Tips to Help You Stand Out in an Internal Interview
You might not need to look very far if you’re looking for additional responsibilities, a higher salary, or a new career path. Pursuing a new role within your company is a great way to advance professionally without starting over somewhere new. But just because you’re already an employee doesn’t mean the job is guaranteed. Internal interviews can be just as competitive as external ones—sometimes even more so.
How ow do you stand out and secure that promotion? Follow these proven strategies to increase your chances of success.
What Is an Internal Interview?
An internal interview is when you apply for a different or higher-level position within your current company. While you might assume you have an edge because you already know the organization, you’ll likely face competition from both internal and external candidates. Hiring managers want to know why you are the best fit, not just that you already work there.
What to Expect in an Internal Interview
Since the hiring manager may already know you (or know of you), you can expect fewer questions about your background and previous jobs. Instead, prepare to focus more on what you’ll bring to the role and how your current job has prepared you for this transition.
Internal interviews can be awkward. First, you may be interviewed by someone you know well, making it difficult to maintain a professional tone. You might also be facing someone who knows
your past challenges, such as performance issues or disciplinary actions you’ve experienced while working for the company. These are important factors to consider and prepare for as your interview approaches.
Tips to Prepare for an Internal Interview
1. Speak with your manager first
Before applying, have a candid conversation with your current manager. Their support can be a game-changer, providing insights into the role and even advocating for you. However, if they seem hesitant, proceed carefully to avoid jeopardizing your current position.
2. Do some digging into the new role
Don’t assume you know everything about the position just because you work at the company. Speak with colleagues in the department, review the job description carefully, and learn about the challenges and expectations associated with the role. The more informed you are, the stronger your interview performance will be.
3. Consider your career goals
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your goals. Why are you applying for the position? You want to be able to communicate a strong reason succinctly. Hiring managers want to know you’re serious about the role and not just looking for a change of pace.
The key is connecting your future goals to the company. Here’s an example: “During my time in the fulfillment department, I’ve become increasingly interested in customer experience. I’m interested in this job because it would help me grow my CX skills while being directly involved in launching [upcoming product], which I’m really excited about.”
Need help creating timely and measurable goals? Check out these step-by-step instructions for setting career goals that will keep you engaged and motivated!
4. Prepare a list of your achievements
What have you done in your current role to advance the interests of the company or your department? Don’t assume the interviewer will already know these things. Be prepared to cite your specific accomplishments.
Since you’re talking to someone from within the same company, you’ll have the advantage of speaking more precisely than you would if you were an external candidate. For example, if you reference your work on a well-known company project, they’ll already have context on what you’re describing instead of having to explain it from start to finish.
Also, consider the other side of the coin–that the interviewer already knows about you and your accomplishments. Your reputation can work against you in ways you might not expect.
If everyone sees you as a top tech guy, they might have a hard time envisioning you in a sales role, and so on. Be prepared to combat preconceived notions if you’re speaking with someone familiar with your work.
Don’t forget to prepare a cover letter for the internal position and create an internal promotion resume to help position yourself as the strongest candidate.
5. Don’t take it for granted
Is it easier to hire an internal candidate than an external one? Definitely. However, the company’s top priority is hiring the best person for the job, regardless of whether they’re coming from inside or outside.
Remember: you’re not guaranteed to get the job despite whatever edge you have over outsiders. A recent study from LinkedIn shows that only 20% of positions are filled by internal candidates.
Research and rehearse as you would for any interview rather than assuming the position is yours. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and communicate clearly and confidently. Avoid casual language, and don’t assume the hiring team already knows your strengths.
6. Prepare for common interview questions
- Why are you interested in this role?
- What would you bring to the job?
- What are your greatest accomplishments during your time with the company?
- How have you grown during your time here?
- In what areas do you think you have an opportunity to improve?
- Tell me about your work on [project X].
- Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
- What do you think we could do better as a company?
- How would your colleagues on [current team] describe working with you?
7. Be willing to accept an unwanted outcome
Consider that you can do everything right and still not get the job. Will you be able to remain effective in your current role? What will your relationship with your manager look like?
This isn’t to say you can’t stay in your current role and be successful at it. In fact, this happens all the time when internal candidates don’t land a promotion they apply for. But it’s a good idea to consider the possibility that you may feel compelled to leave the company if you don’t get the job so you can prepare yourself for what your next move might be.
Closing thoughts
Internal interviews present an opportunity to highlight your value and show your readiness for the next step. Approach them with the same preparation and professionalism you would apply to an external interview. Conduct thorough research, and be ready to clearly articulate your contributions to show why you’re the ideal candidate.
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