How to Apply For an Internal Position

You have found the perfect job and – bonus! – it’s in your current company. Applying for an internal position may seem like an easy route at first, but it requires a good balance of tact, honesty, and professionalism. You may know the company inside and out but being an existing employee doesn’t guarantee you the job, plus there’s the risk of treading on a few toes along the way.

So, how can you navigate applying for an internal position? Here are a few key steps that will put you on the right track to success:

Research the role

Before you apply, make sure that this job is really right for you. Meet with the HR manager who will be hiring for the position so you can fully understand the role and the expectations that come with it. You’ll be able to figure out if you check all the boxes and if there are any areas you need to work on. It also shows that you’re serious about this decision and not just relying on your ‘insider status’ in the company.

Honesty is the best policy

Every company has a specific protocol when it comes to applying for an internal position. Find out from HR what your company’s is and stick to it. But whatever that protocol is, you should let your manager know about your intentions as soon as possible. This can be awkward, but it’s far better coming from you than from someone else. When talking about your reasons, focus on what drew you to the new role rather than the negatives of your current one. Remember, it’s not a done deal that you will get the job, so don’t burn any bridges. If you are open and honest, you’re more likely to receive support, and their good word is valuable to you.

Make connections

Reach out to your potential team. Even if you already know some of them and have an idea of how they work, it still pays to network. You’ll get a clearer picture of the team culture and the role. Plus, by forming connections with the team, they will be able to imagine what it’s like working alongside you – that familiarity puts them in the mindset of thinking of you as part of the team. Discover why this role became available and demonstrate why you will be a good fit.

Take a professional approach

Treat this process as if you were applying from outside the company. Just because it’s an internal position, it doesn’t mean you can be more casual. Approach it professionally – that includes a cover letter and adjusting your resume to fit the role. As you would normally, draw from the job description to hit the key points they’re looking for. You have an advantage here, as your discussions with the hiring manager, HR, and your potential team will allow you to tailor your application precisely.

Gather references

This ties in with being honest and upfront about your potential move. Your manager is more likely to provide a reference if you’re transparent. But this goes for your co-workers, too – most companies look for 3 references related to your current role. Getting those recommendations further highlights the hard and soft skills you can bring to the new team. This also shows how you have benefited the company so far.

Interview professionally

You may already know the interviewer well, but it’s important to stay professional. Approach this as would any other interview. Dress formally (even if it is online) and arrive on time. Think about potential questions and prepare your responses in advance, as well as questions you want to ask the interviewer. This will help you stay concise on the day and lets the interviewer know that you’ve come prepared. The fact that you already work for the company may actually mean more is expected of you. So, make sure you’re up to date with the latest company news and you have a firm grasp of what they are looking for in this position.

Follow up

Writing a thank you letter is important after any job interview, regardless if it’s for an external or internal position. Send an email to your interviewer saying you appreciate being considered for the role. This shows you’re not taking for granted that you have the job in the bag, and that you are taking this seriously. If you are successful and get the job, be sure to thank your manager and co-workers so you leave your current role on a positive note.

Changing jobs is challenging and going for an internal position is no different. But when you find that perfect role, take on those challenges and apply. By approaching it in the right way, you have a strong chance of being successful and can look forward to an exciting new future ahead.