INTERNAL INTERVIEW TIPS

You’ve contacted your current manager, updated your resume, applied for the role and now it is time to
interview. Here are 10 basic tips to help you through the day.

Top Ten Interview Tips

1. Prior to the interview, review the job description and make written or mental notes on how in your past
you have either addressed each item or how you would plan to overcome those items you haven’t yet
performed.

2. Research the function or group thoroughly prior to the interview. Not knowing the basics of the role or
the team will tell the interviewer you are more interested in “a” job than in a smart career move.

3. Bring a copy of your own resume with you to the interview for your own reference (and maybe an extra in
case the interviewer forgot theirs!)

4. Remember that an interview is nothing more than a conversation about what the job entails, what you
have done, where your strengths and development opportunities lie, and what you feel you can
contribute. Just relax and be yourself.

5. Be honest if you don’t have an immediate answer. Making something up on the spot will get you
nowhere. You can come back to it later.

6. Try to think in terms of the value you have created in previous roles. Discuss your past
accomplishments not only as “tasks” but in terms of things like increased revenue, cost savings,
shareholder value, etc. Use hard, realistic dollar values, percentages and time savings wherever
possible.

7. Plan to discuss processes or changes you have driven which have had a positive impact on your
organization and that remain in place today.

8. Answer the question you are asked. This may seem basic, but try not to ramble unnecessarily about
items not related to the specific question. Be thorough but most of all be concise and direct.

9. Ask intelligent (not canned) questions. Many of your questions might be answered in the course of the
conversation, but make notes during the interview on items you would like to clarify. Helpful hint: asking
the interviewer about the perceived challenges in the role will give you platform to further discuss how
you might add value.

10. Before wrapping up the interview, confidently ask your interviewer if he / she requires clarification on
anything you have offered, or if you have failed to address a subject satisfactorily. If you have the
confidence to determine whether the interviewer has hesitations about you, you may buy yourself the
opportunity to overcome the objection and GET THE JOB!

Good luck!