, develop key relationships

To improve your eligibility for internal promotions, it is necessary to connect with influential staff and decision-makers in your company, who you can ask for referrals when there is a job opening in the future. Use company research to identify these people, develop a plan on how you can approach them professionally and make an effort to build relationships with them. It is also important to focus on maintaining your relationships with your coworkers as you can ask them for information on things like your work ethic and interpersonal skills when the company is hiring.

2. Next, build the necessary skills

A manager in most industries usually requires skills in communication, leadership, finance, collaboration, project management and critical thinking as well as position-specific, technical skills. 

Here are the methods you can use to develop your skills: 

  • Learn about the specific skills needed for a manager-level position in your career path
  • Work on developing the abilities you need
  • Prove your competency for a manager role with a new skill certification

3. Third, use feedback to improve your performance

You can ask your coworkers and other managers for feedback on your performance. Analyzing their feedback can help you to identify areas for improvement in your skill set for a managerial position. This behavior can also communicate your interpersonal skills and highlight your work ethic to your supervisors.

4. Fourth, pursue job opportunities

You can pursue job opportunities with the following activities:

  • Let your manager know that you are interested in making a transition to a managerial level in the future
  • Set up a meeting with the management where you present your worth with quantitative metrics
  • Ask your supervisor if there are cross-training opportunities that enable you to train for a manager role on the job and take on more supervisory responsibilities

5. Finally, update your resume regularly

Include any new achievements in your resume, so you are prepared to apply for any new opportunities in your company.

How to become a manager in a new company

If you are planning on seeking a manager-level job at a new company, consider using the following steps: 

1. First, look for job postings

Research online job boards, the job pages of the websites of your preferred companies, search engines and newspapers for manager-level vacancies.

2. Second, develop industry contacts

You can develop contacts in your industry with the following process: 

  • Identify the decision-makers in the companies that interest you
  • Use professional networking platforms and industry news to learn about them and try to make new contacts
  • Visit industry events, contribute to professional associations
  • Send industry contacts a note expressing your interest in their ideas or request a mentorship
  • Once you establish a relationship, indicate your interest in advancing your career and ask them for advice 

3. Then, invest in building your professional brand

Developing a strong professional brand could help you get noticed by recruiters. Engage in activities that improve your personal brand, such as updating your profiles on professional networks and becoming an active contributor at industry events or in professional organizations.

4. Lastly, build your skills and resume

Look for opportunities in your current job that enable you to develop managerial skills, such as:

  • Take on a team leadership role or take on more responsibilities as a team member
  • Engage in activities that develop managerial skills, such as proactively developing a PowerPoint presentation to motivate your team or sharing your ideas for an improved workflow with your manager
  • Document these activities and their outcomes in your resume to highlight the skills that make you suitable for a manager position