How to Prepare for an Interview Within the Same Company
Prepare for an Interview
As with any job interview, preparation is key to a successful outcome. For employees interviewing for a position within the same company, there are extra considerations to take into account. For example, it is likely the interviewing manager knows the applicant well and has already made their decision on who to hire, so making sure that the person is a good fit for the department is crucial. If not, the employee could be unhappy and leave, creating a negative impact on their coworkers. If there are other employees vying for the same position, it’s important to show that everyone involved in the hiring process is treated equally.
The best way to prepare for interview is by looking at the new job description and mentally checking off each item as something you do currently or have done in the past. You can also prepare by thinking about your own strengths and weaknesses as they relate to the duties of the role. For example, if the job is one that requires a lot of travel, think about how you have handled being away from home and family on business trips in the past. It’s also a good idea to ask your boss, co-workers or career counselor for feedback on how they think you would do in the interview.
Some interview questions will be similar to those asked of external applicants, but others may be different. For example, the interviewer might ask you about your biggest professional mistake and how you learned from it. It’s important to be honest about any mistakes, but to also highlight how you have grown as a result of these experiences. Similarly, the interviewer might ask you about your career goals and how you see yourself growing in this new role. It’s important to be able to explain how this new role fits into your overall goals and how it will help you advance in the company.
How to Prepare for an Interview Within the Same Company
Another question you might face in an internal interview is how you perceive your current job and supervisor. It’s important to avoid criticizing the company or your current supervisor, but instead focus on what you love about your job and how this new opportunity will allow you to do even more of that.
You’ll also need to be ready to address any concerns the interviewer has about your ability to handle the new job’s responsibilities. For instance, if you have been working in a highly technical field, the interviewer may be concerned about whether or not you have the necessary skills to succeed in this more generalized role. Be prepared to discuss how you have taken on additional training or have worked with colleagues in other departments to expand your horizons.
It’s also a good idea to follow up after the interview with a handwritten note and an email thanking the interviewer for their time. This shows that you’re serious about the role and that you value their opinion.