8 Surefire Steps for Landing a New Position with Your Current Employer

Last week, you were informed your company is hiring a social media manager. Although you’re currently working as a marketing assistant, you’ve been with the company for a year and you’re ready for a new challenge.

When it comes to applying for jobs with your current employer, it’s important to take the application and interview process seriously. Whether you’ve been with your employer for six months or three years, you need to prepare yourself for the hiring process just like you would for any other position.

If you’re thinking about moving up in your company or switching departments, here are eight steps for landing a new job with your current employer:

Step 1: Research the position and learn every detail about the department.

Although you might think you know the ropes of your entire company, you need to take the interview process seriously.

Learn how the position fits into the functions of its department. You should also know what the responsibilities are and the experience required for success. In addition, be sure to know everything about the department such as its goals, the product or service it’s responsible for, and how it completes projects.

Step 2: Talk with your current manager and obtain a letter of recommendation.

Be open with your current manager about your decision to apply for the new position (assuming he or she isn’t the back-stabbing type). Especially if you’re going to be leaving your department, you don’t want to leave your current manager in the dark.

If you’re on good terms with your manager, ask him or her about a letter of recommendation. This is a great way to show the hiring manager that you are stand-out employee and have already made great contributions to the company.

Step 3: Network with employees who have the position you want.

To obtain a better idea of the position you’re applying for, network with employees and managers who hold similar positions or work in that department. These connections will help you prepare for the interview and learn key areas where you must shine. This is also a great way to show you are genuinely interested in the position.

Step 4: Set up a job shadow.

After networking with employees, find out if you can shadow one of them for an afternoon. This is a great hands-on approach to truly learn about the position and the small details the job description left out.

Step 5: Meet with the HR manager or current director of the department.

When you meet with the person responsible for the hiring process in your new department, inform them you are applying for the position. This is also your opportunity to learn more about the qualifications and skills needed to succeed in the job.

Step 6: Prepare your accomplishment stories and portfolio.

Just because you did an awesome job in your current position doesn’t mean the hiring manager will automatically think you are a good fit for the job.

Remember, you are preparing for a job interview. You need to take this process as seriously as you did when you applied for your first job with the company. Gather your best pieces of work from your current position, accomplishment stories, and the skills you’ve gain thus far with the company. This is a great way to impress the hiring manager and show him or her you are committed to landing the job.

Step 7: Make a list of questions to ask during the interview.

Again, it’s important to create a list of questions to ask the hiring manager. Even if you think you know everything about the position, you need to show the hiring manager you are genuinely interested in the position.

Here are some examples of questions you can ask during the interview:

• What are the biggest challenges the department is facing right now?

• Who previously held this position and why did he or she leave?

• How does this department evaluate success?

• What do you expect this role to accomplish in the upcoming year?

Step 8: Remember to make yourself stand out.

Even if you are an outstanding employee in your current position, keep in mind that this interview is your opportunity to stand out.

During the interview, use the insider information you gained from job shadowing and meetings to your advantage. Show the interviewer you have done your research about the position and highlight your company-specific experience. After the interview, be sure to write a handwritten note thanking the hiring manager for his or her time.

Have you applied for jobs with your current employer? How did you prepare for the interview process?

Image Courtesy of Bigstock

About Heather R. Huhman:

Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies. She is also the instructor of Find Me A Job: How To Score A Job Before Your Friends, author of Lies, Damned Lies & Internships (2011) and #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for numerous outlets. Follow Heather below to receive all her articles!