Everything you need to know about acing a job promotion interview.
Every so often, a lucrative job promotion comes along.
A job promotion can mean many things – higher compensation, greater autonomy or prestige.
Before that higher compensation and prestige is yours however, you’re going to have to be interviewed.
This is where the competition is fierce, so it’s important to understand the dynamics of a job promotion interview in order to succeed.
What is a job promotion interview?
Usually when a job opportunity becomes available, it is advertised internally. Usually, this opportunity is a higher position within the company’s hierarchy. Job promotion interviews therefore involve existing staff members being interviewed by either Human Resources or higher management to fill that vacancy.
As with most interviews, the competition is high. This is because you’re competing against peers who possess similar qualifications, skills and experience as you do. Therefore, advanced preparation should be performed to ace the interview and get promoted.
Find your fit in Caribbeanjobs.com
How to prepare for a job promotion interview?
A promotion is likely to attract numerous applicants, many of whom are both eager and qualified. To aid your preparation it is essential to research:
The responsibilities
You need to understand the purpose behind the new job responsibilities and skills needed to operate at that level. For example, is this an analytical role where the bulk of your duties requires independently sifting through tons of data and figures? Or is this an interactive role where you will be corresponding with important clients, CEOs, government officials or other high-ranking individuals.
Your new environment
If you do get this position, there may be a chance you will be promoted across departments, office locations or even countries. Your interviewer would have expected you to research changes in location this promotion may involve.
Who will be your new colleagues?
Research who your new boss and colleagues could potentially be. This is important not only for the promotion interview, but in adapting to the new workplace environment and culture comes along with it. You need to determine how you can fit in and thrive within this new culture and establish amicable relationships with colleagues.
Things you should never do in a interview
Preparation tips before a job promotion interview
The following tips should be performed before the start of the job promotion interview to ensure a seamless and uncomplicated interviewing process.
Have that resume ready to go!
To differentiate yourself, it will work in your favour to mention company events, initiatives and projects that you played key roles in. This not only builds your credibility and affirms your capability, but demonstrates your commitment to the organisation and willingness to work for its greater good.
Reach out to your predecessor
If possible, a good strategy would be reaching out to the person who previously held that position. Engaging with them about the insights, highs and lows of the job to better understand the requirements, skills, mindset, personal qualities and advice on being useful in that role.
Examine your performance reviews
Unlike being a new hire at the company, you’re an existing employee which means individuals in the company are familiar with your work accomplishments and performance. Examine your last three performance reviews. Ensure they were atleast satisfactory and can portray you as a high-value team member, instead of spoiling your chances.
If there are issues within your performance reviews that you feel may be brought up during the interview, it is important that you prepare and practice how you’re going to address such concerns the interviewer may raise.
Talk to your current manager
The last thing you want to do is tiptoe around your current manager and interview without their knowledge. This will wreck your credibility and diminish trust. They must find out about you applying anyways, so let it come straight from you. Be upfront and let your manager know about your interest in interviewing for the job promotion.
Avoid mentioning anything about salary or “leaving for better”. Instead, keep it professional and mention something along the lines of, “this opportunity being a suitable vehicle for advancement and professional development for you”.
If performed correctly, and also depending on the working relationship you both share, your current boss will support your decision and may even help you prep for the interview or put in a strong recommendation for you.
How to answer the most commen interview questions
Preparation tips during the job promotion interview
Promotion interview tips to assist in marketing yourself effectively include:
Dress with extra care
Upgrade your normal work style a bit by wearing a jacket or blazer, over your normal attire. Ensure your shoes are polished, hair and face are well groomed. You’re seeking an upgrade in your career, therefore your colleagues should see an upgraded version of yourself as you step into the promotion interview.
Sell your accomplishments
Qualifications may be homogenous but experiences are individualistic and should be strategically tailored to illustrate you’re the best candidate for this promotion. For a job promotion interview, always indicate your specific work accomplishment, the skills you developed, the growth achieved and finish each point with what your work accomplishments taught you.
Include the ‘small’ details
Everything and anything you have done within the company can work for, or against you in the job promotion interview. Sell your accomplishments firstly. Afterwards remind the interviewer about those small, but important qualities that people may not immediately notice.
These details may include a proven punctuality record, minimum sick days, participation in company’s events, committees, charities, community initiatives or excellent performance reviews. Where competition is stiff, you need to build your case to stand apart from the crowd.
Let them visualise you in the role
Market yourself by painting a picture of yourself in that new position for the interviewer. Mention clearly:
- What ideas will you bring to the table?
- What improvements will you perform to be more efficient than the previous person?
- How will the new department benefit from you working with them?
Create a clear picture in their minds on how you intend to shape the role and utilise your new position to benefit the overall organisation.
Say thank you
Provide a firm handshake as you exit and forward a follow up email thanking them again for their consideration and reaffirm your interest in the position.
