Internal job interview (for a new job in my existing team)

SapphireFlames

I've got an internal job interview next week, but it's for a new role within my existing team, so I'd still have the same manager and be working with the same colleagues. The new role isn't a managerial one, but it is on a higher pay rate as it's more specialised work.

As it's an internal interview, how should I prepare for it and what is the correct etiquette for the interview itself? I already know all the people on the interview panel - in fact I work with most of them every day. So, for example, will I still be expected to shake hands with each person on the panel, and address them as if they were complete strangers? It might seem like a weird question, but I really want this job so I want to get it right.

If I get asked a question like "what aspect of your current job do you enjoy the least?" is it OK to answer it fully given that I'm internal? For external interviews, all the careers advice books have suggested that candidates should try and dodge that question, or pick something very minor to talk about.

Whenever I've had an interview in the past, they've always been with people I don't know, so I'm not sure how to act. Any advice would be much appreciated.

RexBanner

Internal interviews can be tricky for the exact reasons you point out so just remember that it's similarly awkward for those interviewing you (I've been on both sides of the table).

Couple of suggestions I have:
- don't treat them as strangers (that'd be weird) but do remember its a formal process.

- remember to cover the essential criteria in the job spec, even its basic stuff that you do everyday in your current job (the panel might know that you can do it, but make sure they've got it ticked off before you leave)

- on the "what do you enjoy least?" question, turn this into a positive by talking about something that didn't work particularly well in the past, but has improved following a change that you/management/the company brought in. Always keep it positive.

Good luck!

marybelle01

And remember not to tell any little white lies - they already know you and your skills / performace, so they aren't going to fall for the usual interview embellishments.

Kynthia

You can't pretend you don't know them but don't be over familiar with them as it's a formal interview. When they ask you questions about your current role or ask for examples of when you done something, you should almost act like they don't know what you do and explain it all fully. Also don't say things like 'well as you know ....', also you can't exaggerate and don't reveal any personal details of staff members.

I remember doing an internal interview and I asked about dealing with poor performance. The candidate then named a member of my team when explaining what they thought they did wrong. It seemed a bit unprofessional and the board felt they should have been more vague about who the individual was.

Make sure you give full and detailed answers and act like someone who could do the role. Do research on the role and the buisness as a whole as you could get asked questions about what external factors are affecting the business or any restructure they are going through, etc. Prepare as much as you would for an external interview.