Dear Career Advisor:

I read your articles with great interest. I would like some general guidance on how to approach an internal interview. Specifically, where you already work in the organisation and are interviewing for a higher position and will be competing against others from the organisation as well as external individuals.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Rachael

Dear Rachael:

Thank you for reading the

Jamaica Observer and specifically for your interest in the career articles.

We trust you will find the suggestions below useful.

Don’t assume you have an edge

Being an internal candidate does not mean that you have an advantage. The fact that the position has been advertised internally as well as externally should be taken as an indication that management is desirous of identifying the best candidate. Of course, there might be instances when external notification of vacancies appears to be a mere formality, but you should not assume that this is the case.

Be prepared

Prepare as thoroughly as you would for a regular interview. Practise articulating your responses to potentially rigorous questions. Ensure that you are able to provide verbal evidence of your capabilities to deliver on the job requirements.

Know your worth

Don’t assume that because your are an internal applicant that the interviewers will know the value you are currently bringing to the organisation. Details of your performance might be known by your immediate supervisor but not necessarily to the panel you will face.

Ascertain your internal reputation

Get feedback from colleagues and supervisors as to how you are perceived in the performance of your current job or past roles. The feedback they provide will be useful in your preparation for addressing missteps, unfair reputation, or weaknesses. For example, if you are known as an excellent teacher or line staff, it might be difficult for some to perceive you as being able to effectively transition into the role of a visionary administrator.

Inform your current boss

Be open and honest with your current boss. Don’t let your participation in the interview be a surprise. Bear in mind, too, that it could become a surprise for you if at the interview you discover that your current boss is a member of the interview panel. Explain why you are interested in the position and ask for suggestions as to how you might best present yourself as suitable for the opportunity.

Research, research, research

Be thoroughly conversant with the job requirements, the deliverables of the job function, and the strategic goals for the functional area.

Be professional

Be professional in your manner of dress and deportment. Even though some members of the interview panel may be close associates, maintain professionalism. At the same time, balance your interaction by being cordial and collegial.

Demonstrate enthusiasm

Be sure to convey that you are not only prepared but you are enthusiastic and eager to function in the role for which you aspire.

All the best!

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president of student services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm