Being interviewed by colleagues. Help!

[OttilieStonelady]

I'm applying for a promotion at work. I've only been there a few months but have been encouraged to apply. I'll almost definitely get an interview, but I'm already anxious about being interviewed by people I know. I suffer with social anxiety and can absolutely boss an interview with strangers, but hey anxiety when in social situations with people I know like colleagues. Has anyone got any tips? Feel sick thinking about it.

Ah sympathies, I've been there, its hard. This is going to sound kind of 'duh' but I would try as hard as you can to forget they are your colleagues and prepare for/treat it like any other interview - don't worry about coming across over-formal or stilted, they know you aren't like that in real life. I've also been in the interviewer role in this situation and more so even than with an external candidate they will be really rooting for you to do your best! Is your interview face to face or remote?

I would practice your interview technique basics as much as you can, either practice with a friend/your DP or even to yourself in the mirror (I know its awkward/silly but you've got to push through) - practice taking a deep breath/sip of water after each question, taking a moment to ensure you have heard properly and understand what they are after, asking them to repeat it if needed and then starting your answer. Prepare structured answers to the questions you think are likely to come up, write out bullet points or use the STAR format to give examples/evidence of what you've done. Like I say, better a pre-prepared structured answer that comes out a bit 'rehearsed' than getting flustered and waffly and not answering the question at all. A mistake I've made in the past with internal interviews is assuming they always know what I'm talking about so launching straight into 'well the XYZ project, you know all the issues we had there, what I did was...' and at least one interviewer who wasn't familiar was left going 'wait what project is she talking about? what issues?' , so always explain your context properly. Likewise don't let the fact they know you well stop you selling your strengths and successes to them, again don't assume they'll give you credit if you don't say it. Do research things about your company e.g. company values, any recent industry developments etc so you aren't thrown if they ask about it.

Finally try (I know it's so hard!) to relax, smile and be yourself, good luck, I'm sure you'll do great