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.
interviewing
add a comment |Â
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
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.
interviewing
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.
â Michael Durrant
Apr 18 '12 at 22:05
add a comment |Â
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
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.
interviewing
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.
interviewing
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.
â Michael Durrant
Apr 18 '12 at 22:05
add a comment |Â
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.
â 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.
â 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.
â Michael Durrant
Apr 18 '12 at 22:05
add a comment |Â
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.
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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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)
â 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.
â MattBelanger
Apr 21 '12 at 20:06
add a comment |Â
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?
add a comment |Â
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.
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.
â tehnyit
Apr 19 '12 at 6:37
add a comment |Â
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.
add a comment |Â
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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.
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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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)
â 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.
â MattBelanger
Apr 21 '12 at 20:06
add a comment |Â
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.
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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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)
â 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.
â MattBelanger
Apr 21 '12 at 20:06
add a comment |Â
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.
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.
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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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)
â 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.
â MattBelanger
Apr 21 '12 at 20:06
add a comment |Â
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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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)
â 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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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.
â 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)
â 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)
â 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.
â 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.
â MattBelanger
Apr 21 '12 at 20:06
add a comment |Â
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?
add a comment |Â
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?
add a comment |Â
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?
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?
answered Apr 16 '12 at 14:55
Karl Bielefeldt
10.5k31830
10.5k31830
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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.
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.
â tehnyit
Apr 19 '12 at 6:37
add a comment |Â
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.
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.
â tehnyit
Apr 19 '12 at 6:37
add a comment |Â
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.
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.
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.
â tehnyit
Apr 19 '12 at 6:37
add a comment |Â
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.
â 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.
â 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.
â tehnyit
Apr 19 '12 at 6:37
add a comment |Â
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.
add a comment |Â
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.
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
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.
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.
answered Apr 18 '12 at 21:37
JB King
15.1k22957
15.1k22957
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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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.
â Michael Durrant
Apr 18 '12 at 22:05