Top interview tips

[febbabies2023]

I've got an interview coming up in the next two weeks for an internal role

It's been 5 years since my last interview in the company

In theory I should be okay, the role is similar to what I do now, but on a higher level and way more technical. I'll get a lot of support and training for the technical parts, but i still want to show that I know what im talking about!

I'm currently on mat leave too so I'm a little worried that they could choose someone over me even though I know they can't legally do that (HR are in attendance for interviews to stop things like this happening I guess)

The company is great to work for as well with loads of progression so I do want to do well.

What are you top tips for going into an interview?
And what questions would you ask that I may have forgotten about?

Anyone?

One thing you should always do - speak to the hiring manager prior to the Interview. Let them know you are interested and have applied for the role. Ask them what are they looking for from a candidate. Make notes. Particularly as you've been on Maternity leave, you may be out of the loop slightly. Show your enthusiasm.

I've spoken to managers and they say the lack of people (Internally) coming to an interview for a new role without first having a chat with the hiring manager is unbelievable. They want people who show an interest in the role.

In some companies this may not be allowed and seen as canvassing - but its not. Show your enthusiasm for the role.

Speak to people within the team, ask them as many questions about the role as possible. Find out what the plan is for the next 6 -12 months in the area. Get as much information as possible.

One key question I always ask in an interview at the very end and its never failed me.

In the event of being successful in getting the role, what would you see as the top challenges/ priorities I would need to focus on in the first 6 months.

Best of luck!

Top advice from pp above

Hi @febbabies2023
My top tip would be to re-read the job description. In that job description will be what i call 'buzz words' these words are important to the employer. The 'buzz words' could be teamwork, databases, spreadsheets, shareholders, customers. Mention these words in your interview.
All the best in your interview xx

brilliant advice so far. Are there key stakeholders it’s key to build relationships? Could you ask what they expect from this role?

I'm about to start a new role next month, and went through a lot of interviews to get here. 😬😄 I agree with the advice already given, make sure you can share specific examples based on what they will be looking for. This is where ChatGPT can help. Use it as a springboard for interview practice by pasting the JD into the prompt and asking it to produce 10 interview questions based on the JD. I've done this in my interview prep and sometimes the exact questions were asked.

I've gone one step further and copied my own CV into the prompt and asked it to answer those questions based on my CV, but the answers were too generic to be particularly useful- ymmv.

Try to be as relaxed and confident as possible, they are interviewing you for a reason - they think you can do the job!

Good luck.

I've had an internal interview this week. Look to bring out what experience you've had that is relevant to the job description even if it's not exactly what it states is required.

If you're going to have to make changes to your location, working hours, etc think through what you will say if asked about them.

Your advantage is you are known to the company and it will likely be cheaper for them to backfill your role.

@bjrce thank you for this, very helpful!

Just an overview

• I do already know the hiring manager. Not well, but the department I work in currently, the the department I've applied for work closely together so I have had some dealings with him. I also know the other man conducting the interview so this is good.
• I know members of the team already. One has come from the department I am in, and one I am also friends with outside of work. I believe both of them have already 'put in a good word' as such
• it's an internal position only at the moment which makes it tricky. Having said that, the job I'm currently in, I 'beat' several other candidates with more experience, so I have something!

I'll be doing more research on the department. I know my strengths - organised, punctual, approachable, good customer service skills, quick to pick things up. All of these should hopefully stand me in good stead even if I'm not the most experienced technically.

@NineToFiveish thanks for this, I'll check it out!

I will update post interview which is 30th august

Thought I would update this thread now

Interview was last Wednesday at which I think went well! Hiring manager and another both put me at ease and we're friendly and easy to talk to which helped!

Today I got a call from our HR department offering me the job 🥰

Thanks for all your tips!

Congratulations!!

Brilliant news! Well done!