There is plenty of advice available to help when you are approaching a job interview, some of it occasionally more amusing than actually helpful.  One thing it all has in common is that it focuses on an interview for a new position at a new company (new to you).  So how do you prepare for an interview when the post is an internal one?  Do you prepare for the project management post differently when you already know all the key people involved?

Insider knowledge

There is one huge benefit you have on an internal post application that an external applicant cannot match – your knowledge of the company, it's standards, the people involved and the work it does.  You will likely know the people conducting the interview and even have a relationship with them that gives you an insight into what they are looking for.  They may be the type that likes everyone to fulfil their role like jigsaw pieces or they may be seeking an innovator who steps outside their normal boundaries and comes up with new ideas.

You will also have a better knowledge of the role in question than an outsider will.  There’s a good chance you will have worked alongside the person who is leaving, perhaps taken part in project management training courses with them where you get a feel for their job.  You may have even done it at times when the need arose.  You will understand the project management framework being used and the project management methodologies  such as PMP, APM or PRINCE2 that are being followed by the company. Therefore, you are applying for a position you know with people you know within a company you are extremely familiar with.

The interview

All this insider knowledge doesn’t mean that you don’t need to work just as hard at the interview as with an external position.  In fact, sometimes it can be harder!  The people interviewing you already know what you have done in your current position, your qualifications and your abilities.  So you need to wow them with what you plan to do in the new role.

The format of the interview itself can vary between companies but when you are talking during your interview, or if you get the chance to give a presentation, then firstly focus on the future.  Talk about what you are going to do, how you are going to approach the role and deal with any issues.  Look at the direction of the business and how your vision for your place in it fits into this.  Alternatively, discuss your unique strategy for an issue within the project management framework.

Back up these grand ideas with your experiences and your track record.  Remind the people what you have done in a way that is relevant to the new job.  Promote yourself in a positive way without going over the top – remember these people know you so don’t get too creative!  You can add in about any training you have been through that is particularly relevant to this role.

Resist being persistent

Once you have completed the interview, resist the urge to be persistent when you encounter the interviewer.  Don’t ask about the job, hint at knowing what is happening or make excuses to run into them.  Treat it as you would an external job – wait and find out what decision has been made.  When you do find out, remember to act appropriately if the answer is a negative one, as you still need to work alongside these people.  But fingers crossed, it won’t be!