Your company has chosen you to interview for a promotion, and now you have to prepare to speak to someone you may have known for a long time about a position within a company where you are already employed. It is important to understand what the company is expecting in a promotion interview so you can go into it with the proper frame of mind.
Treat it Seriously
Of course a promotion is a very serious moment in someone's career, and that is why the interview process for a promotion needs to be taken seriously as well. Knowing the interviewer and feeling confident with your position in the company are important, but they should not cause you to feel as though the promotion is yours regardless of how the interview goes.
Study the position you are applying for and be prepared for the questions the company may ask. The advantage of an internal-promotion interview is you already know the company and how it works, so you can use that to form questions that management will appreciate and predict questions that will be asked of you. Preparing for your interview will help you win your promotion.
Even if your current position within the company does not require professional attire, dress in a business suit when coming to work for your promotion interview. It is a sign of respect to the company and shows how much you want the promotion.
If you are looking to replace someone who has left the company, ask the people in the department about the previous job holder. Find out why he left, and ask what is expected of a person in that position. Knowing as much upfront information as possible can help you to answer interview questions more directly and make a better impression.
Use Your Resources
The notion that you work for the company so you have an inside track to the promotion interview is a double-edged sword. Yes, you are familiar with the company and have access to information that will put you in a better position to get the promotion, but the company managers also have had time to develop preconceptions about you and your style of work. When you go in to a promotion interview, show you are a responsible and valuable employee, and be prepared to answer questions about your performance head-on. Maintain your professionalism, and accept responsibility for any mistakes.
Find someone that would be involved in the decision and get her on your side. Use professional conversation to let that person know you are qualified and deserve the promotion. Avoid making looking manipulative by being direct; simply point out that you will be going for the promotion and you would like his support.
Make Sure it is the Right Move
Sometimes a promotion may not be the best thing for your career. Once you have studied the position, determine if it is the right move for you. Think about the responsibilities the position requires and honestly assess whether you are capable of carrying out those duties. A promotion usually means more pressure within the company and the possibility of managing a crew of people. Decide if these are the responsibilities you want.
In some cases, the company may ask you to interview for a promotion management feels you are qualified for. If you have determined that it is not the right move for you, let the company know in a professional manner. If you applied for a promotion but realized in the interview process that there was more to the promotion than you had anticipated, remove your name from consideration and explain why you have to withdraw.
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