There’s an internal role in your company you’ve had your eye on for a while – and now, it’s open. You applied, they liked you, and you’ve been invited to an interview. Fantastic!
But this is an interview that needs to go well more than any other. It’s not just your image to the interviewers that’s on the line, it’s also your professional conduct in your current role. So don’t mess it up. Follow our four ultra simple tips and nab that promotion like a pro.
1. Do your research
Research the role. Research is a key part of any interview prep, but when you’re an internal candidate, it’s a little bit easier. Talk to your boss, your potential new boss and colleagues, the role’s current post holder… anyone you can, to make sure you understand exactly what the role involves. Think up some good questions you know you’ll want to ask in the interview too; and, armed with your new info, get ready to talk about precisely why it is that you want this awesome job.
Research the interviewers. Again, you’re at a vantage point here because chances are you already know a thing or two about the person (or people) interviewing you. At the very least, you know where they stand in the company. Consider their background, and what they’re hoping to get from someone in this role, and cater your interview answers accordingly.
2. Know your reputation in the company
People in your company already know what you’re like to work with. They know your strengths and weaknesses; there’s no hiding it or skimming over your bad points. Still, you can certainly use this to your advantage.
It means they know your successes. Think up some examples of your achievements, standout moments, or challenges you’ve overcome in your time at the company that you can talk about in the interview. Their knowledge of your strengths, however, could also work against you: if they know you’re brilliant at buckling down and getting work done, they might have difficulty imagining you in a management position – and you need to be prepared to prove that you can do it. Your best tactic here is to think about what your vantage point in your current role has taught you about this aspect of the business. Career Attraction recommends discussing ‘your passion for what you are doing, how that translates for this new role, and how you will use your experience to hit the ground running.’ Sounds perfect.
They also know if you screwed up. And it’s going to be the elephant in the room if you don’t address it. Luckily, you can spin it around: talk about what you learned, and show what steps you took to make sure the same mistake doesn’t happen again. Someone who can learn from their mistakes is valued far more than someone who pretends they didn’t happen.
3. Be a pro
Take the interview seriously. An internal interview isn’t just a formality – and even if it is, showing that you take it seriously will always reflect well on you. Don your interview suit (or at least, dress for the role you’re applying for), and prepare by updating your CV and coming up with some answers for their questions in advance. And even if you know the interviewer already, don’t act casual or joke around. Show them you’re a professional who can totally handle this new and more professional role!
Tell your current manager about your application. Most job searches are kept confidential from your boss – but that changes when it’s an internal role. They’re going to find out about your application on the grapevine anyway (and they’re the one who’ll be expected to give a reference for you), so keeping them in the loop is the honest and professional thing to do.
4. Follow up respectfully
Following up after an internal interview is super easy, but it can also go super badly if you go about it the wrong way. A quick email after your interview to say thanks will always go down well, but don’t badger the interviewer for an update every time you pass them in the corridor. That’s a one-way ticket to Awkward City. Keep on interacting with them the same way you always do – like a professional.
If a bit too much time passes without them getting back to you, only then does it make sense to drop them a message. But make sure you keep it polite, pressure-free, and respectful; we like this template here.
And finally: relax! Even if you follow our tips and don’t get the promotion of your dreams, you’ll have made a great impression and kept your reputation perfectly intact.
Didn’t get the internal role? Still want to move up in the world? Check out our job listings on HolyMoleyJobs and get applying!