JT & Dale Talk Jobs: Preparing for an internal interview ─ is it different?

J.T.: Honestly, the same way you prepare for an external one. Most people make the mistake of thinking the internal interview is more casual or easier. Do not let your guard down! Show them the same respect as if you were just starting there.

DALE: Speaking of respect, your job is to “sell” yourself; however, most people don’t understand what it takes to be a high-level B2B salesperson. The best description of such a person comes from sales trainer and author Tom Hopkins, who told me years ago that “most people think the best salespeople are interesting extroverts, but the best are really interested introverts.” What this means for you is that you do NOT go into the interview with your hair on fire; you go in with your curiosity on fire. Ask questions and then really listen to the answers. Ask the manager what he or she is hoping to accomplish in the next year or two, and what the ideal hire might bring to the position. They know you know the company; what they need to figure out is how well you’ll fit into their team. That’s where curiosity comes in — it’s live evidence that you’re going to respect your new teammates’ opinions and ideas.

J.T.: Further, when the interview turns to internal issues, remember that some in the new department might be worried you are bringing baggage or bad habits from your old assignment. So, be sure to ask them what skills they want you to bring from the current job, and also ask what new skills/mindsets do they want to make sure you have. Show them that you aren’t assuming you’ll get the job.

Dear J.T. & Dale: Today I got an email from a recruiter for a data analyst position. Problem is, the job requires four years of very specific experience, which is two years more than I have. Plus, the job is located in Los Angeles and is not remote. Do these recruiters even read our profiles? Needless to say, I had to decline. I wouldn’t move to L.A. for anything. I am a New Englander, and in the Northeast I shall stay. — Kari

J.T.: I would think that this came from one of the companies that is using automated search-and-send tools to try to get random candidates interested in their jobs. These spambots will continue until the market shifts. I think you’re best off just ignoring these things. There’s no real way to get off their lists without also missing out on potential good opportunities. It’s just part of the process of job searching.