Should I apply for an internal vacancy?
Dear Career Advisor:
There is a vacancy in another division of my company which was advertised internally and in which I have strong interest. The position fits my career goals well and would be more suitable than my current position as it has a greater scope for personal growth and career advancement. The challenge I face is how do I tell my current boss that I want to leave without hurting his feelings, and secondly, if I don’t get the position will there be repercussions? My boss has been very accommodating and supportive of me. My qualification is not the perfect fit for my current position; however, he has been an excellent coach and has allowed me to benefit from several internal and external training opportunities. Despite this, I know this is not the long-term position for me. How would you suggest that I go about applying or should I just remain where I am?
Yours
Karene W
Dear Karene:
Deciding not to aspire for this position would be equivalent to allowing fear of the unknown or fear of negative reaction to, in verity, sentence you to a work life devoid of possibilities. Go ahead and apply, but tell your boss first. It doesn’t appear that there is any reason to think that he would not endorse your quest for upward mobility, which is also an opportunity for the company to benefit in a broader capacity from your skills. The investments made in your training were not personal favours; they represented use of company resources for overall advancement which will redound to the company’s benefit.Meet with your boss and tell him of your interest in the position, of your intention to apply, and your reasons for doing so. If he was not aware of that particular vacancy, outline the skills required to be successful in the position, and hint that you would appreciate his endorsement. Express your appreciation for the supportive role he has played as you function in your current capacity, and reaffirm your loyalty to the company. Your next step is to actually apply for the position. Here are a few tips that should be useful:1. Update your résumé. Ensure that it includes your major accomplishments in your current position and clearly demonstrates that you have the competencies needed for the position you are seeking.2. Carefully craft a cover letter. Do not assume that senior managers know your strengths because you are an employee. Your cover letter should articulate your interest, specialised training, and relevant experience that would render you best fit.3. Submit your application as directed. Follow the steps indicated in the advertisement. 4. Build internal support. Depending on your company’s culture, after you have submitted your application you could consider meeting with the manager to indicate your interest and to advise that you have applied for the position. If you don’t know the manager, indicate to other people who do and who can verify the quality of your work.5. Prepare for the interview. Take the interview seriously. Prepare as if you were going to one with another company. Know what is required to successfully perform the job, and be prepared to give verbal evidence of your ability to do so.6. Send a thank-you note. Although it’s an internal vacancy, the usual courtesies should apply.7. What if you don’t get the job? If after the interview you are not selected for the position, it’s time to reflect, assess, and be mentally prepared to embrace other opportunities. Seek feedback from HR as to the areas in which you might need to give attention for improvement.Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from fulfilling your potential. Go for it! All the best.
Deciding not to aspire for this position would be equivalent to allowing fear of the unknown or fear of negative reaction to, in verity, sentence you to a work life devoid of possibilities. Go ahead and apply, but tell your boss first. It doesn’t appear that there is any reason to think that he would not endorse your quest for upward mobility, which is also an opportunity for the company to benefit in a broader capacity from your skills. The investments made in your training were not personal favours; they represented use of company resources for overall advancement which will redound to the company’s benefit.
Meet with your boss and tell him of your interest in the position, of your intention to apply, and your reasons for doing so. If he was not aware of that particular vacancy, outline the skills required to be successful in the position, and hint that you would appreciate his endorsement. Express your appreciation for the supportive role he has played as you function in your current capacity, and reaffirm your loyalty to the company.
Your next step is to actually apply for the position. Here are a few tips that should be useful:
1. Update your résumé. Ensure that it includes your major accomplishments in your current position and clearly demonstrates that you have the competencies needed for the position you are seeking.
2. Carefully craft a cover letter. Do not assume that senior managers know your strengths because you are an employee. Your cover letter should articulate your interest, specialised training, and relevant experience that would render you best fit.
3. Submit your application as directed. Follow the steps indicated in the advertisement.
4. Build internal support. Depending on your company’s culture, after you have submitted your application you could consider meeting with the manager to indicate your interest and to advise that you have applied for the position. If you don’t know the manager, indicate to other people who do and who can verify the quality of your work.
5. Prepare for the interview. Take the interview seriously. Prepare as if you were going to one with another company. Know what is required to successfully perform the job, and be prepared to give verbal evidence of your ability to do so.
6. Send a thank-you note. Although it’s an internal vacancy, the usual courtesies should apply.
7. What if you don’t get the job? If after the interview you are not selected for the position, it’s time to reflect, assess, and be mentally prepared to embrace other opportunities. Seek feedback from HR as to the areas in which you might need to give attention for improvement.
Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from fulfilling your potential. Go for it!
All the best.
Career Advisor
Carolyn Smith is assistant vice-president, Student Services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm
