Internal Interview Tips?

[VaSteve]

I applied for an internal position in my division. It's basically one of the deputies to the department head. He's been in the role a little over 1 year and came from the outside. I have been in my role for 1 year - I came from the outside and consulted with this organization for about 6-7 month before I took the job. I have about 2 years total association with the organization.

I work for one of the branch heads who reported to the person in the now vacant job. She also applied for the position. I have 9 people that report to me. Our area is in disarray, partly due to my boss, and I have worked hard to whip my staff into shape, but the department head knows the challenges I face. My boss has been in her position for about 5-6 years and has 20+ years' experience. She's more laid back than I.

Another ambitious fellow who also reported to the now vacant position also applied. He's a peer to my boss, but has about the same years' experience as I. His work was more IT technology oriented and we have too many technologists and not enough functional (like me and my boss). I probably have the edge on him since I have more functional knowledge but he's been with the organization longer. His area is also in disarray since he ignores it while campaigning for something bigger. I think he's been with us for about 5 years.

The department head is going to "panel" this interview and bring in folks from outside the division to do the interviewing. Internal customers of our department. Both these folks will likely have more connections (I presume) since they have been there longer.

It's sort of an odd position to be in, but on paper I'm qualified. A new person from the outside will need to spin up and learn the organization which will probably put them back a year. There is a relatively strong promote from within mentality....which also has hurt us in the lack of new ideas from the outside that someone like myself brings. The other deputy started there out of college.

No interviews have been scheduled yet, but I was told I was on the list. Any advice you can give?

[vash]

no advice, but GOOD JUCK!

[Tidybuoy]

I would focus on the positive change you can bring to the department. Try not to talk about the disarray but think of what improvements are needed and translate that into a vision without bashing. Try to put a positive spin on the fact that you are both from the outside and the inside - you have outside world experience yet know the company (something like that).

Go on to monster.com and try some of the practice interviews - this is where you get random questions generated. By going thru this exercise, you might come up with ways of selling yourself.

[VaSteve]

OK, this is a reality. They scheduled me...it's a few weeks off. Anyone have some more advice?

[svandamme]

perk yer lips and kiss those cheeks