Common internal interview questions

- Can you tell me what these three questions have in common? Can you tell me about yourself, how will you spend your first 30 days in this new role, why should we hire you. All three of these questions are typical questions that you will find in any internal or external interview. But when it comes to an internal interview, you want to be extra aware of how you're positioning yourself. You need to expect to be grilled like a first-time applicant, but make sure that you respond like a seasoned professional. You have the unique dynamic of being a veteran, and a rookie, all at the same time. Okay, let's walk through these questions, and the specific nuances of answering them, for an internal interview. Number one, tell me about yourself. You're probably thinking, tell them about myself, Jenna, they already know me. Yes, they already know you in the current role that you're currently in. Your goal in answering this questions is to help them visualize you in this new role. Follow this framework, what you've been doing, how it relates to the new position, and what you're excited about for the future. First, share the main idea of your current role. Here is where you highlight any key accomplishments or ways you've proven yourself. Make it quick and concise. Next, this is your time to shine. Help your interviewer connect the dots with your current experience and the internal position you're going for, be very clear. And then, finally, share what you're most excited about for the future. This is where you can talk about the next chaper of your career at your company. Get excited, and always focus on how you can bring value to the organization. Number, two, how will you spend your first 30 days in this new role. Now I love this question, because as an internal candidate, you have a better idea than an external candidate of how the company runs, and what is actually feasible for you to accomplish in your first 30 days. Plus, it allows you the opportunity to create a plan and not just tell your future manager what you'll be able to do. You can show them as well. Number three, why should we hire you. When answering this for an external interview, you really have to sell your capabilities. Mostly, because the potential employer hasn't seen your work before. Now if you're interviewing internally, your future reemployer has already seen your work. That's an advantage, the only problem is you may be so good that they may not want to move you. Your goal is to show them why you'd actually be better in this new role than in your current job. Interviewing internally can feel awkward, but with some practice, and some different positioning, you'll be ending any discomfort along the way.