help me prep for this interview: from mid level in big place to director, smaller place

[Anonymous]

I am flying out this weekend for an interview as a director/head of a small organization, which is located on an academic campus. Right now, I am middle management at a very, very large (one of the biggest) versions of the same kind of organization.

I have the right academic pedigree, lot of the requisite skills and experience, but I have not been in senior management--I'm the deputy to my departmental head, so I 'get it' and have been party to many leadership decisions, but I haven't been the one running the show. Secondly, I haven't overseen a budget, which is part of this job.

I will certainly get asked the question about management experience and specifically budget experience (their budget is just until 2m, where I am now it is 200plus, so very different kinds of budgets anyway). Any thoughts about how to answer honestly but convincingly that my decade plus of mid level experience at the one of the leading institutions of its kind prepares me for taking the helm of a smaller one?

[Anonymous]

Interesting! I'm in almost the exact reverse situation and feel pretty insecure about my prospects. If I were hiring you for my smaller org, it would help me to hear that you're aware about how some things will be inherently different and that you've thought about how your skills would translate. On the budget aspect, can you study up ahead of time on best budget management practices? I wouldn't mind hearing from a candidate, "I haven't managed a budget before, but I've read this guide and have talked to x y and z about best practices... Also fast learner, happy to take a course, blah blah blah..."

[Anonymous]

Remember the confidence gap - for women we think we need to fill all of the qualifications to get the job. Men will go after it if they fit 30%.

Do not start with why you are not qualified. Tell the story of why you are. But when asked for challenges - be upfront and talk about some ideas for mitigation strategies.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

If I was interviewing you, I would have serious concerns about whether you had the right skillset to run a shop 1/100th the size of where you come from. You will likely have to convince me that you understand what you are getting into. For me, I would also have to see examples of you having succeeded in my small firm situation. If you haven't you'll be climbing uphill.

Having said that, to succeed, you will need to show me unflinching confidence that this is something you believe you can do. Once you convince me that you believe in yourself (step one, do not skip), give me your plan for what you plan to do at the reins.