internal job interview

[Wildsea]

Right I have got an interview for a senior in my department. I have been with the company for 2.5 years. I have never had an internal job interview before, and basically just wondered whether I should treat it any diffrently to a normal job interview.

I have 2 people interviewing me, my supervisor who I get on amazingly well with and go out socially amongst a group of 4.

Then we have my manager who basically has no confidence in me at all. She wants to get someone in externally.

So... what shall I wear, treat it as a normal job interview which will make it v. obvious to my collegues as this is a casual office, or smart but more casual???

Any tips etc gratfully received.

[E31Shrew]

As usual, suit and tie! Also make sure you refer to your original application just in case you may have embellished your love of charity work and your Masters degree!

[Wildsea]

E31Shrew said:

As usual, suit and tie! Also make sure you refer to your original application just in case you may have embellished your love of charity work and your Masters degree!

Thanks that what I thought, just want to give the right impression.

[jamesc_1729]

If you're feeling anxious about it then bear in mind that it will probably be more of a formality than the usual interview. You are a known value to them and they want to give you the job, more so than if you were a stranger.

That said, you would be right to treat it as a normal interview, as a professional.

[Wildsea]

jamesc_1729 said:

If you're feeling anxious about it then bear in mind that it will probably be more of a formality than the usual interview. You are a known value to them and they want to give you the job, more so than if you were a stranger.

That said, you would be right to treat it as a normal interview, as a professional.

I hopeso. I know it's stupid but it feels like they don't want me to get the job. I mentioned this to several collegues who I know and trust and they say that they get that impression as well. So i'm not feeling as cofident as I should.

[jeff m]

Wildsea said:

jamesc_1729 said:

If you're feeling anxious about it then bear in mind that it will probably be more of a formality than the usual interview. You are a known value to them and they want to give you the job, more so than if you were a stranger.

That said, you would be right to treat it as a normal interview, as a professional.

I hopeso. I know it's stupid but it feels like they don't want me to get the job. I mentioned this to several collegues who I know and trust and they say that they get that impression as well. So i'm not feeling as cofident as I should.

You could be right but that is not the way to approach it.
It's an opportunity.

Don't over think it.

[PD9]

Treat it as a serious interview as if you were going for a job with another company. I was not offered a job internally (different dept. though) as I was too casual with the interviewers. I knew everything about the post (and they knew that) but it didnt come out in the interview as I was so relaxed. Oh how I've learned! Good Luck!

[10 Pence Short]

What format is the interview? Is it based on points?

[shirt]

have had a few internal interviews in the past couple of years. i am surprised there is not a HR representative there.

treat it like a normal interview, scrub up and prepare in advance. look at the tasks you need to perform in the new role and go through each to make sure you can present a through case as to why you are fully competent.

the benefits of an internal interview is that you obviously know the interview panel and will know that they know what your weaknesses are. make sure your defence against these criticisms/probing questions is rock solid.

in my experience, its more of a discussion than an interview. for my last one, the manager just asked me to tell him my history within the company to date, and it progressed to a general discussion about the company and where we are going right/wrong and what i'd do in the new role to improve things. i was asked about my current/previous managers and coworkers and i found that they had the same opinion as i did re: good people and wkers.

its only the HR bod who will ask the bullst questions such as where you see yourself in 5yrs etc. i am sure someone from HR has to be there to ensure you get the same fair process as an external candidate. this also works in your advantage as HR are natural box tickers so your manager will have a hard time convincing them you're not suitable if you fulfil the requirements of the role. HR know how much it'll cost to recruit/train outside personnel, which also works for you.

again IME, you will have a 90% accurate feeling by the end of the interview whether you got the job or not.

[Wildsea]

Thanks for the advice.

A friend has applied for a differant internal vancancy and has mentioned no HR were present. He is going to let me know the full details of the interview today.

I feel like I am being treated poorly compared to new applicantc, they get a 2hr interview in the boardroom. I get a 30 minute interview in the kitchen. I realise this is due to them knowing me and possibly having less to discuss etc.

[shirt]

that really shouldn't be the case. as i understand it, this is because if either yourself or the external candidate objects to the decision, they have to prove that you both had the exact same interview procedure, marked against same criteria, no favouritism or bias etc.

i did some recruiting the other week and HR were very thorough making sure i had written evidence they could keep on file for if they found themselves in such a situation. how big is the company? i work for a large multi so our HR procedures may be more rigid.

[Wildsea]

It's a relativly small company. Just spoke with a collegue who is applying for a differant job, in the same department it is an 1/2 hr interview and then a practical test which lasts 1.5hr. So not at all differant to external, as they have a 30min interview in the boardroom, and then a written/computer based part at a spare desk.

[time222222]

Hi
Internal candidates that have sparkled for me have run of internal reports , PMs etc and demonstrated a good under standing of how everything functions and why its important.
Treat it like a proper " interview and try not to over do the local friendship
relax and try to enjoy it !
good luck