I am applying for a new job with my current employer. How do I get an edge over other applicants?

Question

For one reason or another I haven't really been able to prove my worth in the post I occupy now and this I believe disadvantages me.

If I am going to get this job I am really going to have to shine in the application and the interview.

I would appreciate your suggestions.

Answer 1

The fact that you are an internal candidate will help. Employers like to hire people they know.

If you have not made a serious effort in your current position or your supervisors have not noticed your efforts, you might have to work pretty hard to convince them.

Be sure to talk about your accomplishments. Have you improved anything? Has productivity increased? Morale? Increased sales?

Although you'll have the edge over other outside applicants, the management might feel that they will want to bring in new blood or know someone who they know will prove their worth this new position. Treat it like any other interview, but use your knowledge and familiarity with the organization to your advantage.

Answer 2

Those "one reason or another(s)" are critical now. Why haven't you proven yourself to date? Attendance issues? Not getting along with the boss or coworkers? Quality of work? Be honest with yourself about what didn't go right.

Now that you know, be prepared to defend those issues in your interview. you already have an edge over outside applicants because you know the company, the processes, the people. Make sure your resume/application is letter perfect; type the application if possible rather than hand writing it, use spell check, use a sans-serif font for legibility.

Think about the questions you're likely to be asked in the interview and practice what your answers will be so you sound smooth instead of dodgy.

Come up with a list of accomplishments that are measurable - you reduced costs by $x by switching to a new brand of copier paper; you improved quality by x% by instituting a work check system; whatever you can come up with.

If the other applicants are internal and you know who they are, this may also give you an advantage. You don't want to blatantly compare yourself against them in an interview ("you should hire me instead of Fred because..."), but you can certainly mention areas that are strengths for you and known weaknesses for other candidates ("I make it a point to submit my reports punctually".)

it goes without saying that you'll dress professionally with appropriate grooming, accessories, etc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

As an employer, and considering all applicants are quallified for the job, I would have to say confidence and a personality are my key feature that I look for. walk in with a big smile wanting to be there and don't try and be somthing your not. As much as some people think there good actors there not and we see right through that.

Answer 4

In house applicants always have the edge. Don't worry just be yourself.

Answer 5

What ever you do don't kiss his ***.