How to get prepared for internal interview
Most of the time, employee feel more relaxed when face interview for a new role at his current organization. After all, he may know these people who are interviewing him and already know the employer. But experts say, one should need to prepare for internal interviews just as if s/he was applying outside the organization.
Internal job interviews can be just as easy, although in reality they are just as competitive and challenging as external ones. Nothing is guaranteed, so it's a good idea to brush up on interview skills.
As a candidate, one needs to approach this internal interview as s/he would a completely new organization. It doesn't matter if s/he was recommended for the role or even if the interviewer happens to be a close friend from work.
No one will be automatically selected over other external or internal candidates, even if s/he is about to move into a new role at current organization.
You should approach the position from your company's perspective and analyze how it plays into day-to-day and long-term goals. Plus, you can better understand what skills and terms to emphasize when updating your resume (which is a must).
Tips for an internal interview
Come prepared
In addition to researching the internal position (before the interview), you must attend the interview and come prepared.
Here the following three preparation methods:
1. Write down projects, initiatives and achievements that reinforce these qualities, skills and strengths. What benefit did these events have for society? Practice, practice, practice. You will be able to use these answers to answer various interview questions.
2. Write a list of 10 qualities, skills or strengths that you think would be attractive to a specific position/team/department.
3. Bring several copies of your resume to the interview. This is common practice regardless of whether hiring managers ask for a copy.
Don't make assumptions
Shouldn't my current company already know all my posts? No.
Such assumptions are big mistakes that many internal candidates make
Again, the interview, internal or external, is your time to shine and clearly articulate exactly what makes you the best fit for the role. Some companies even have strict internal interview processes where they can only consider what is presented at the time, regardless of the employee's track record.
You may have to answer past mistakes and shortcomings, which can make for a difficult conversation if you just assumed everything would be a piece of cake given your position at work. On a more positive note, you'll likely also be able to list your accomplishments and justify why this new in-house role is the best career move for you.