How to successfully land your internal interview

Applying for and successfully getting a new role within your current organisation can be more difficult than you might imagine, and the interview is often something that I find that clients don’t take seriously enough.  

Here are my tips on how to ‘ace’ you next internal interview. 

1.     Treat an internal interview the same way you would treat an external interview, but recognise that you have a number of added benefits such as you share a common understanding of the organisation and your referees, for better or worse, are probably going to be more open about your skills, strengths and weaknesses.

2.    Research the job: Don’t assume you know about the job simply because you work in the same organisation. Take advantage of the fact that you have an insiders knowledge and if appropriate ask the job holder and those who interact with them about the job, what works well and what could work better.  If it’s a new role and it’s appropriate, ask people linked to the new role about their expectations and hopes for the role. 

3.    Update your resume: I once applied for a new role in my organisation and didn’t bother to take my CV. Bad move! Like you would for an external role, make sure your resume is both up to date and emphasizes the relevant skills and experience that would make you a good fit for the new position.

4.    Prepare for common interview questions: Prepare for typical interview questions about your experience, strengths and weaknesses, and why you are interested in the new position.

5.    Think about your behaviour during the interview:
-    Highlight your achievements, be specific and give examples of how you have demonstrated the skills required for the role.
-    Show enthusiasm.
-    Ask thoughtful questions that you have prepared beforehand.
-    Be aware of not divulging confidences. Always important, but even more so when your interviewer may know the person involved.

6.    Follow up: After the interview, make you send the manager a thank-you email or note. Not only does this reinforce your interest in the role, it also recognises that even if you don’t get the role, you may be working with them in the future.

Remember, be confident, positive, and prepared. Internal interviews are often more relaxed than external ones because of your shared working experiences but you still need to be professional.