How do I win a more a senior role?

Assess strengths and career goals

Michael Bennett

Director, Best People

I am assuming that you have talked with your company about the option of managing the additional sites, that this is not possible and that you wish to remain in Northern Ireland.

It appears that you will need to look outside of your current company and start the job hunting process. There are a number of things that will help you here. First, I recommend you spend time assessing your strengths and career goals (possibly with a career mentor or someone who can advise you) and then identify a clear idea of what you want from your next role. You will then need to put together a CV, outlining your experience and key competencies, which will appeal to potential employers.

The search then should encompass networking with your industry contacts, registering with local, specialist IT recruitment companies and monitoring the local press for suitable opportunities.

When you are selected for interviews ensure that you prepare thoroughly - research the company, have good probing questions for the interviewers, arrive early, use positive body language, etc. Most importantly, as you are targeting a senior or board-level position you must prepare to articulate how you can influence the business via the use of technology.

The panel: Apex, MSB International, Best International Group, Computer Futures, Computer People, Elan, E-skills NTO, Monarch Recruitment, Reed Computing