Have you seen a job offer posted by your company, and do you have the intention to apply internally? Suppose the new proposal is tempting enough and you feel that you deserve it. Why don't you stand in the crowd and apply as an internal candidate? If you are curious about the process, here is an article that will show you the best job-winning tips for internal candidates.

Who is the Internal Candidate?

An internal candidate is already working in the company or the institution with new vacancies in its departments. As being part of the professional team, an internal candidate has the right to apply for the job offer, in case of:

-Meeting the requirements: for example, when this employee gets an additional degree and becomes qualified for another position, she/ he has the absolute right to apply as an internal candidate.

-A Career Change: when the employee already meets the requirements for another position, but due to the lack of vacancies or a previous rejection, he/ she gets hired for another one. When candidacy opens for that job mentioned above, this employee can re-apply again as an internal candidate

- A raise in Position: every employee aims to shift into a better career. If the new offer involves various benefits for employees reaching years of experience and seniority at work, you can apply as an internal candidate. Here are 9 Tips to Nail Your Group Interview

Do Internal Candidates Usually Get the Job?

 In significant cases, a job offer targets external candidates. Employers can also specify the type of applicants. They can put whether it's an entry-level job or a position for experienced candidates. Recruiters can also mention the minimum years of professional experience to receive applicants. In the case of an entry-level job, it's hard for you to get the job, especially if you are overqualified or have remarkable work experience. But, if recruiters didn't put particular conditions for the applicants, you have the chance to get selected for a job interview. As an internal candidate, you can be an added value to your company. The recruitment process may be more straightforward for you, as you have passed the most challenging stages that an external candidate has experienced. Here are how to prepare for your internal candidacy:

1.Make your career change decision

Applying internally is not a random decision. After ensuring that the offer is worth it, take the time to plan for your application and follow all the recruitment processes. Your decision depends on the company and its managers. Make sure that the Position meets your expectations. Although you are an employee there, this doesn't prevent you from researching and gathering information about the new job. Learn about the roles and responsibilities, professional benefits, and advantages of this Position.

2. Prepare for the interview questions

As an internal candidate, you should anticipate the job interview questions and structure your answers to demonstrate that you are fit for the job. By following the interview tips below, you will maximize your chances of securing internal promotion that meets your needs, abilities, and values.

-Justify your application: why this job?

As an internal candidate, your interview questions will differ from an external applicant. Preparing for justifying your application is all about studying the different options available to you before getting promoted internally. The success of this interview depends on the quality of your preparation. It would help if you showed that you understand the company's needs and meet the requirements, and your professional experience within the company is already a positive start for your career path. Take a look at; How to Sell Yourself in an Interview

-What are your preferred working strategies/ techniques?

This question highlights your working methods. Your answer should involve:

• Your ability to work within a team
• Your working habits: for example, using remote maintenance programs
• Your ability to meet the deadline and your level of commitments
• Your ability to volunteer

Of course, don't overdo your answer. Don't mention robotic and perfect working techniques. Your goal is to show that you are an open-minded person and that you are fully motivated to understand your company's needs.

-What interests you in this Position?

This question is like describing your wish list. It would be best if you described your interests without comparing the job with your current Position. For example;

You can focus on the job offer by listing the exciting points such as; schedule, the workplace, the new departments. Emphasize the professional offers rather than salary and perks. Don't limit your candidacy to materialistic aims.

-Why do you want to work here?

Although you are an internal candidate, you will be asked why you insist on working in the company. Employers are curious to know what motivates you to re-apply for the another job. You can answer about the advantages related to your professional life provided by the company. Again, you should not bring other companies' names to show that this is the best place. You should instead be diplomatic and make your answer central to your own working experience. You can say: "I joined this company four years ago. I spend a good deal of time learning the fundamental basics of the job. I have also established a friendly relationship with the rest of the colleagues. I think through this decent experience; I made the right career decision. I also aspire to elevate my career in the same company and contribute to its prosperity by working on its goals and learning more and more." take a look at; How Do I Get My Career Progression.

These were the various internal candidates' strategies to reply again for a job within the same company. Remember, in case of refusal; you can keep your current Position. You have nothing to lose in case of not winning the interview. You can also expect the comment interview questions that will be asked to any regular external candidate. You can find more interview guidelines in Fratres.