Internal Interviewing Tips

• While companies often prefer to hire from within, internal candidates still have to convince the company they're better than an outside candidate. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

  When companies need to fill a position, the higher-ups often look within to find an ideal candidate. Nailing an internal interview is a great way to get ahead at your job. There are a number of useful tips for candidates preparing for a successful internal interview.

Dress the Part

• Dress like it's a job interview, even if that means dressing better than you normally do at work. Your employer wants to see that you take this potential promotion seriously. If you are a man, dress in a business suit in conservative colors such as dark navy or gray. If you are a woman, dress in a skirted suit, also with conservative colors, and wear a jacket, according to Quint Careers.

Do Your Research

• Research the position and offer solutions to problems the company faces. Company officials are trying to fill a gap; tell them how you would fill that gap. Ask specific questions about what kind of production the company hopes to see from this position.

Keep Your Guard Up

• Don't be too comfortable just because you already work there. Show your personality, but don't say things that would cause the interviewer to wonder whether you are even right for the position you currently hold. Some people are too honest and just say whatever pops into their heads rather than carefully considering their answers, Career-Life Times notes. For example, don't say that you are bored with your job and want a change or indicate that you sometimes just ignore criticism if you don't like the source.

Bring Performance Reviews

• Bring positive performance reviews. If you've been at the position long enough, you have probably had performance reviews. Bring the ones that reflect well on you to show the interviewer you've already impressed supervisors at the company.

Leave a Resume and a List of Accomplishments

• Job-Hunt notes that you should leave a resume as well as a sheet listing your accomplishments that includes a statistical analysis of what you have contributed to the company. You can also leave a brief report on how you would solve a problem facing the company to demonstrate you have the ability and the commitment necessary to win the job.

Send a Thank-You Note

• Send a thank-you note, even if it is to a colleague. This is a thoughtful and meaningful gesture even for internal interviews.