The Advantages of Being an Internal Candidate

Applying for a job can be a daunting process. There are so many things to consider: your qualifications, your experience, your resume, your cover letter. But one thing you might not have considered is whether or not you're an internal candidate.

In other words, have you applied for a position at a company where you already work?

If you're an internal candidate, you may have an advantage over other candidates who are applying for the same position from the outside. Here's a look at some of the reasons why being an internal candidate can give you a leg up in the hiring process.

1) You're already familiar with the company culture.

One of the biggest adjustments you'll have to make if you switch jobs is getting used to a new company culture. Every organization has its own unique way of doing things, and it can take some time to get acclimated to a new way of working.

If you're an internal candidate, there's a good chance you're already familiar with the company culture and how things operate on a day-to-day basis.

This can make the transition to a new role much smoother since you won't have to spend time learning about (and getting used to) the company culture.

2) You know the people you'll be working with.

Another major adjustment when changing jobs is getting to know a whole new set of people. When you're an internal candidate, there's a good chance you already know at least some of the people you'll be working with in your new role.

This can make starting in a new position much less intimidating since you'll already have some friends or acquaintances in the workplace.

3) You understand the company's mission and values.

When you work for a company, it's important that you buy into its mission and values; otherwise, you're likely to be unhappy in your job.

As an internal candidate, there's a good chance you already believe in the company's mission and values since you've been working there (maybe for awhile).

This can make it easier to excel in your new role since you'll be aligned with the company's goals from day one.

4) Hiring managers may already be familiar with your work.???

If you've been working for a company for awhile, there's a good chance your hiring manager has seen your work and is familiar with your skills and qualifications.

This can give you a leg up over other candidates who are coming from the outside since hiring managers may already have a favorable impression of your work before the interview process even begins.???

Of course, being an internal candidate isn't always a guarantee that you'll get the job—there are other factors that come into play as well, such as whether or not you're qualified for the position and how well you interviewed.

But if all things are equal between two candidates, being an internal candidate may give you that extra boost needed to land the job.

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Overall, being an internal candidate has its advantages. Namely, if all else is equal between two candidates—such as qualifications and interviewing skills—being an internal candidate may just give that extra edge needed to nabbing the job.