Someone above you resigns...

[HurricaneJesus]

How do you go about asking for their job? Say I just got the email informing me. Is it too soon to inquire?

[coreybox]

* Best way: You're friends with the person resigning, and have them suggest you to their boss as a replacement.

* Give your resume to the boss and ask to be considered.

[DGDGBD]

there are so many variables here that we don't know, but maybe approach higher ups and say something like, "let me know if there is anything I can help with now that "xxxx" is leaving". or just flat out let them know you are interested, and more importantly, why you would be the right person for the position

[VicAjax]

just start sitting in their office and doing their work. if no one says anything, ask for a raise.

[Route234]

Go to the person who is going to be hiring and speak to them, in person, if possible. Do not sit back and wait. That is the worst thing you can do. Trust me, Ive been working in management for years now and even though I dont agree with it and absolutely do not do it myself, everyone Ive worked with in management pretty much greases the squeaky wheel. If you dont present yourself as a candidate there isnt much chance they will sit down together in a backroom and make you one themselves.

Im always looking to promote people and do right by people who are already there, but most people I work with are not like that. If you show them that you are content where you are they will take advantage of it and just use the new position to get someone else in while keeping you where you are.

[mwc2112]

just flat out let them know you are interested, and more importantly, why you would be the right person for the position

This. IMO the worst thing you can do is hang back or ask the guy leaving to put in a good word for you. It doesn't show initiative or decisiveness. Most employers respect pro-activity far more then tip-toeing.

[cram]

ask.
in business, they want to succeed.
Tell them how that can happen with you in that position.

[HugalosPizza]

BuFu the octopus.

[Elev8]

2 pronged approach.

1) Talk to the person's line manager.
2) Talk to someone in your HR department.

I'd ask for both conversations to remain confidential, but that you'd like to be considered to fill the role, if/when the firm will look to do so. Ask if you'd need to submit a resume.

Companies by and large like initiative, and proactive willing volunteers.
Definitely don't wait you just risk missing the boat.
If you do the above, what's the worst that can happen?
They'll either consider you, or tell you why not. Either way you lose nothing.

[rico1204]

A good business organization should have succession planning, which in turn should be folded into an individual's development plan. If this is the first your management is hearing about your aspirations, you may not get the job. The sooner you communicate your aspirations to your managers, the better so that they can do things to position you/groom you.

That said, even if this is the first time you are raising your hand, do so with conviction. Be ready to talk about WHY you deserve the job. What additional skills do you bring to the table that have been untapped? What will you do differently/better than the person who left?

If you don't get the gig, follow up with your management after and discuss the reasons WHY, so that you can get a handle on what else you would need to work on so that you will be considered if a future opportunity presents itself.

Good luck!

[tapeworm]

* Give your resume to the boss and ask to be considered.
this ....and hope your productivity record, attendance, and work ethic are enough for you to get considered.

[2HBStrat]

I think there are times when it is better to sit back and be cool and let things come to you. This doesn't sound like one of those times. I'm not proactive by nature, but this is the time for you to be proactive. Let them know in no uncertain terms that you want the job and can do the job and will do what it takes to do the job.

[big mike]

If you don't ask, don't expect them to know you want the gig.

[rmconner80]

You let people know who are in charge of hiring that you are interested in responding to the vacancy announcement and to please inform you when they begin accepting applicants to the vacancy.

[Willie Johnson]

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by asking to be considered.

[Mark 63]

Think of this a problem-solution scenario. The manager now has a problem in that the person he hired to do a job is leaving. Present yourself to that manager as a solution. You know the work and are well positioned to get it done.

Remember, putting you in that position will in all likelihood be cheaper than filling it from outside.

[Bozak]

No need to ask if you're really qualified, a company will always prefer to promote, cheaper for them to hire someone further down the chain, and if they don't talk to you about it then you're not qualified, and you avoided an uncomfortable situation for everyone, they know people want the job, and they know it will sting to go outside the company, so I say nothing and if you really want a promotion, work on being someone that gets promotions, not asks for them.

[qingcong]

If I see a bunch of high ranking guys leaving, usually it's a red flag that bad stuff is about to happen.

[paranoid70]

Just be sure you actually want the job! I know if my manager quit, I wouldn't want his job.

[jiml]

It may be too late, but be aggressive, now...

[wstsidela]

Mental telepathy?

[CowTipton]

Like this:

"I want the job."

[BlackStrat_Fan]

Go to the person who is going to be hiring and speak to them, in person, if possible. Do not sit back and wait. That is the worst thing you can do. Trust me, Ive been working in management for years now and even though I dont agree with it and absolutely do not do it myself, everyone Ive worked with in management pretty much greases the squeaky wheel. If you dont present yourself as a candidate there isnt much chance they will sit down together in a backroom and make you one themselves.

Im always looking to promote people and do right by people who are already there, but most people I work with are not like that. If you show them that you are content where you are they will take advantage of it and just use the new position to get someone else in while keeping you where you are.

This is spot on. You have to show initiative if you really want that position. Ask to speak in person and just lay it out. If you don't get that position, at least "they" will know you're serious - which could result in being considered first for other things that come up. Also, if you don't get the position ask why, and what you need to do to be considered next time.

[Tmac1957]

If your boss has been doing his/her job, they should already know what you are after (via regular interaction) and what the succesion plan is. Not sure what the dynamics are over there, but you should let it be known what you are interested in and capable of.

[conundrum]

No need to ask if you're really qualified, a company will always prefer to promote, cheaper for them to hire someone further down the chain, and if they don't talk to you about it then you're not qualified, and you avoided an uncomfortable situation for everyone, they know people want the job, and they know it will sting to go outside the company, so I say nothing and if you really want a promotion, work on being someone that gets promotions, not asks for them.

This is great advice for 1964. For better or worse, things don't work this way anymore.

[stratzrus]

just start sitting in their office and doing their work. if no one says anything, ask for a raise.That's pretty much exactly what I did even though I stayed in my old office after I picked up my boss's workload ...it was nicer than his anyway. ;)

It actually worked out pretty well.

[The Kid]

I guarantee a bunch of cats were already asking while you were writing this post. Get in there man! (be tactful of course...) All the best to you!

[Tonekat]

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.
- Sun Tzu

[gillman royce]

* Best way: You're friends with the person resigning, and have them suggest you to their boss as a replacement.

* Give your resume to the boss and ask to be considered.

You never know the real reason they're leaving, so best to go with option #2