Internal Interviews

Posted by Liz Koblyk, Staff Career Advisor

Competing for jobs internally gives you advantages: you know the institution well, and you already have contacts and a reputation here.

Internal competitions can also trip up some candidates, however. When you know UW well and have built a good name and network here, it is easy to fall into the trap of under-researching and under-communicating during the job competition.

If you are aiming to change offices, it is especially important to research your potential future office. Failing to research the office with which you’re interviewing is a common stumbling block for busy staff. Research can be conducted relatively quickly, though, through office and departmental websites, news coverage inside and outside the university, and online and personal networks. The more you know about your potential future employer, the more you can draw connections between your abilities and their needs.

When applying for any internal position, it is a challenge to force yourself to communicate your skills and accomplishments clearly. If you find it daunting to blow your own horn, whether on your resume, your cover letter, or in an interview, UW’s Career Development e-Manual has some great resources. You may also find it useful to schedule an appointment with me to expand your list of skills and accomplishments, and to practice conveying your abilities in an interview.

Appointments and workshops with Liz can be booked on the Career Services website.