How to Convey Your Qualifications for an Internal Job

Some internal interviews occur in front of a panel or group.

The qualifications for a job do not necessarily change based on if a candidate is applying internally or externally. Similar to applicants from outside the company, an internal worker has to prove he can indeed perform the duties and tasks required for a position. An internal job could mean a transfer or promotion for some people. You might feel comfortable going through the application process because you have a working history with your company. However, prepare as much as if you were walking in the door anew.

Instructions

1. Print or save a copy of the online job description to the hard drive on the computer. Human resources departments have guidelines for how long internal and external job postings remain advertised and active, including company "intranet" sites.

2. Find the "Qualifications" or "Skills Required" section in the description for the internal job posting. Write on a piece of paper each qualification that the employer expects candidates to possess. List your matching qualifications next to each expectation. For example, if the job posting states "Must have Bachelor's in Business Administration or equivalent," then you could list a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting, if you have those credentials.

3. Create a new resume to match the qualifications in the internal job posting. Alternatively, edit an existing document. Exclude or delete the "Objective" section and instead use the "Summary of Qualifications" heading. List your qualifications under this section, using the bullet functions in your word processor application: "*Educated in financial and managerial accounting; *Certified Public Accountant; *Capable of managing large teams of employees."

4. Compose a cover letter that explains your qualifications. Most importantly, brag about your success and notable accomplishments in your work experience with the company and maybe with other employers. For example: "I implemented the conversion from a paper-based to software-based accounting system, which has reduced administrative costs and greatly enhanced management's ability to make business decisions."

5. Rehearse for the internal interview. You might go through the same interview process as an external applicant. One question could be: "Where do you think the industry is headed?" Be able to answer specific questions about your qualifications. For example" "Your degree is in accounting and this posting is for a person with education in business administration. Do you feel you are qualified for this position in middle management?"

Tips & Warnings

• Dress in full business professional garb, even if you are normally allowed business casual dress. Otherwise, you might look less professional next to external applicants who do go the extra mile.

• Research your current understanding of your industry and career. While you were busy working, the business world could have advanced beyond what you think is its current state.

• Don't embellish your qualifications if you can't prove you possess them. For example, don't change the name of your degree from bachelor's in accounting to bachelor's in business administration to match the job posting. Instead explain what you know about the subject matter. That alone might impress your superiors.

References

• Dummies.com; Creating a Successful Internal Hiring Process; Harold Messmer Jr.
• HR.com: Internal Job Posting Form
• Resume Power Blog; Resume Writing Tips for an Internal Promotion; Kim Isaacs; February 2007
• Dummies.com; Promotion Job Interview: Career Advancement Tips; Joyce Lain Kennedy
• BNET; 10 Ways to Land That Big Job Promotion; Steve Tobak; March 2010
• Puget Sound Business Journal; Treat an 'Internal' Job Interview Like the Real Thing; Maureen Moriarty; September 2009

Resources

• Career One Stop: Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Interviews
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition
• Career One Stop: Employability Checkup