STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

Internal Job Interview

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I have never thought about that before, and I'm a career counselor! I sent some emails to my fellow CCs to see what they had to say. Will update.

twinkle_star · Kenneth Cole

I interviewed internally for my current job. I found it easier than other interviews because I already knew the organization. However I did treat it like any other interview, I dressed up, brought my resume and prepared a list of questions. I was actually asked to interview for the postition so my comfort level was pretty high however I didn't know the people I interviewed with or really anything about the department I was getting into. I did talk to someone I knew in the department before I interviewed so I could get an idea of how they functioned, what the hierarchy and culture were like. I would think that they would probably ask you many of the same questions they would ask any other candidate as they need to be sure it's a level playing field so I'd be prepared for that.

I also interviewed an internal candidates for a position and did expect more of him in certain aspects because he was familiar with the organization. This position involved a proof reading test on one of our publications and I expected the internal candidate to do better as he was familiar with the content. I felt like he didn't treat the interview as seriously as he would have if he'd been an external candidate and he didn't do that well on the test so he didn't get the job.

I guess I'd recommend that you prepare as you would if you were an external candidate. I'd also think of what to say about why you want the job and make sure you don't say anything derogatory about your current job/boss/co-workers, etc.

Good luck!

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

Thanks! I know the guy I'm interviewing with because he used to work in my building and he's familiar with my boss, who will definitely vouch for my work/ability, so I feel comfortable in that regard. I've researched the roll a bit, but unfortunately didn't have a chance to talk to someone in the department (staffing called me this morning and the interview is tomorrow), but I did track down a copy of their org chart and have a pretty good idea of how the department fits into the business segment.

I have a list of questions prepared and tonight I'll go over my answers to standard interview questions. I'll be taking a portfolio with copies of my resume to the interview, so I guess I'll be about as prepared as possible.

Thanks again!

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

pollyjean23 wrote:

I have never thought about that before, and I'm a career counselor! I sent some emails to my fellow CCs to see what they had to say. Will update.

Thanks - that was really nice of you!

Suasoria · Chanel

So how did the interview go? Any news?

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

Suasoria wrote:

So how did the interview go? Any news?

I think it went well, but I haven't heard anything yet. I know the guy and he's somewhat familiar with my work so it was really pretty casual. I felt like I kind of rambled a bit and would definitely do better in a second interview - I just needed a refresher!

He did say that he was surprised at the level of interest (due to the economy, of course) and that there were a lot of qualified candidates. He said that he was looking to move forward by the end of this week, so I'm thinking I'd have heard something by now if I were still being considered. Either way is fine with me; I don't hate my current job (I'm not into the work but the environment is great), it's just totally dead end and I'm looking for something with more opportunity.

Thanks for asking!

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I forgot to update. Sorry!