I have a job interview for an in-house position where I would be advancing from a IT director role to leading the IT department in an organization of about 60 employees. I asked multiple years ago to be mentored so that I would be ready for this opportunity and I know my boss who is retiring has recommended me. Since that time company culture has changed so that all executive positions must now be a "national search" and we have multiple new executives at the top level. My introductory interview with the search firm is next Tuesday and I'm very nervous about being an internal candidate as all previous candidates in the other executive roles have been externally hired. Add to that I have a bit of imposter syndrome even while I know that I can do this. <sigh>

4 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 7:29PM UTC

   Make a PowerPoint of your contributions and successes. I’ve found that interview teams respond to this

2. Michelle LadyMay 31,2024 at 7:54PM UTC

   This is a great idea. And it helps you prepare for the interview while articulating the most important points you wish to express!

3. AlexisJune 1,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

   I like this idea, too! It would help keep you from being nervous and having a guide.

   Don't make them too busy/too wordy.

   Don't make them me me me

   Make them about your experience in your department, your skills, if you have any ideas even.

   As far as imposter syndrome- many if not most women have this. Pretend you are acting in a play. Do the old everyone is in their underwear visualization. Drink a cup of coffee but call it Magic Presentation juice. Meditate.

   Whatever helps you get through it. And practice. Practice at least 20 times.

   Good luck and let me know if you need help!

4. AnonymousJune 1,2024 at 1:48PM UTC

   Highlight how your internal knowledge along with your skillset makes you uniquely qualified for the position. Highlight some of your “greatest hits” that benefitted the company. Come with ideas of how to improve productivity, ROI, and how your leadership and reputation for excellence within the company are what makes you the best fit. I completely understand imposter syndrome. Just make sure you connect how the work you have done and the relationships you have cultivated as well as ideas for what you will do to continue to move the needle for the company are why you are the best fit for the position. Good luck!