What are the main advantages and disadvantages of an external and internal candidate for a supervisory job?

Question

I applied for a supervisory position at a manufacturing company. At my previous two employers I worked my self into managerial and supervisory positions and now have 8 years of supervisory experience. I recently earned my Associate of Applied Science degree in Business and Supervisory Management.

Today i was notified that I have been chosen as a finalist for the postion with two internal candidates, and we will be interviewing with a panel of supervisors and leads at the company. I have the supervisory experience and the degree that the position discription prefers, but lack the knowledge of the companies industry.

How do I highlight my advantages to a group of employees that I hope will soon be my peers? Who are most likely a mixture of employees promoted without supervisory experience and education, and those hired externally.

The panel will certainly be familiar with the internal candidates. How do I get them comfortable with me quickly?

Answer 1

Congratulations on earning your Associates-I applaud your efforts to improve yourself.

The first thing you need to do is do your homework on this company, beyond just the information they have posted on their website. Look online to find recent articles about them, if they are public take a look at their stock performance, even take a look at their main competitors and what differentiates them.

Play to your strengths-8 years of supervisory experience is a competitive advantage for you, and you should definitely drive this home from the aspect of relating to people and bringing out the best in them. At the same time, make sure they understand that your eight years of experience DO NOT mean that you are not open to change, in terms of process and procedure. They may be looking for someone to implement change, or they may be looking for someone to steer the ship in the same direction it is currently going-it is up to you to find that out, and highlight the portions of your background that fit what they want.
With eight years of experience managing people, I'm sure you have the ability to break the ice and make people comfortable with you-just relax, be yourself, and make sure that your body language and posture show them that you are both confident in your abilities and open to any questions they may have.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

This is a really, really touchy issue, one that is awkward for all concerned. There can be a number of things on the go here. At worst yes, the fix is in, the committee has decided and they are just going through the motions. But that is probably the exception not the rule. More usually it is a case of the internal candidate having an edge because s/he is a known quantity, or people don't want to hurt her/his feelings, or it is cheapest to hire the internal (complicated to explain but that is often true). It can also be the case that the internal is genuinely the best candidate. That can be so simply by happen chance or because that person was the best hire for the temporary position and is still the best person to hire for the permanent one or because the internal has done an excellent job with the prospect of continuing to do so. The big problem of course is that there is always the suspicion that the whole process was unfair. And even for the winning internal candidate there remains the lingering feeling that s/he won because of being the internal not because of being the best. Good luck.

Answer 3

Study and learn everything you can about the way this company does it's business. An internal candidate is not only better known by the interviewers, but is more familiar with the companies work systems, especially "unwritten" processes (Never take a job to Johnny Nogood if you actually want to get it done, e.g.) You need to present yourself as someone who is already ahead of the game on learning about the company, and as someone who is a quick learner. If it's a panel, make sure you can address each person by name and title after the first introductions without having to be reminded, for example. Going up against two internal candidates is a tough position to be in, but it is doable. Good luck

Answer 4

Read, read, read. Look up the company on line and find out as much as you can about its revenues, financial performance, products, competitors, and so on. If you know anyone at the company, pick their brains and find out the scoop.

The internal candidates will definitely have the edge in knowledge of company systems, products, culture, and personnel. There isn't much you can do about that. What you CAN do is to smile, make eye contact, sit forward in your seat and appear engaged in the discussion, and make it clear that you've done your research.

Another good interview tactic is to ask questions, not just answer them. Asking insightful questions shows that you are thinking about the company's business and how you can contribute to it. You will also come off less like a know-it-all and more like someone who's ready to jump in and learn. It's a good way to work in some of the research you did on-line.

Some things you may want to ask:
-What do you expect of this person after 30 days on the job? 90 days?
-I noticed on your web site that you have xyz product coming out soon, designed for x market. How will that product launch impact your revenue growth in 2007? (or something similar - showing that you've researched the products and inquiring further.)
-What are the supervisory challenges in this position? (This gives you an opportunity in the ensuing dialogue to highlight your experience and educational background.)

Think of the interview as a dialogue, not just "they ask, you answer." GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 5

Do as much research as possible on the company's industry. Be sure and bring up this knowledge in the interview so that they can see you went to the trouble of doing your research. Talk about how you can bring a fresh perspective into the company. Talk about how you improved processes and efficiencies at your previous positions.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Internal advantages: they know the company, know the way the company works.

Internal Disadvantages: previous problems are known when they come from within.

External Advantages: new fresh approach to all projects.

External ADvantages: Opposite of Internal. You don't know the company and have no history with them.