How should a candidate approach an interview for an internal position as opposed to an external position?

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How should a candidate approach an interview for an internal position as oppose to an external position?



An internal position is a vacant position that is available within the company you are currently working. An external position is outside the company.



Several aspects such as process leading up to the interview, position intel and culture intel would be key differences.



This is from the perspective of a candidate.







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  • Instead of the usual "research the company, what it does, how and why" I would apply that same approach to their department and what it does, how and why in my preparation.
    – Michael Durrant
    Apr 18 '12 at 22:05
















up vote
19
down vote

favorite
1












How should a candidate approach an interview for an internal position as oppose to an external position?



An internal position is a vacant position that is available within the company you are currently working. An external position is outside the company.



Several aspects such as process leading up to the interview, position intel and culture intel would be key differences.



This is from the perspective of a candidate.







share|improve this question






















  • Instead of the usual "research the company, what it does, how and why" I would apply that same approach to their department and what it does, how and why in my preparation.
    – Michael Durrant
    Apr 18 '12 at 22:05












up vote
19
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
19
down vote

favorite
1






1





How should a candidate approach an interview for an internal position as oppose to an external position?



An internal position is a vacant position that is available within the company you are currently working. An external position is outside the company.



Several aspects such as process leading up to the interview, position intel and culture intel would be key differences.



This is from the perspective of a candidate.







share|improve this question














How should a candidate approach an interview for an internal position as oppose to an external position?



An internal position is a vacant position that is available within the company you are currently working. An external position is outside the company.



Several aspects such as process leading up to the interview, position intel and culture intel would be key differences.



This is from the perspective of a candidate.









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Apr 17 '12 at 7:11

























asked Apr 16 '12 at 14:13









tehnyit

1,97511622




1,97511622











  • Instead of the usual "research the company, what it does, how and why" I would apply that same approach to their department and what it does, how and why in my preparation.
    – Michael Durrant
    Apr 18 '12 at 22:05
















  • Instead of the usual "research the company, what it does, how and why" I would apply that same approach to their department and what it does, how and why in my preparation.
    – Michael Durrant
    Apr 18 '12 at 22:05















Instead of the usual "research the company, what it does, how and why" I would apply that same approach to their department and what it does, how and why in my preparation.
– Michael Durrant
Apr 18 '12 at 22:05




Instead of the usual "research the company, what it does, how and why" I would apply that same approach to their department and what it does, how and why in my preparation.
– Michael Durrant
Apr 18 '12 at 22:05










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
5
down vote



accepted










The only difference I would expect is that the folks conducting the interview will probably know you (or in a bigger company, know someone in your supervisory chain) - the interview is less of a "getting to know the candidate" event and more of a "Do you have the requisite skills?" / "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" kind of thing.



Because of this you should expect to be grilled a little more thoroughly on your weak points, and you should have a plan on how you will continue to grow and improve as an employee.

The benefit side of that equation is that when you state some of the projects you've worked on there's a good chance the people interviewing you will be familiar with them. If you've done consistently good work for the company you can expect that other teams will want to have you as an asset.






share|improve this answer
















  • 7




    From experience, companies that put much weight on "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" as a reason not to offer an employee a new role usually end up losing that employee one way or the other.
    – John N
    Apr 17 '12 at 7:29










  • @JohnN That's true, but it is an important consideration in promoting team leads out of their group. Any company that doesn't consider the effects of a job transition will eventually have to deal with the resulting chaos.
    – voretaq7
    Apr 17 '12 at 15:02










  • Definitely agree that there's a balance to be struck, but you just need to be careful not to be overly cautious.
    – John N
    Apr 17 '12 at 15:05






  • 1




    @JohnN It's not something you should be considering as a candidate when you apply for the new position, just something to be aware of that may factor into the company's decision (i.e. if you're willing to do a reasonable amount of extra work to support your old team after you move it may help you get the job - it shows you're company-oriented)
    – voretaq7
    Apr 17 '12 at 16:10










  • As somebody in a strategic position in a company - eg, Team Lead - you should have some sort of succession plan in place, even if it's only in your head. If you want to move to another role in the company, you should be able to explain how your current position will be handled with minimal disruption.
    – MattBelanger
    Apr 21 '12 at 20:06

















up vote
5
down vote













For the most part, there's no difference at all. You should go into the interview expecting just as much scrutiny as someone who has never worked for the company. However, you should also be prepared to demonstrate how your inside knowledge of the company is an asset, and not just expect the interviewer to assume as much.



I've never interviewed a current employee, but I've interviewed two former employees who left for educational reasons then came back to apply for a higher-level position a few years later. One couldn't remember anything about our products or what she worked on before. The other was able to talk intelligently about his previous work here, and demonstrated ability beyond what was required in his former position. Guess which one we hired?






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    1
    down vote













    If you have identified an internal position that you want, your best bet is to get your current manager to advocate on your behalf in support of your candidacy. In most companies I've seen, the first thing hiring managers/HR do with internal applicants is to speak with the employee's current boss.



    On that same point, your current boss is going to hear about your application, so he/she might as well hear about it from you. Explain why you are interested, how the new position would help your career development, and how you taking the new job would help the company. Ask your boss for his/her thoughts and to provide a positive reference for you.






    share|improve this answer




















    • So, one of the main difference is the level of discreetness. It pays to be open and upfront for internal positions, whereas for external positions, being discrete is almost the first priority.
      – tehnyit
      Apr 19 '12 at 6:37

















    up vote
    0
    down vote













    I'd probably focus a bit on making sure I have a list of character references within the company to support why I'd be a good fit for the new position. Knowledge of the company isn't likely to be a big focus in the interview though it may be worth knowing what department the new position is, what changes would I be taking and how is this a good move for the company for me to move to there from here.



    The reference point here is a bit different since these may be mutual acquaintances unlike the other case where in an external company there may not be that same depth to the business relationship.






    share|improve this answer




















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      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes








      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      5
      down vote



      accepted










      The only difference I would expect is that the folks conducting the interview will probably know you (or in a bigger company, know someone in your supervisory chain) - the interview is less of a "getting to know the candidate" event and more of a "Do you have the requisite skills?" / "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" kind of thing.



      Because of this you should expect to be grilled a little more thoroughly on your weak points, and you should have a plan on how you will continue to grow and improve as an employee.

      The benefit side of that equation is that when you state some of the projects you've worked on there's a good chance the people interviewing you will be familiar with them. If you've done consistently good work for the company you can expect that other teams will want to have you as an asset.






      share|improve this answer
















      • 7




        From experience, companies that put much weight on "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" as a reason not to offer an employee a new role usually end up losing that employee one way or the other.
        – John N
        Apr 17 '12 at 7:29










      • @JohnN That's true, but it is an important consideration in promoting team leads out of their group. Any company that doesn't consider the effects of a job transition will eventually have to deal with the resulting chaos.
        – voretaq7
        Apr 17 '12 at 15:02










      • Definitely agree that there's a balance to be struck, but you just need to be careful not to be overly cautious.
        – John N
        Apr 17 '12 at 15:05






      • 1




        @JohnN It's not something you should be considering as a candidate when you apply for the new position, just something to be aware of that may factor into the company's decision (i.e. if you're willing to do a reasonable amount of extra work to support your old team after you move it may help you get the job - it shows you're company-oriented)
        – voretaq7
        Apr 17 '12 at 16:10










      • As somebody in a strategic position in a company - eg, Team Lead - you should have some sort of succession plan in place, even if it's only in your head. If you want to move to another role in the company, you should be able to explain how your current position will be handled with minimal disruption.
        – MattBelanger
        Apr 21 '12 at 20:06














      up vote
      5
      down vote



      accepted










      The only difference I would expect is that the folks conducting the interview will probably know you (or in a bigger company, know someone in your supervisory chain) - the interview is less of a "getting to know the candidate" event and more of a "Do you have the requisite skills?" / "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" kind of thing.



      Because of this you should expect to be grilled a little more thoroughly on your weak points, and you should have a plan on how you will continue to grow and improve as an employee.

      The benefit side of that equation is that when you state some of the projects you've worked on there's a good chance the people interviewing you will be familiar with them. If you've done consistently good work for the company you can expect that other teams will want to have you as an asset.






      share|improve this answer
















      • 7




        From experience, companies that put much weight on "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" as a reason not to offer an employee a new role usually end up losing that employee one way or the other.
        – John N
        Apr 17 '12 at 7:29










      • @JohnN That's true, but it is an important consideration in promoting team leads out of their group. Any company that doesn't consider the effects of a job transition will eventually have to deal with the resulting chaos.
        – voretaq7
        Apr 17 '12 at 15:02










      • Definitely agree that there's a balance to be struck, but you just need to be careful not to be overly cautious.
        – John N
        Apr 17 '12 at 15:05






      • 1




        @JohnN It's not something you should be considering as a candidate when you apply for the new position, just something to be aware of that may factor into the company's decision (i.e. if you're willing to do a reasonable amount of extra work to support your old team after you move it may help you get the job - it shows you're company-oriented)
        – voretaq7
        Apr 17 '12 at 16:10










      • As somebody in a strategic position in a company - eg, Team Lead - you should have some sort of succession plan in place, even if it's only in your head. If you want to move to another role in the company, you should be able to explain how your current position will be handled with minimal disruption.
        – MattBelanger
        Apr 21 '12 at 20:06












      up vote
      5
      down vote



      accepted







      up vote
      5
      down vote



      accepted






      The only difference I would expect is that the folks conducting the interview will probably know you (or in a bigger company, know someone in your supervisory chain) - the interview is less of a "getting to know the candidate" event and more of a "Do you have the requisite skills?" / "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" kind of thing.



      Because of this you should expect to be grilled a little more thoroughly on your weak points, and you should have a plan on how you will continue to grow and improve as an employee.

      The benefit side of that equation is that when you state some of the projects you've worked on there's a good chance the people interviewing you will be familiar with them. If you've done consistently good work for the company you can expect that other teams will want to have you as an asset.






      share|improve this answer












      The only difference I would expect is that the folks conducting the interview will probably know you (or in a bigger company, know someone in your supervisory chain) - the interview is less of a "getting to know the candidate" event and more of a "Do you have the requisite skills?" / "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" kind of thing.



      Because of this you should expect to be grilled a little more thoroughly on your weak points, and you should have a plan on how you will continue to grow and improve as an employee.

      The benefit side of that equation is that when you state some of the projects you've worked on there's a good chance the people interviewing you will be familiar with them. If you've done consistently good work for the company you can expect that other teams will want to have you as an asset.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Apr 16 '12 at 15:45









      voretaq7

      5,21812529




      5,21812529







      • 7




        From experience, companies that put much weight on "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" as a reason not to offer an employee a new role usually end up losing that employee one way or the other.
        – John N
        Apr 17 '12 at 7:29










      • @JohnN That's true, but it is an important consideration in promoting team leads out of their group. Any company that doesn't consider the effects of a job transition will eventually have to deal with the resulting chaos.
        – voretaq7
        Apr 17 '12 at 15:02










      • Definitely agree that there's a balance to be struck, but you just need to be careful not to be overly cautious.
        – John N
        Apr 17 '12 at 15:05






      • 1




        @JohnN It's not something you should be considering as a candidate when you apply for the new position, just something to be aware of that may factor into the company's decision (i.e. if you're willing to do a reasonable amount of extra work to support your old team after you move it may help you get the job - it shows you're company-oriented)
        – voretaq7
        Apr 17 '12 at 16:10










      • As somebody in a strategic position in a company - eg, Team Lead - you should have some sort of succession plan in place, even if it's only in your head. If you want to move to another role in the company, you should be able to explain how your current position will be handled with minimal disruption.
        – MattBelanger
        Apr 21 '12 at 20:06












      • 7




        From experience, companies that put much weight on "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" as a reason not to offer an employee a new role usually end up losing that employee one way or the other.
        – John N
        Apr 17 '12 at 7:29










      • @JohnN That's true, but it is an important consideration in promoting team leads out of their group. Any company that doesn't consider the effects of a job transition will eventually have to deal with the resulting chaos.
        – voretaq7
        Apr 17 '12 at 15:02










      • Definitely agree that there's a balance to be struck, but you just need to be careful not to be overly cautious.
        – John N
        Apr 17 '12 at 15:05






      • 1




        @JohnN It's not something you should be considering as a candidate when you apply for the new position, just something to be aware of that may factor into the company's decision (i.e. if you're willing to do a reasonable amount of extra work to support your old team after you move it may help you get the job - it shows you're company-oriented)
        – voretaq7
        Apr 17 '12 at 16:10










      • As somebody in a strategic position in a company - eg, Team Lead - you should have some sort of succession plan in place, even if it's only in your head. If you want to move to another role in the company, you should be able to explain how your current position will be handled with minimal disruption.
        – MattBelanger
        Apr 21 '12 at 20:06







      7




      7




      From experience, companies that put much weight on "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" as a reason not to offer an employee a new role usually end up losing that employee one way or the other.
      – John N
      Apr 17 '12 at 7:29




      From experience, companies that put much weight on "Can we afford to lose you from where you are?" as a reason not to offer an employee a new role usually end up losing that employee one way or the other.
      – John N
      Apr 17 '12 at 7:29












      @JohnN That's true, but it is an important consideration in promoting team leads out of their group. Any company that doesn't consider the effects of a job transition will eventually have to deal with the resulting chaos.
      – voretaq7
      Apr 17 '12 at 15:02




      @JohnN That's true, but it is an important consideration in promoting team leads out of their group. Any company that doesn't consider the effects of a job transition will eventually have to deal with the resulting chaos.
      – voretaq7
      Apr 17 '12 at 15:02












      Definitely agree that there's a balance to be struck, but you just need to be careful not to be overly cautious.
      – John N
      Apr 17 '12 at 15:05




      Definitely agree that there's a balance to be struck, but you just need to be careful not to be overly cautious.
      – John N
      Apr 17 '12 at 15:05




      1




      1




      @JohnN It's not something you should be considering as a candidate when you apply for the new position, just something to be aware of that may factor into the company's decision (i.e. if you're willing to do a reasonable amount of extra work to support your old team after you move it may help you get the job - it shows you're company-oriented)
      – voretaq7
      Apr 17 '12 at 16:10




      @JohnN It's not something you should be considering as a candidate when you apply for the new position, just something to be aware of that may factor into the company's decision (i.e. if you're willing to do a reasonable amount of extra work to support your old team after you move it may help you get the job - it shows you're company-oriented)
      – voretaq7
      Apr 17 '12 at 16:10












      As somebody in a strategic position in a company - eg, Team Lead - you should have some sort of succession plan in place, even if it's only in your head. If you want to move to another role in the company, you should be able to explain how your current position will be handled with minimal disruption.
      – MattBelanger
      Apr 21 '12 at 20:06




      As somebody in a strategic position in a company - eg, Team Lead - you should have some sort of succession plan in place, even if it's only in your head. If you want to move to another role in the company, you should be able to explain how your current position will be handled with minimal disruption.
      – MattBelanger
      Apr 21 '12 at 20:06












      up vote
      5
      down vote













      For the most part, there's no difference at all. You should go into the interview expecting just as much scrutiny as someone who has never worked for the company. However, you should also be prepared to demonstrate how your inside knowledge of the company is an asset, and not just expect the interviewer to assume as much.



      I've never interviewed a current employee, but I've interviewed two former employees who left for educational reasons then came back to apply for a higher-level position a few years later. One couldn't remember anything about our products or what she worked on before. The other was able to talk intelligently about his previous work here, and demonstrated ability beyond what was required in his former position. Guess which one we hired?






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        5
        down vote













        For the most part, there's no difference at all. You should go into the interview expecting just as much scrutiny as someone who has never worked for the company. However, you should also be prepared to demonstrate how your inside knowledge of the company is an asset, and not just expect the interviewer to assume as much.



        I've never interviewed a current employee, but I've interviewed two former employees who left for educational reasons then came back to apply for a higher-level position a few years later. One couldn't remember anything about our products or what she worked on before. The other was able to talk intelligently about his previous work here, and demonstrated ability beyond what was required in his former position. Guess which one we hired?






        share|improve this answer






















          up vote
          5
          down vote










          up vote
          5
          down vote









          For the most part, there's no difference at all. You should go into the interview expecting just as much scrutiny as someone who has never worked for the company. However, you should also be prepared to demonstrate how your inside knowledge of the company is an asset, and not just expect the interviewer to assume as much.



          I've never interviewed a current employee, but I've interviewed two former employees who left for educational reasons then came back to apply for a higher-level position a few years later. One couldn't remember anything about our products or what she worked on before. The other was able to talk intelligently about his previous work here, and demonstrated ability beyond what was required in his former position. Guess which one we hired?






          share|improve this answer












          For the most part, there's no difference at all. You should go into the interview expecting just as much scrutiny as someone who has never worked for the company. However, you should also be prepared to demonstrate how your inside knowledge of the company is an asset, and not just expect the interviewer to assume as much.



          I've never interviewed a current employee, but I've interviewed two former employees who left for educational reasons then came back to apply for a higher-level position a few years later. One couldn't remember anything about our products or what she worked on before. The other was able to talk intelligently about his previous work here, and demonstrated ability beyond what was required in his former position. Guess which one we hired?







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Apr 16 '12 at 14:55









          Karl Bielefeldt

          10.5k31830




          10.5k31830




















              up vote
              1
              down vote













              If you have identified an internal position that you want, your best bet is to get your current manager to advocate on your behalf in support of your candidacy. In most companies I've seen, the first thing hiring managers/HR do with internal applicants is to speak with the employee's current boss.



              On that same point, your current boss is going to hear about your application, so he/she might as well hear about it from you. Explain why you are interested, how the new position would help your career development, and how you taking the new job would help the company. Ask your boss for his/her thoughts and to provide a positive reference for you.






              share|improve this answer




















              • So, one of the main difference is the level of discreetness. It pays to be open and upfront for internal positions, whereas for external positions, being discrete is almost the first priority.
                – tehnyit
                Apr 19 '12 at 6:37














              up vote
              1
              down vote













              If you have identified an internal position that you want, your best bet is to get your current manager to advocate on your behalf in support of your candidacy. In most companies I've seen, the first thing hiring managers/HR do with internal applicants is to speak with the employee's current boss.



              On that same point, your current boss is going to hear about your application, so he/she might as well hear about it from you. Explain why you are interested, how the new position would help your career development, and how you taking the new job would help the company. Ask your boss for his/her thoughts and to provide a positive reference for you.






              share|improve this answer




















              • So, one of the main difference is the level of discreetness. It pays to be open and upfront for internal positions, whereas for external positions, being discrete is almost the first priority.
                – tehnyit
                Apr 19 '12 at 6:37












              up vote
              1
              down vote










              up vote
              1
              down vote









              If you have identified an internal position that you want, your best bet is to get your current manager to advocate on your behalf in support of your candidacy. In most companies I've seen, the first thing hiring managers/HR do with internal applicants is to speak with the employee's current boss.



              On that same point, your current boss is going to hear about your application, so he/she might as well hear about it from you. Explain why you are interested, how the new position would help your career development, and how you taking the new job would help the company. Ask your boss for his/her thoughts and to provide a positive reference for you.






              share|improve this answer












              If you have identified an internal position that you want, your best bet is to get your current manager to advocate on your behalf in support of your candidacy. In most companies I've seen, the first thing hiring managers/HR do with internal applicants is to speak with the employee's current boss.



              On that same point, your current boss is going to hear about your application, so he/she might as well hear about it from you. Explain why you are interested, how the new position would help your career development, and how you taking the new job would help the company. Ask your boss for his/her thoughts and to provide a positive reference for you.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Apr 19 '12 at 4:19









              davesnitty

              1112




              1112











              • So, one of the main difference is the level of discreetness. It pays to be open and upfront for internal positions, whereas for external positions, being discrete is almost the first priority.
                – tehnyit
                Apr 19 '12 at 6:37
















              • So, one of the main difference is the level of discreetness. It pays to be open and upfront for internal positions, whereas for external positions, being discrete is almost the first priority.
                – tehnyit
                Apr 19 '12 at 6:37















              So, one of the main difference is the level of discreetness. It pays to be open and upfront for internal positions, whereas for external positions, being discrete is almost the first priority.
              – tehnyit
              Apr 19 '12 at 6:37




              So, one of the main difference is the level of discreetness. It pays to be open and upfront for internal positions, whereas for external positions, being discrete is almost the first priority.
              – tehnyit
              Apr 19 '12 at 6:37










              up vote
              0
              down vote













              I'd probably focus a bit on making sure I have a list of character references within the company to support why I'd be a good fit for the new position. Knowledge of the company isn't likely to be a big focus in the interview though it may be worth knowing what department the new position is, what changes would I be taking and how is this a good move for the company for me to move to there from here.



              The reference point here is a bit different since these may be mutual acquaintances unlike the other case where in an external company there may not be that same depth to the business relationship.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                0
                down vote













                I'd probably focus a bit on making sure I have a list of character references within the company to support why I'd be a good fit for the new position. Knowledge of the company isn't likely to be a big focus in the interview though it may be worth knowing what department the new position is, what changes would I be taking and how is this a good move for the company for me to move to there from here.



                The reference point here is a bit different since these may be mutual acquaintances unlike the other case where in an external company there may not be that same depth to the business relationship.






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                  up vote
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                  I'd probably focus a bit on making sure I have a list of character references within the company to support why I'd be a good fit for the new position. Knowledge of the company isn't likely to be a big focus in the interview though it may be worth knowing what department the new position is, what changes would I be taking and how is this a good move for the company for me to move to there from here.



                  The reference point here is a bit different since these may be mutual acquaintances unlike the other case where in an external company there may not be that same depth to the business relationship.






                  share|improve this answer












                  I'd probably focus a bit on making sure I have a list of character references within the company to support why I'd be a good fit for the new position. Knowledge of the company isn't likely to be a big focus in the interview though it may be worth knowing what department the new position is, what changes would I be taking and how is this a good move for the company for me to move to there from here.



                  The reference point here is a bit different since these may be mutual acquaintances unlike the other case where in an external company there may not be that same depth to the business relationship.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Apr 18 '12 at 21:37









                  JB King

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