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Any advise on how to convince your boss that you're the best candidate for a new position?

There is a new position within my department that I, along with others in my department will be applying for. My boss is an advocate of project management. I was PMP certified in early 2008. There is one co-worker who is also interested in applying for this position, who isn't PMP certified. For 2008 I got the best possible rating on my annual evaluation. Any advise on how to convince my boss that I'm the best candidate for this position?

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Comment by Tom Sheives on May 2, 2009 at 11:44pm: Barb
I like what Stan said. To me the certification as a PMP is valuable if your boss perceives it as valuable. I would look at the 4 key principles and focus on being able to talk about these:

1) Being a recognized expert - being a PMP is a good start towards this
2) Becoming emotional engaged - would your boss see your passion for the work and the passion for the people you work with
3) Does the boss see you as actively helping others? How can you help your peers and help your boss as well?
4) Are you seen as an effective team member? How can you show your boss that you are?

I am applying these four keys alot today in my own business and even personal life and continue to find real value.

I might be "stuck" on these principles but I believe they are valid!

Tom

Comment by Stan Wood on April 28, 2009 at 9:52am: With out knowing what your competition is like or how they compare in tenure/leadership ability, etc. and rereading your post several times, I wonder why you are singling out the one person in your department that is not PMP Certified? Does this person possess some trait that makes you think she/he has an advantage? Just curious.

Here is what I would do in your position

1. Outline your accomplishments that show leadership traits.
2. Using the job parameters, give a detailed list of first steps. Basically, what you would do to make the new position effective for your boss.
3. If it has ever occurred - list any time that you have taken direction from a department head and demonstrate how you over came the obstacles in leading the project and stayed inside the parameters you were given. Any written feed back should be noted.
4. If asked, what would keep you from excelling in the new position, state that nothing comes to mind. That your experience, training, and familiarity with the high expectations, has prepared you for this opportunity.
5. Opporchancity - Tell him/her, that this is the chance for them to seize this opportunity and select you for the position that you are ready to take. Assertive, not arrogant. Webster defines assertive as a non-aggressive statement. This is the opportunity for your boss to select the best person for the position....and that is you!

I understand that you have probably thought of all this...but interviews are more about "why" they should not hire you (all things being equal), than they are about why they should. You are selling a product - YOU - and there is never anything wrong with the product. Simply, the reason you are the best candidate for the new position, is because you desire to move forward and lead others to do so as well.

I hope this is of some value for you......