Internal Interview

Question

I applied for an internal managerial position. It is in a different department from mine.  I have had four interviews and was told today I will meet with a talent acquisition manager for the final interview. The hiring team plans to make a decision between me and another person by next week. I am nervous and not sure how to make myself stand out. I have never managed a team and I am surprised I made it this far in the process. Any advise on nailing this final step would be greatly appreciated.

Marisol Caballero · Answer

Hi. My first advice is removing the 'I am surprised I've made it this far' thought out of your mind. You are there because you have earned it and they see value in you. 
In terms of not having the management experience, think of opportunities that you have worked within a group filled of so many work styles and personalities and have collaborated, compromised and have completed a project successfully. Yes, managing people comes with a whole load of responsibilities and some times, can be very challenging but it can get done. I always said the job itself was easy; the managing of people was harder for me especially when you first start. However, I would do it all over again. Without them, I could not have successfully complete our organizational goals.
Best of luck on your final interview! Remember that you've earned this and it's normal to be scared. Growth and development can be scary but let your passion, confidence and determination drive you to continuing pushing forward.

Marisol

Kyla Duffy · Answer

Approach the interview with the mindset of 'I'm excited to provide value in this role' rather than 'I really need this promotion.' This will demonstrate a genuine commitment to company success and set you apart from the competition.

Anonymous · Answer

You obviously have a great deal to offer, so stand tall!

What are the character/behavioral traits that have made you effective to date, and how do these apply to managing a team?  How do you motivate yourself or colleagues to ensure excellent performance?

Use these examples to explain how you will manage effectively.

Congratulations on your performance to date and for being considered for this new opportunity.  Know that you are appreciated by your company and will do great in the new role!

Amy Elrod-Lahti · Answer

Everything Marisol said! My additional suggestion is to spend some time before the interview visualizing what it would be like if you got the job and were leading the team. Get to a quiet place and relax, close your eyes and envision the future where you have the job. How does it feel? What choices are you making? What kinds of challenges are you faced with day-to-day? How do you handle them? Most importantly: does envisioning this make you feel happy? Nervous? What questions does it bring to your mind that you may need answered before you say 'yes' to the job?

You got this far because you're a competent, accomplished person and they think you're potentially a good fit for the challenges and opportunities of the job. In the interview, be yourself - pretending to be someone else, or something you're not, can backfire on you. They need to understand who you are, and you want them to understand you. How they react to you in the interview is a preview for how they will treat you if you get (and accept) the job. Remember to breathe! Don't be afraid to ask questions - you're interviewing them too! You got this! Good luck!

Jasmine Wilson · Answer

Thank you! Such great advice.

Internal Interview

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