A couple of questions about applying for an internal position
A couple of questions about applying for an internal position
(OP)
In the last week an opportunity came up here at work that I think would be excellent for my career. Per company procedure, I need to apply for the job through the company website. So my first question is this: Do I need to put a lot of effort into polishing up my resume and tailoring it to the job (e.g. including job description buzzwords that an OCR will pick up) like I would if applying for a job at another company? I am going on the premise that your resume is your only chance-basically 30 seconds of someones time, to convince a complete stranger that you are worth taking valuable time out of their day to bring you in for an interview. With that in mind your resume really needs to stand out from the pack to stand a snowballs chance to even speak to someone about the job. But in this case, I am somewhat of a known quantity. I know the hiring manager and I have already talked to him about my interest in the position. He is somewhat familiar with my work. He also indicated that his preference would be to promote from within because he sees familiarity with our businees as one of the key things for this position. I have also notified HR that I am going to be applying for the job. So in my mind I am not sure if I want to go crazy tailoring my resume for a position where I am basically 95% sure I will get interviewed. I don't really need to sell myself upfront because they already should know (and I have even been told by my immediate supervisor) that I am a good fit for the job.
Related question: Should I bother including a cover letter with my resume? I don't feel like I need to introduce myself and summarize what I bring to the table. I think in this case that is best saved for the interview. Finally, on the day of the interview, is it customary to wear a suit? Or do I just wear business casual like I do every other day?
Thanks for the replies, believe it or not, this is the first time in my 20 year career that I have ever applied for another job within my company.
Related question: Should I bother including a cover letter with my resume? I don't feel like I need to introduce myself and summarize what I bring to the table. I think in this case that is best saved for the interview. Finally, on the day of the interview, is it customary to wear a suit? Or do I just wear business casual like I do every other day?
Thanks for the replies, believe it or not, this is the first time in my 20 year career that I have ever applied for another job within my company.





RE: A couple of questions about applying for an internal position
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: A couple of questions about applying for an internal position
Does the potential benefit outweigh the cost of your time? How bummed would you be if you didn't get it and you're always wondering 'what if I'd done a better resume'. How does your company review applications, if they play the game of ticking off buzzwords and ranking strictly on that then there is a slight risk that others get picked ahead of you etc.
Like wise on your cover letter, wouldn't put too much effort but a quick note just to cover your bases - likewise with the suit maybe not your Armani wedding suit but the minimum you'd wear to an interview just to show you aren't too complacent. You may need to make it appear like it's a real application process.
However, this really depends on just how close you are with the manager and how much he wants you, if he's literally said 'filling out the online resume is just a formality' then obviously don't put much effort into it.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: A couple of questions about applying for an internal position
I just went through this - two of us applied internally; luckily neither of us polished our resumes under the assumption we are known quantities within the division. Didn't realize that one of the interviewers would be from outside the organization and had no idea who either of us was.
RE: A couple of questions about applying for an internal position
RE: A couple of questions about applying for an internal position
Your current manager/supervisor is the wild card in a situation like this. Put yourself in his shoes for a minute, if you quit or get promoted what does he do? Does he have somebody that can replace you. if he does not , even though he may openly support you he may be working behind the scenes to keep you in your present position. Be aware when you interview that this can happen.
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.
RE: A couple of questions about applying for an internal position