Applying for internal vacancies and seeking promotion within your current organisation can be a rewarding step in your career. With your deep understanding of the business, years of dedicated service, and valuable contributions to achieving business goals, navigating the application process for internal roles may appear straightforward. Yet, at times, gaining recognition as a suitable candidate for an internal job can present its challenges.
Ignorance of your ability to do the job by the Hiring Manager can be a common challenge for professionals seeking internal promotion. The limited exposure they have to your work may lead to a lack of understanding of the depth of your expertise gained from previous roles. It is essential to highlight the wealth of experience and achievements you can bring to the table across all areas of your CV, even with past accomplishments.
Wrong personal fit – as much as we believe in our abilities and ability to carry out a new role, the perception of others can impact our professional opportunities. When a Recruiting Manager is unfamiliar with us, they might seek input from colleagues, potentially leading to a negative evaluation of our fit for a role. It is crucial to ensure that your unique skills and expertise are highlighted within your CV, and you are seen as an asset to the department rather than a potential threat.
How do you ensure you are considered as a serious applicant for the internal job vacancy?
Ensure you present a Bespoke CV tailored to the vacancy
When applying for an internal job opportunity, remember that a Bespoke CV tailored to the vacancy is crucial. Being an internal candidate does not guarantee the position. Your CV should highlight relevant experience, skills, and qualifications aligned with the job requirements. Do not overlook details – ensure every aspect of the role is covered. Proofread meticulously to avoid common errors and inconsistencies. Investing effort in your application is key, both for internal and external positions.
Ensure you have a standout Cover Letter
Working for the same company where the job unfortunately gives you no guarantee that you will be shortlisted for interview. You need to do your due diligence and ensure that your cover letter has the wow factor with the essential experience, qualifications and skills highlighted in summary. Write your cover letter with a “formal letter” style and you cannot go wrong in terms of presentation. This will increase your chances of scoring high for this part of the job application.