Presenting Yourself for a Job That Does Not Exist…Yet

Is there a job that you have been hoping to perform one day? Perhaps you have witnessed ongoing issues within your company, and you have the ideal way to resolve those issues. Maybe it is time present yourself for a new role, even if the job does not currently exist.  Here are logical steps to take to potentially turn your dream job into a reality.

Uncover the Need

Define a gap or need in your company.   Develop a plan to close the gap or fill the need.  Maybe there is an ongoing problem that could be solved by creating a new position within the company.  Study the situation carefully to be sure the need is genuine.

Research

Identify similar organizations with similar positions and structures. Connect with your network to find examples of companies with similar positions and the success (or lack of success) of such a position and structure.  Before you explore the possibility further, learn lessons from other companies that have tried the strategies you are exploring.

Cost/Benefit Analysis

Determine the cost for changes in the company structure or the addition of the new position.  Also, supply data to support the benefit of the change, such as greater productivity, market expansion, or added functionality.  Benefits should be quantified based on research, projections, and models.

Show Your Value

Why are you the perfect candidate for the new job?  Take the time to review your career history to uncover examples of your past accomplishments relevant to the job you are proposing.  What separates you from other prospective candidates? Why are you uniquely suited to succeed?  What would you do to ensure success?

Build a Proposal

In a concise manner, summarize how the new position would benefit the company. What problem is solved by this new position or structure?  Show how this solution is better than other possibilities, including the status quo.  Illustrate your cost/benefit analysis to support your case. Now that you have proven the need for the position, show how your expertise, experience, and education make you the prime candidate for such a role.

Recruit a Champion

Without the support of a senior manager, your proposal to change the company structure or add a new position could seem presumptuous or inappropriate.   Approach the subject carefully with a management-level mentor.  Be ready to hear that the idea is not good, not ripe, or if you are not the right candidate for the proposed new position.  If you are fortunate to have a champion for your proposal, you can move forward.

The Bottom Line

Creating a new job is a challenge.  If it were easy, it would be common for people to create their own job.   Each of the above steps should be taken seriously to increase your chances.  Even after that, it is not a foregone conclusion. However, if the need is present, the environment is right, you are a strong candidate, and you have the support of a senior-level mentor - - you could create and step into a job that does not currently exist.