Interviewing... For a Job You Already Have?

By Joe Issid

Whaaaaat?

On the surface, it may seem like a very strange premise but interviewing for your own job is not altogether uncommon in certain employment sectors. For the record, I am not referring to a situation where you are forced to justify your position within a company that may be looking to get rid of you. While these situations do (regrettably) exist, I am referring to a much more positive prospect: interviewing for a job with the intention of extending your stay with your employer.

For instance, some companies have policies that compel managers to interview candidates whenever the term for a particular position changes. For example, converting a temporary position into a full-time role may require a formal interview process. In such a situation, the incumbent will need to apply and interview just like everyone else. Many companies actually have collective bargaining agreements in place to ensure that anytime any conversions take place, the position must be open to new candidates, regardless of whether the hiring manager already has a competent and trained person currently filling the role.

It certainly does appear to be bureaucracy run amok but such processes do allow for a level playing field and to protect against nepotism. So, if you find yourself in this situation at some point in your career, here are some suggestions to ensure you come out on top:

Don't be complacent

In some cases, you may be interviewing for a job that you have been performing at a high level for many months. Needless to say, you are probably the top candidate for the position and your manager is very motivated to award you the job. But if you are compelled to apply and interview, I strongly urge you to approach the process with the same diligence and preparedness as you would for any other interview. Given the competitiveness of today's job market, there will surely be other candidates who are hungry for work and will try extremely hard to impress. It is in your best interest to ensure you are among them.

Tilt the playing field

You have a major advantage over all other candidates as you have clearly demonstrated that you are capable of performing the job at a high level. It certainly behooves you to leverage this experience as much as possible. If you have received any positive performance reviews, then bring them along. If you have received any complements from any colleagues, this is a good time to present them. You could go one step further and solicit recommendations from other colleagues/managers to demonstrate the value you have provided the company. Additionally, whatever industry or company insights you have learned while on the job should be showcased. Your objective during your interview is to make it impossible for your manager to consider looking elsewhere by presenting yourself as the perfect candidate.

Ask for what you want

It is perfectly understandable for you to feel dismayed and unmotivated for having to go through this process - especially if you are a strong performer. Having said that, this doesn't necessarily have to be a one-way discussion. As you are applying for this position just as any other candidate, you should approach it as such and use this as an opportunity for you have a meaningful discussion about your overall compensation package, working conditions and future prospects. Don't put yourself on the back foot by feeling beholden to your employer; use your inside track as leverage to get what you really want and deserve.

Keep it formal

Admittedly, it can be a bit strange being interviewed by your boss for a job that you have already been awarded. Furthermore, if you have grown close with your boss, it will be tempting to approach the interview in a relaxed and familiar way. Yes, you will want to leverage your close personal and professional relationship but be careful not to be too informal. It may sound cold and unfriendly, but you are best served to approach the interview in a professional and cordial way. You need to present your candidacy in a serious and organized way and to give the organization no reason to look at any other candidate.

Look elsewhere

If you are being asked to interview for your job, there is a non-zero chance that you may not be the chosen candidate. To wit, you could find yourself unemployed and with no other immediate options. As soon as you find out that you are being asked to apply, you should make every effort to update your resume and begin making efforts to find opportunities elsewhere. Yes, it may seem unlikely that you could find yourself losing out to another candidate but don't take that chance; use this time to come up with a strong contingency in case the unthinkable happens.

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