Guide on Applying For an Internal Job Position
In the quest to promote a culture of internal employee development, organizations reserve some positions solely for their existing employees. This means that the job advertisement will be done only within the organization. By granting employees the first right to a new position, internal posting offers existing workers the chance for intra-firm mobility; The opportunity to potentially switch departments or take on a bigger role within an existing unit. Both public and private establishments now prefer internal recruitment to fill vacant roles because existing employees are best compatible and have first-hand knowledge of the work culture. It also cost less time, money, and effort to hire internally.
You may be fed up with your current role, or perhaps feel the need for a career change or a new challenge. If internal options can meet these aspirations, there wouldn’t be any need to change workplace address after all; As getting a promotion or transfer to a new position can help grow your career, increase your income, and maintain your benefits and retirement plan without having to change employer. In as much as internal navigation can be difficult, exploring and succeeding will give you the stability and progression you desire within a shorter time.
Internal job application processes are so different than external job applications. Although, attributes such as tendering a formal application, interviews, and eligibility are sacrosanct, most internal job transitions are already captured in the firm’s internal transfer policy; hence making it less tedious for applicants and employers alike.
How to Find an Internal Job Position
This mostly depends on the size of the organization, some firms list open positions online via in-house social media platforms. You may sign up to receive email alerts as soon as a new job is posted; That could give you a head-on of the application process. It is important to also know that some vacancies are advertised for internal candidates at initial before being open for external applicants; Mostly when internal options have been fully explored. Applying early will no doubt be to your advantage. So if you are interested in making a lateral move within your current firm, consider adopting the guide below and your transition will be smooth and stress-free.
Assess your current situation: look through your skillset, expertise, and length of experience to determine if you are suitable and eligible for the position. You can do a personal review with the following questions:
- How long have I been in my current position to cultivate good work rapport and prove my worth?
- How well am I performing in my current role?
- What are my strengths and professional passion?
Do I have up-to-date application materials that meet the job’s requirements?
You getting an internal job depends mainly on your eligibility, job performance, relationships, and work ethic. So be realistic in evaluating your traits and professional accomplishments; They will help you recognize if you are a good fit for the position.
Research on the position: getting a general understanding of an open internal job position will enable you to decide if you want to apply for the position or not. You can talk to colleagues who had the position, or those who are more conversant with the role to get information as:
- An informed view of the position and the responsibilities attached
- The benefits attached to the role
- Their idea of the most important qualifications to be successful in the role
You may also wish to talk to the Human Resource manager about the internal job position. The Company’s files and records that may be useful can also be requested to foster your understanding of what the job description and ascription entail. These will not only get you informed but will show your employer how interested in the position.
Inform your superior: you should inform your manager of your interest in the open position. It might feel nervous talking to your immediate boss about potentially departing your team, but doing so is vital; Perhaps he should be the one you first speak to about it. Use the opportunity to lay out compelling reasons why you should be allowed to do so, and how your transfer or ascension can benefit the firm. Do not in any way imply that you are unhappy with your current role, even if you are. The best rationale focuses on the positive aspects of the available position without expressing any dissatisfaction with your current position. You may want to extend the discussion further to determine whether he or she considers the new position the right career move for you, if so, request input and if possible a reference.
Update your resume: upgrade your resume to capture all your recent educational and professional accomplishments. Take time to prepare a first-rate resume tailored to the internal position you are vying for. Let the focus be entirely on the position and your suitability for it. Resist the temptation of assuming that your employer is already aware of your accomplishments, therefore, they might not need it from you. The recruitment manager will be interested in knowing, how you will use your skill and experience to fulfill the responsibilities of the position and how your fit into the firm’s culture makes you suitable for the role; These can only be captured in a resume or cover letter.
Apply for the position: never presume that you will be given the new role just because you are an excellent employee. Whether the application is online or manually, endeavors to attach your updated resume to the completed application. Please meet the stipulated deadline to turn in the application; You automatically disqualify yourself for the position if you fail to meet the application requirements because all received applications will be treated the same by the Human Resource department.
Follow up on your application: as you would after an external interview, send a thank-you note or email to your interviewer, ideally the same day or a day after the interview. Any time you come across your interviewer in the office, be friendly and warm, don’t bug them about the open position or push to make an overly good impression. Once the due date for a response passes, politely follow up about the status of your application. If you weren’t given a date, wait for a week or two before inquiring. An extra effort will further demonstrate your desire for the role, which may just push you to the top list of applicants and get you the job.
Conclusion
If you get the internal position, you should send an appreciation note to your manager, thanking him for the privilege and reiterating your commitment to the organization. You can extend the same to everyone who supported you during the application and hiring process.
Similarly, if it turns out unfavorable, don’t feel bad. There may have been other candidates who were a better fit for the role. Ask for feedback; You may not be able to get a response, but if you do, it will assist you in planning your next step.