The Power of Story: Stand Out in Your Next Internal Interview

Feeling lost in the crowd of candidates? Making a strong impression in an internal interview can be a real challenge, even when you’re already part of the organisation. The secret to acing your internal interview? Storytelling.

By weaving your experiences into a compelling narrative, you can illustrate your skills, achievements, and growth in a way that truly resonates with your interviewers. Carefully planned storytelling not only makes your qualifications more memorable but also helps create an emotional connection that can influence hiring decisions.

In this post, we’ll delve into how crafting a powerful personal narrative can significantly enhance your chances of success in an internal interview.

Your Story So Far

Understanding your narrative is a crucial step in preparing for an internal interview, as it allows you to reflect on your journey within the organisation and articulate the experiences that have shaped your professional identity. Begin by identifying key milestones in your career with that organisation—projects you’ve led, challenges you’ve overcome, and skills you’ve developed. Consider moments that highlight your technical abilities and showcase your soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. These experiences form the backbone of your story and provide context for your accomplishments.

As you prepare to discuss your current role and how it relates to the position you’re applying for, focus on the specific skills and insights you’ve gained that are relevant to the new opportunity. For example, if you’re moving from a project management role to a leadership position, emphasise how your experience managing diverse teams has equipped you to inspire and guide others. 

Highlight instances where you adapted to changing circumstances or took on additional responsibilities, showcasing your growth and willingness to learn. By clearly connecting your past experiences to the new role, you convey a narrative of continuous improvement and alignment with the organisation’s goals. This thoughtful approach will help you present a case for why you are the ideal candidate for the position. 

A captivating story guides the audience through a journey with a clear structure: it begins with the “before” version of you facing a challenge, leading to personal growth and new decisions in the middle. This journey may include successes and failures, but ultimately, it concludes with valuable lessons learned and a stronger, transformed version of yourself.

 

Never assume

This could be perceived as a piece of well-worn advice, but we are compelled to highlight it again: preparation will always help you move from your current situation to the opportunities you aspire to achieve. Amy Gallo writes: “Internal interviews require the same rigor as interviews with an external company”. As usual, it begins with thoroughly researching the role you’re applying for and understanding the expectations that come with it. Keep in mind that this is a competitive process, and you shouldn’t become complacent by assuming the position is guaranteed, because you may be known in the company.

It is a cliché, but many internal candidates fail to do this basic step! Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities, challenges, and goals associated with the position, and how it fits within the context of your experience within that organisation. 

The secret is to clearly express how your unique experiences within the company align with the current needs of the hiring manager. Remember that the hiring manager may not fully understand your journey within the company. Never assume it’s their responsibility to connect the dots between how you got from point A to B and the outcomes you achieved.

Think of the interview as a clarification of your work processes, as many of the skills and contributions that lead to successful outcomes can often go unnoticed. 

“People may be familiar with your outcomes and may even know you, but it’s important to remember that it is your responsibility to explain how you achieved the described goals,” says Ilaria Dondero, a career coach and interview expert of llaria Coaching. “Position yourself so others know and understand how you come about your outcomes”, she continues.  

Demonstrate how you work and communicate and which skills you apply to which process. Take the time to identify and articulate the unseen soft skills that play a critical role in your performance, such as communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

When discussing your contributions, Ilaria advises providing context about your work that others may not readily understand. For example, if you have participated in cross-departmental projects, explain how your collaboration with different teams has enhanced project outcomes and fostered a culture of teamwork. Highlight these experiences to showcase your problem-solving abilities and demonstrate how you navigate challenges. By packaging this information into a cohesive narrative, you create a powerful story that communicates your impact.

 

The “Why” Behind Your Journey

Understanding the motivations and values that drive your career is essential in the context of an internal interview. Reflect on what inspires you to excel in your work—whether it’s a passion for innovation, a commitment to teamwork, or a desire to make a positive impact. Connecting these personal values with your professional goals clarifies your purpose and demonstrates to the hiring manager that you are aligned with the company’s mission. 

Use the philosophical statement, to set you up for success. For instance, you might say: “I believe in the power of collaboration; so I strive to foster an inclusive environment where diverse ideas can flourish.” 

This kind of philosophical statement can resonate with others, showcasing your commitment to personal growth and organisational success. By articulating a clear philosophy, you will instill confidence in your capabilities and create a narrative that highlights how your values shape your contributions and aspirations within the company.

 

Embrace Your Journey

Ilaria encourages you not to shy away from discussing the various career paths you’ve explored. Each transition has shaped your unique story and brought you to this moment. It’s your responsibility to articulate how you navigated these changes and the lessons learned along the way. 

Remember, you have a narrative waiting to be shared; now it’s time to express it coherently. Focus on your message–identify key experiences, prioritise what matters most, and persuade your audience of your value.

 

Transform Your Story, Transform Your Career!

Build the confidence you need to succeed in your internal interview with storytelling. At NxtGEN Executive Presence, we empower leaders like you to enhance your communication skills, which are essential for advancing your career. 

Our proven training solutions will help you effectively convey your message and articulate your unique journey within the organisation. Don’t hesitate to reach out and discover the remarkable benefits of our programmes. Let’s continue this conversation and unlock your potential together!

References: 

Harvard Business Review. (2021, December 20). The best job candidates are the best storytellers. https://hbr.org/2021/12/the-best-job-candidates-are-the-best-storytellersHarvard Business Review. (2013, July 2). How to ace an internal interview. https://hbr.org/2013/07/how-to-ace-an-internal-intervi