Applying From Within
Making the best use of the inside track. Sometimes it seems easier to come from the outside to get that plum job at your company. But there are ways to use the inside track to your advantage
Does it seem that it’s easier to apply for a job outside of your company than it is to move into an internal position? It may seem that way because we too often consider ourselves entitled to the internal position. When we do this, we forget that we have to earn the position, just like everyone else. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you are the candidate of choice.
Train Your Replacement
A lot of companies shy away from internal moves because they know they will have to train both you and the person that they hire to replace you. If you take this obstacle out of the picture, you might have a very good chance of getting a new position in your company.
If there is someone in your department who appears to be well suited for your job, suggest to your boss that you cross-train with him/her. This way, if you do move into another position within the company, this person will be able to move right in or at least take on some of your responsibilities while the company searches for your replacement.
Take the time to document what you do, so that a new person can easily come in behind you and do your job. Your boss will be forever grateful.
Dress the Part
If you want to be viewed as someone who is top management material, look around and see how these people dress. Then begin to make changes in your wardrobe so that you are perceived as "one of them."
Make your Wishes Known
For some reason, we think that people should know that we are interested in a particular job. When we don’t get the job, we are very disappointed. Of course, we never told anyone that we wanted that job.
Take your career matters into your own hands. Make sure that you let your boss know you are interested in trying out new things. And make sure that his boss knows where you want to go in the company, in case he has access to openings that your boss may not know about.
If your company posts jobs internally, make sure you review these postings often. A missed week could mean a missed opportunity.
Prepare to Formally Interview for the Job
Don’t assume that because you are the internal candidate, you are a shoe-in for the job. Update your resume so the hiring manager has a good understanding of what you can bring to the table. Find out whatever you can about the opportunity so you can sell the hiring manager on the fit.
Follow up your internal interview with a thank you note that also reiterates your strong skills, as they apply to the position. In your note, remind him why you are the best candidate for the job. This is no time to be humble.
If you don’t get the position that you applied for, don’t be a sore loser. Ask the hiring manager to give you some feedback about why you were not chosen. Then start designing a plan to make some changes, so that next time you apply for an internal position you use the inside track to make it to the winner’s circle.
