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Internal Interview HELP!!

19 replies

JobInterviewNerves · 05/08/2021 18:48

I have just applied (and been invited to interview) for an internal role at my current company. I am SO out of practice though. I haven't interviewed for a job in over 15 years.
I think it being an internal role makes it more nerve-racking too, because I will be interviewed by my colleagues, and if I am awful and cock it up, I will still have to face these people every day!
It's also over Skype. Not sure if that is better or worse than face-to-face but at least I can pin loads of notes on the wall behind my laptop?!

It is an exciting opportunity and a position that I believe would make me really happy and that I could actually be quite good at (although I am lucky to enjoy my current job so it is win-win if I am unsucessful). It is also a promotion.

Anyway, I am absolutely shitting it about the interview and need any and all tips I can get. I know they want some examples of different scenarios using the STAR system... but other than that I don't really know what to expect. Interviews for my company usually have three parts - discussion around CV, a technical portion (no idea what this might be for this particular role though), and a competency section.

Any advice for how to impress them (or at least not make a fool of myself) would be very welcome. Smile

OP posts:
JobInterviewNerves · 06/08/2021 17:17

Hopeful bump... Smile

OP posts:
Defiantly41 · 06/08/2021 17:27

What are the competencies listed in the job description?

Are there any other key words or phrases in the job advertisement?

When you have a list, think of an example for each which shows you at your best and write yourself some notes (I've found an index card for each competency helps)

List out the
Situation (why the need to do something arose) eg our best customer threatened to leave
Task (what was actually involved) eg researching reasons customer was unhappy, developing options to remedy things
Action (what you actually did)
Results (what was the outcome)

Sometimes it's good to add what you learned to the R part

Try to make it clear what your own part was, even if the situation involved a team

Think about supplementary questions they might ask eg what happened next, what would you do differently etc

Defiantly41 · 06/08/2021 17:29

Oh, and if discussing your CV, try to highlight relevant experience for the competencies eg, whilst working in x role I was responsible for ... (one of the competencies)

Good luck

Miarara · 06/08/2021 20:51

I had an online interview, where I also had loads of prompts stuck around me, but then was asked nothing they would fit in to 🤦‍♀️ but they made me feel more confident so I think that's a good idea, even if it might just end up being mentally rather than practically.

The organisations values/goals/ mission statement if you can link any answers to those that tends to go down well in my field.

Sounds obviously but dress for an interview even though you're at home, it also gets you in the right head space.

Check your tech a couple of days before and on the morning as well. Have your charger plugged in so at no point do you get a low battery symbol and have to start faffing. If possible plug your device into an ethernet cable so your Internet connection is stable, if not try to sit in the same room as the router so you're less likely to have connection issues.

Oh and answer questions like they've never met you and don't know what you've worked on as it's likely to be based purely on points from the interview, so don't think oh they know I did project or whatever as they might only be able to score on what's said in the interview not anything they already know about your performance.

Good luck with the interview!

PizzaCrust · 08/08/2021 00:00

Look at the job description and the key competencies listed. Come up with examples for all of these. Then type/write them up in the STARR format (I always add a reflection bit in at the end). It helps organise your examples into an easy to follow structure where it’s easy for the interviewer to tick them off as met.

In the tell them about yourself section at the start, make sure you discuss anything relevant to why you’d be a good candidate so that information is all clearly outlined from the outset (so any relevant qualifications, past experiences and what your responsibilities were that are relevant to this role).

I think the important thing to remember with internal interviews is that they obviously “know” you so there’s temptation to leave information out because you’ve worked with them. You need to spell this out to them during the interview. It doesn’t matter if Barbara knows you know how to (as an example) provide excellent customer service. You still need to say you provide excellent service, a situation it occurred, the task, how you did it and the result, then maybe a bit about how you would do it better if necessary. Don’t feel embarrassed about selling yourself.

I’d also use the fact it’s an internal interview to your advantage. Really try to sell the fact you’ve been at the company x years, your dedication to the company, how you enjoy the culture, already have solid relations with company personnel, etc. Use this to your advantage as external candidates won’t have this.

I also find it useful at the end of the interview to obviously have some questions prepared. One I especially like is something to the effect of “is there anything in this interview that has made you question my ability to do the job”. It gives you an opportunity to give an example of an area you’ve maybe fell short on. And IMO if they say “no there’s nothing” then you can walk away knowing you did your best. I think some questions relating to the interviewers/business can be useful, though. There’s lots online.

However, there’s a YouTube channel called “CareerVidz” and he goes into so many interview situations with nuanced answers. I used his videos to inspire me for some of my prep. I’d watch a lot of these just to refresh how to answer questions without waffling and I found his answers actually reminded me of examples I could use when planning my competencies.

For the whole Zoom/Skype/Teams interview thing I’d really use it to your advantage. The day before take time to set up a good spot somewhere in your home. Good lighting and a place for you to set your notes/prompts (obviously hidden from the camera). Fire on the webcam feature to check what is in shot. Do a practice Skype call with a friend to check everything is working properly a few days before so if you need to buy anything you can.

I’d also have a glass of water available so you can drink and pause if a question throws you a bit. It gives you a couple of seconds to think of an answer without looking like you’re just stalling.

Pick out a smart interview outfit as usual (I just did top up but if you have to move around I’d obviously have dressed properly top to toe).

You can stick notes around/behind the screen or minimise Skype and have a word document on screen and then just subtly scroll if you need reminders. I’d always write out figures you want to use somewhere else that’s obvious for you so you can refer to them quickly and they’ll always be correct. I’ve found people during interviews tend to take notes (therefore aren’t staring at you on screen the whole time) so I think you can get away with reading information off notes without being too obvious but obviously prepare so you can do it without the notes.

Spend a couple of nights talking to yourself and through your answers. It feels silly but I find it helps you cut down the waffle.

I hope this helps! As I said, that CareerVidz guy is quite good just as a starting point. I was super anxious about doing a Zoom interview but I actually found it a lot nicer than in person interviews. I had my screen showing myself maximised and theirs quite small so I felt like I was just talking to myself rather than a couple of interviewers so that definitely helped a little. But do try and look at the webcam when they’re asking you questions so there’s a bit of eye contact there.

You’ve got this!

JobInterviewNerves · 08/08/2021 06:56

Thank you so much for these helpful replies. I'm feeling more confident just reading through these. Some of this stuff I'd already thought about (but nice to know I'm on the right track), and other bits are particularly helpful as not things I'd considered. My current manager has offered to coach/support me if needed so I'm going to chat with them as they're used to interviewing candidates, so can hopefully give me some tips on how to best sell myself.
I have also worked for the hiring manager previously in a similar(ish) type of role. Although this particular position is much more complex and with more responsibility, but at least the foundation of a working relationship and prior experience is there.

At this point I am less worried about whether I ultimately get the job or not, and more concerned about just making a good impression. I really struggle with imposter syndrome. I've worked for the company for 15 years but on paper I am less qualified than most of my peers. I often feel a bit inadequate in my role and I feel like I've reached the end of the line, in terms of progression, within my current career line. This role is a step sideways as well as slightly up, and feel it would be really good for my future prospects and opportunities to progress. Which is part of the reason for going for it. Plus I think I will enjoy it more than my current job (more of the stuff I enjoy, less of the stuff I am prefer not to do). I am not particularly ambitious, but at the same time I don't want to stagnate in the same place for years while newer and younger colleagues move on and up. I think ultimately that would be bad for my self-esteem.

Without wanting to post too much outing info (although I have obviously name-changed) I am also part-time and this is a full-time role. The hiring manager has agreed they're happy for me to apply on the basis that I'd want to continue my part-time hours, but I am obviously trying to be prepared for how to sell that I can fulfill the role on part time hours. I actually think it may be an easier role to do part time than my current one, which can be a bit overwhelming at times. But I'm still working out how to put all this into an answer for them.

Apologies, I'm rambling (something I need to try very hard not to do in the interview!) but thanks again for all the helpful guidance here. My confidence is bolstered! Smile

OP posts:
EmmalineC · 08/08/2021 07:02

All the advice I would have offered has already been posted so all that's left to say is good luck, hold your head high and here's hoping you get the job.

Hooplawho · 08/08/2021 07:08

Sounds like a really exciting opportunity - good luck! My tip would be to practice answering competency questions out loud (to someone unrelated to work if possible, or just to yourself) - it gets you used to hearing yourself talking about what you’ve done, to using STAR - and gets you over feeling daft using it (it can feel a bit unnatural) and help reduce waffle as you’ve ‘edited’ your examples a bit in advance when you realise you’ve gone off on a tangent, so you don’t do that so much in the real thing. Good luck!

Eeiliethya · 08/08/2021 11:14

You know you'll be good at the job, let that shine through in your answers, be smiley, confident.

Be yourself. If you need a moment to think on an answer, don't be worried about pausing and saying "oh that's a good one" rather than blarting babble.

I always go into interview very open and if I'm not sure about something I don't hesitate to tell them I'm not sure but tell them I think a suitable answer would be.... xyz. Let them know you're open to new things and progression.

If you're excited about getting the job, let them see that, enthusiasm can work wonders.

You'll be fine, just be yourself.

2021mumma · 08/08/2021 11:20

Treat it like an external interview, forget you might know who is interviewing you.

I had an internal interview once, was far too complacent and relaxed needless to say I didn’t get it!

WFHWF · 11/08/2021 16:27

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

JobInterviewNerves · 18/08/2021 15:20

Well it is done. It ended up being less formal than I expected in the end.
I think I gave some good answers (they said as much a few times throughout the interview) but I also know I fluffed it in a few places and could have done better. The questions weren't quite what I expected and focused a lot on an area I didn't have many examples prepared (or much experience to draw from). I also don't think I sold myself as hard as I could have, but oh well!
Anyway, I did my best and answered all questions to the best of my ability in the moment, so will just have to wait and see!
Good new is there is unlikely to be a second round of interviews, they have four candidates (all internal) and are hopeful to make the selection from us in a single round.
And now I can relax safe in the knowledge that, even if I don't get the job, I haven't shown myself up.
Thanks again for all the feedback and suggestions.

OP posts:
Cheeseandchutney · 18/08/2021 15:48

I think it's fine to use notes for the interview, it shows you have prepared for the interview. I had a job interview a couple of months ago and I told them before we started that I had made some notes and asked if it was ok if I refer to them during the interview. They said it was fine, In fact they liked that I had prepared and it meant I didn't forget anything and could really sell myself. They offered me the job the next day!

Cheeseandchutney · 18/08/2021 15:49

Sorry just seen you've already had the interview. I'm sure you did great good luck!

DiaryofWimpyMumm · 18/08/2021 17:24

Best of luck!

JobInterviewNerves · 14/09/2021 18:20

Thought I would quickly update. I found out this morning that I got the job. I clearly did better than I thought in the interview. Thanks again for all the fantastic advice and tips in this thread. Much appreciated. 🙂

OP posts:
Jfw82 · 14/09/2021 20:33

Very pleased to hear @JobInterviewNerves o bookmarked your thread hoping for good news!

Hooplawho · 14/09/2021 22:45

Fab news - congrats!

JacquelineCarlyle · 14/09/2021 22:55

That's brilliant- congratulations Op!

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