- Types Of Interviews
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Promotion interviews can be tricky since you’re interviewing with someone you already work with. If you’re considering applying for a promotion or have a promotion interview coming up, it’s important to do some preparation to make sure you’re ready to put your best foot forward in your meeting.
In this article, we will go over how to prepare for a promotion interview, give you sample questions with answers, and provide tips for what to do after the interview.
Key Takeaways:
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When preparing for a promotion interview, be sure to tell you supervisor, prepare for the interview like you would any interview, and make sure you highlight why you are the best candidate for the position.
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Since there is a chance you won’t get the promotion, it’s important to avoid burning any bridges with your coworkers while in the interview process.
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When going into an interview for a promotion, you may have an advantage against external candidates but it is important to treat this if you didn’t have connections with the hiring manager.
What is a promotion interview?
A promotion interview, also known as an internal interview, is an interview where you are applying for a higher position within the organization you already work for. Not every promotion comes with an interview, but a lot of organizations require internal candidates to go through the same hiring process as external candidates.
That being said, many companies prefer to hire internally for certain positions because they know more about the candidates and, more importantly, the candidates already know about the company.
So that means you’re a shoo-in, right? Well, with your knowledge advantage, the company also has higher expectations of you. That means you should expect tougher questions and be ready with mountains of evidence for why you’re the best candidate for the job.
How to prepare for a promotion interview
To prepare for a promotion interview, you should explain what you’re doing to your boss, research the job and company, and act as you would if you were an external candidate.
There are elements of a promotion interview that are the same as any old interview. As such, some of the most popular interview tips (maintain eye contact, dress to impress, etc. ) apply here as well. The following tips are more specific to a promotion interview.
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Talk to your supervisor. Before you start gunning for a promotion, you should talk to your boss. That way, it doesn’t seem like you’re going behind their back and they don’t hear about it from someone else.
Additionally, this conversation will help you see how your supervisor views your contributions, which can provide extra evidence of your awesomeness during the interview. He or she might even have some insider tips that’ll help ace your interview.
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Research the job/interviewers. Same as any interview, you want to review the responsibilities of the role for which you are applying. The only difference is that you’re an internal applicant, so you have greater access to more up-to-date info. You can even talk to the person whom you’ll be replacing to learn more about the position.
It’s also a good idea to do your homework on your interviewer(s), especially if it’s someone you’ve never worked with before. If you’re able to bring their work experience into the conversation, that can only be to your advantage.
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Review company knowledge. As an internal applicant, you probably already have a good understanding of the corporate culture and your company’s goals. However, it can’t hurt to review their mission statement and re-familiarize yourself with the company’s vision.
Additionally, knowing what projects are in the pipeline will help shape your responses. If you already have intimate knowledge about how you’d handle a coming project, that’ll help you shift the conversation from “you” to “we” and make it easier for hiring managers to visualize you in the new position.
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Follow the hiring process protocol. It’s good to be confident, but don’t expect that you’re a shoo-in just because you’re an internal applicant. Whatever the rules of the hiring process are, follow them just as any other candidate would. Don’t try to sneak around the system or rely on personal relationships to land your promotion.
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Maintain professionalism. Look, you might already be best buds with someone on the hiring committee, but don’t let that detract from a professional attitude. Take this seriously and show the interviewer that you’re the best candidate for the job on merit, not nepotism.
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Be ready to brag. Just like any interview, you should be ready with a brag book. Highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the new position. You’re already showing your commitment to the company by applying internally, so use that to your advantage.
Show, don’t tell applies here as well. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your stories. Come with numbers and any relevant documents that showcase how you’ve already made many positive contributions to the company.
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Ask questions. Just because you know more about the company and the role than a typical external applicant doesn’t mean you know everything. Failing to ask questions can make you look overconfident or like you don’t care about the specifics of the new role.
Focus on the responsibilities of the new position, how you’ll fit into the team, and what your transition would look like. Your curiosity shows that you’re very serious about succeeding in this new job.
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Practice answering common promotion interview questions. Getting familiar with some of the questions you might encounter is key to preparing for a promotion interview. You shouldn’t memorize your answers, but having already thought through many of your talking points will you feel more comfortable and confident in your interview.
Promotion interview questions and sample answers
When interviewing for a promotion, one of the best ways you can prepare is to go over common promotion interview questions and sample answers. This will help you shape your answers more easily when you’re on the spot.
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Why do you want to change roles?
Interviewers want to know what you’re looking for in a job change. Be honest about how this new role meets your professional goals, but make sure you speak positively about your current position as well.
Example Answer:In the four years I’ve worked in my current position, I’ve grown so much and learned more about the industry. If promoted to this new role, I would be able to apply my new skills and knowledge to effectively lead our team. I would be able to make a greater contribution to the company’s growth goals.
I would also be able to step into a leadership role where I could support and mentor others, which has always been a passion of mine.
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What do you like most about your current role?
This question helps interviewers learn about your personality and work style and how it may or may not jive with this new role. If you can, talk about something that relates to the job you’re interviewing for as well as your current position.
Example Answer:I have enjoyed working at a company that values teamwork above all else. My team has been phenomenal and I’ve learned so much working with them. Streamlining processes and finding a groove where all of us can pursue our passions while keeping the company’s vision at the forefront has been immensely rewarding.
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What has been your greatest success story in your current role?
This question gives interviewers insight into your skills and work ethic and how those might translate to this new role. As you answer, give as many quantifiable details as possible, and don’t take credit for any work that wasn’t yours.
Example Answer:When I started here as a sales representative, I thought I was a natural salesman. I figured out that I still had a lot of learning to do when I failed to meet my sales quota during my first quarter.
However, by talking to my team members and supervisor, I was able to pinpoint my weak areas, and since my first quarter, I’ve always exceeded sales quotas by at least 20%, which I’m very proud of.
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Why do you want to leave your current position?
This question tells interviewers about your career goals and alerts them to any candidates with poor motives for applying to this job. Be positive in your answer, focusing on what you learned in your current role and what you hope to learn or experience in this new position that you can’t currently.
Example Answer:Working with the social media team has been an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’ve acquired new skills and built relationships that have helped my professional development. However, I feel that my passion really lies with website development, and after taking time to learn new coding languages, I am excited to apply my new skills in a different environment.
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Why should we consider you for this position?
This is your chance to pitch yourself and explain why you’re the perfect choice for the job. Just make sure you don’t stretch the truth because the hiring manager can easily fact-check you.
Example Answer:In my current position, I’ve been able to streamline how we handle client feedback. My team consistently gets higher customer reviews than the company average, and a big part of that has been the new system I helped devise. I also think I’m a natural team player who can motivate others to work to their full potential, which is something I’d get to do a lot more of in this new role.
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What would you do during your first month on the job?
Showing you have ideas and drive is key to making yourself a strong candidate. Just make sure your ideas focus on your learning the role and building on what’s already there rather than explaining why the way things are now is so bad.
Example Answer:The first item on my agenda would be clarifying the short-term and long-term goals of our company and our team. I would then communicate these goals to my employees so we could all be on the same page. I would also review my team’s current workflows and make adjustments to increase efficiency.
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How would your co-workers describe you?
Interviewers ask this to get to know you from another angle. Be honest as you answer, but choose a character trait that will serve you well in this new role.
Example Answer:My co-workers would describe me as diligent and detail-oriented. In the past, I’ve always been the one to catch little mistakes in projects and notify people well ahead of deadlines. My team has even nicknamed me “failsafe” because they see me as the last line of defense for catching errors.
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Tell me about an occasion when you were tasked with something you’d never done before.
This is a behavioral interview question, and interviewers ask questions like this to see how you responded to a challenge in the past to get an idea of how you’ll do the same in the future. Be specific in your answer, using the STAR method to shape your response.
Example Answer:Last year, when our customer service representative was in the hospital, each team had to elect a developer to liaise with one client. I accepted this responsibility, and my first course of action was to reach out to co-workers who had relevant experience.
I then reviewed materials left by the absent customer service rep and researched what was expected. I was able to organize an outline and break the assignment into mini-projects so that I could talk the client through every step of our process. We actually received a perfect 10/10 customer satisfaction survey at the end.
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How will this promotion change your current work relationships?
Interviewers want to know that vanity and status aren’t your goals in applying for the promotion. Emphasize how you want to maintain your relationships as you answer.
Example Answer:I always strive to create an inclusive and positive workspace. If promoted, I would maintain my current work relationships with open and honest communication.
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What part of this position will be the most difficult for you?
No job transition is perfectly smooth, and hiring managers want to know that you understand and are prepared for this. Provide an honest answer about the challenges you anticipate, but focus most of your time on how you’re going to overcome them.
Example Answer:Moving from entirely internal responsibilities to a more client-facing role will be a big change for me. However, I think the communication skills I have developed in my current role will serve me well when dealing with clients in the future.
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What training or resources would you need to succeed if you are promoted?
In addition to being a practical question, interviewers ask this to get a feel for the importance you place on professional development for yourself. They want to see that you’re proactive about learning new skills, so highlight that in your answer.
Example Answer:I know that this new position would require a greater knowledge of programming languages, and I’ve begun taking Python courses to get a head start on my training. Having access to such great programmers on my new team would help me develop my skills and grow at a faster pace so that I can start making greater contributions to the company.
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How do you motivate your team members?
You don’t have to be a manager to be a leader, and most healthy employers want leaders at every level of their organizations. Showcase your leadership skills by sharing a specific story about when you motivated your team.
Example Answer:A few quarters ago, our sales team saw a dip in our numbers. Our supervisor asked us to come up with systems to improve our sales and my idea was chosen as one to implement. We adjusted our incentive system, made how commissions work more transparent, and added extra bonuses for top performers. That system has stayed in place and our sales team has continued to exceed expectations ever since.
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What are your salary requirements?
The key to answering this question is to give a salary range based on research and to emphasize your flexibility.
Example Answer:While I am flexible, I am looking to receive between $76,000 and $83,000 annually. This is based on research I’ve done for similar positions in this area.
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What are your career goals and how does this promotion fit into them?
Even if your goal is to be in another role in five years, make sure you emphasize that you’re invested in this position and the company as a whole.
Example Answer:I hope to rise to the position of senior data analyst in the next few years. Starting as a junior data analyst will help me grow as a professional. This new position offers greater training and on-the-job experience that will increase my potential to contribute to the company’s short and long-term goals.
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How will you react if you don’t get this promotion?
Your attitude about not getting a promotion says a lot about you. If you plan to leave the company if you don’t get the role, you can say so, but make sure you explain the reasons why and stay positive about the opportunities you’ve had at this organization.
Example Answer:I’ll certainly be disappointed that I can’t make as big of a contribution to the company. However, I understand that the company has to do what they feel is in their best interest. I have full faith that you’ll hire the candidate who is best able to handle the responsibilities of the job. Additionally, I will continue to perform at a high level on my current projects and look for different ways to add value to the company.
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How do you stay updated with industry trends and developments?
Promotions usually come with additional responsibility, and hiring managers want to make sure you’re handling those responsibilities well by keeping up with new trends, technology, and best practices. Be specific in your answer to this question, explaining what exactly you do to stay up-to-date.
Example Answer:I subscribe to several different newsletters, social media accounts, and podcasts that keep me up to speed on any new developments and give me tips and ideas I can incorporate into my daily tasks. I also attend at least one major industry conference every year to ensure that I’m keeping up with trends and growing my professional network.
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How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
Good time management skills are vital to any role, but they’re especially important when you transition into a role with additional responsibility. Walk interviewers through your process to show them how well you’ll be able to handle this new job.
Example Answer:I keep a master calendar with all of my meetings and deadlines on it. Then, every week, I make my to-do lists and block out time to work on projects based on those events. I’ve learned to plan on disruptions, so I build in extra time before all of my deadlines to account for those.
I also bring a notepad with me to every meeting, no matter how short or casual, so I can write down tasks and dates and incorporate them into my calendar and lists when I get back to my desk.
Other common questions that may be asked during a promotional interview:
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What is your greatest strength?
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What is your greatest weakness?
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What do you know about the position and the people you’d be working with?
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How do you handle a challenging situation?
- What sets you apart from other candidates?
Internal promotion interview questions to ask employer
An interview isn’t a one-way street — you should have some questions to ask in a promotion interview prepared as well. For one, your questions will express a deep interest in the position and intimate knowledge of what the position entails. Additionally, you want to learn as much about the promotion as you can, so that you’re ready to tackle your new responsibilities right away.
While this isn’t a comprehensive list, use it as a jumping-off point for developing pertinent questions to ask during your promotion interview.
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What are the biggest challenges that a person in this position will likely encounter?
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What are the most important things I can do to succeed in my first month on the job?
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How is performance evaluated for this position?
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What departments will I be collaborating with most often?
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What kind of opportunities do you offer for professional development?
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Why is this position available now?
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What did my predecessor do right to succeed in this position?
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What are the most important skills for a person to possess to succeed in this position?
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What would my transition into the new role look like?
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When can I expect to hear back from you?
Tips for after the promotion interview
After your promotion interview, make sure you express your gratitude for the opportunity, be respectful to everyone in your workplace, and continue to do your job well.
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Express gratitude. Don’t take this too casually as an internal applicant. Even if you’ve thanked everyone in person and your interviewers are people you see around every day, you should still write a thank-you email to everyone who was involved in your interview process. Reiterate how interested you are in the position, how qualified you are, and your gratitude for being considered.
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Don’t burn any bridges. This applies regardless of whether you get the promotion in the end. Maintain professionalism throughout the process. If you’re about to supervise people you worked with (who may have applied for the position you just promoted to), continue treating them with respect. Once you know the promotion is happening, wait for the company to announce it to your co-workers (if they plan on doing that) before you let everyone know that you’re moving up.
On the flip side, if you don’t get the promotion, try not to take it personally. If you become really negative and less productive after failing to get the promotion, you’ll certainly hurt your chances the next time promotion talks start up again. Or if you decide to start applying externally, your pouty response will hurt your odds at a good letter of recommendation.
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Keep excelling at your job. You have one major advantage over external candidates — your day-to-day work at your current role speaks louder than any resume or cover letter can. Make sure it truly is an advantage by performing your job at a high level.
If you have made mistakes in the past (who hasn’t?), take time to consider how you’ve grown and improved as a result of them. That way you can show off both your accountability and your professional development in one go.
Promotion interview FAQ
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How do you know if a promotion interview went well?
Signs a promotion interview went well include the interview going longer than expected, the interview feeling conversational, and you were told what you would be doing in the role. A interviewer or recruiter’s time is valuable so if the interview is going longer than the set time, it can be a sign that they like you and are trying to get to know you more.
When the interview is more conversational than standard questions and answers, it shows that you are getting along and you build up a good rapport with the interviewer. It also shows strong interpersonal and communication skills.
A big sign that the interview went well is being told what a typical day in the position looks like. The interviewer will say things like “In this role, you will be expected…” instead of “The successful candidate would be expected to…” when they are interested in you for the position. Just like any interview, you can ask for feedback on how you did once it’s over but those are some signs that it went well.
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What is a big interview mistake?
Showing up late and not being prepared are some of the biggest interview mistakes. You should be 10 to 15 minutes early to an interview to show the interviewer that you are ready and prepared. You should also have done your research on the company before the interview that way you are prepared with company-related questions. You should also have your resume and cover letter printed out and with you just in case.
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What is the hardest interview question?
The hardest interview question that is commonly asked is “What is your greatest weakness/strength?” This may seem like an easy question to answer, but an interviewer or recruiter is looking for a thoughtful answer. While you want to be truthful about any skills needing to be improved but you want to avoid raising any red flags that you are not qualified for the position.
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What not to do in a promotion interview?
In a promotion interview, don’t complain about your current role, take credit for work you didn’t do, or behave too casually. You won’t win any points for complaining about or badmouthing your boss, coworkers, or responsibilities, so make sure you’re speaking positively about your current situation.
You also should be careful to not embellish the truth about your responsibilities and accomplishments — the interviewers easily check your facts, and it won’t go well for you if they find you weren’t being truthful. Finally, just because you work at the company or know your interviewer doesn’t mean you can be casual or unprofessional. Treat your promotion interview with the same gravity and respect that you would any other interview.
References
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University of Southern California – Interview Preparation
Expert opinion
How To Ace Your Promotion Interview
Doug Fogel
Professional resume writer, life coach and career development coach
With your knowledge advantage, the company also has higher expectations of you. That means you should expect tougher questions and be ready with mountains of evidence for why you’re the best candidate for the job. You should start presenting that evidence before the interview.
How do you do that?
Simple – Make sure your interviewers have your updated resume well ahead of the interview itself.
Also make sure your resume highlights major accomplishments you’ve achieved since you started working at your current position.
This will plant into the minds of your interviewers how valuable you are to the company (a good thing, right?).
It will also give you tangible talking points to bring up during the interview.
- Types Of Interviews
Author
Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.
