Have you seen a job posted internally at your company that you feel is right up your alley? Go for it!
But before you go to the interview thinking you have the position simply because you’re already a known and proven entity, think again: it may be harder for you to win the position.
Why? Because if you look at your application and interview as a done deal, you’re likely to give off an aura of smugness or even entitlement. Even if you don’t, the hiring manager may be wondering if — or even subconsciously thinking — that you feel the position is yours just because you’re a current employee of the company.
So prepare for an internal job interview and present yourself at it just as you would a “regular” interview. You may even want to go above and beyond to show that you’re the right person for the job.
You do have some advantage as an internal candidate: You know the company and its challenges and goals intimately. You therefore can come up with specific ideas that can help the hiring manager achieve his or her goals. (If you don’t already know what those goals are, don’t be shy – ask!)
Some other tips:
- Don’t assume you know what the hiring manager is looking for. Ask current department staffers about what it’s really like to work for the manager and to get the real scoop on what the position’s job duties entail.
- Revamp your résumé so that it better fits the open position. If possible, include any on-the-job successes you have had that are relevant to the new position.
- During the interview, describe your duties and accomplishments as if you are meeting the hiring manager for the first time and as if he or she has no idea of your current skills, background and successes. (After all, if you work for a large company with numerous departments, the hiring manager may not know you at all!)
- Show enthusiasm for the position. Let the hiring manager know you want the job. How? Ask for it.
- Just as you do when applying for positions with other companies, write the hiring manager and anyone else with whom you interviewed a thank you letter within 24 hours after your interview. (E-mail is fine; use your knowledge of your company’s culture regarding whether it’s OK to use your work e-mail for this. Otherwise, wait until you get home.) Restate why you think you’re a good fit for the position and mention any aspects of your skills or experience that you feel are pertinent but failed to mention during the interview.
If you’re looking for new challenges but feel you’ve gone as far as you can with your current employer, contact Arrow Staffing. We have many direct-hire opportunities with some of the Inland Empire’s best companies. Contact us today!