(9) CIA 3 Promotion Interview
Promotion Interview
What is a promotion Interview?
Promotion interview also referred as internal interview is an interview conducted to promote an already established employee of an organization to a higher position in the organization’s hierarchy. The need for the interview is usually to increase the responsibility of an existing employee based on their performance so far. The organization is already aware of the abilities and strengths of the interviewee to a large extent. Therefore, the interview involves understanding the level of motivation and the readiness of the interviewee for greater responsibilities. As a consequence, the interview would consist of questions that do not deal with the basic details of the candidate, rather test the level of expertise and knowledge required for the position.
What is the need for a promotion interview?
As the definition points out, the promotion interview is conducted to fill a position in the hierarchy of an organization or to add a new member to a position in the hierarchy. Promotion interview becomes important to avoid any biased or discriminatory promoting practices in an organization as the candidates are already employees of the organizations.
How is a promotion interview conducted?
A promotion interview fundamentally revolves around the question, “why should the organization promote you?” Thereby, it involves questions that focus on the achievements and performance over the past duration of working of the candidate. The candidate can expect questions regarding the reasons for any failures or losses caused by them over their tenure so far. Further, they could ask about the growth and the progress made by the candidate and how would the candidate work on their shortcomings to be more efficient.
The candidate should understand that their work so far speaks volumes about their eligibility to the promotion. The interview is to understand the candidate’s readiness in terms of their self-confidence, communication and self-awareness which are essential to take up larger responsibilities.
Sources:
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/tips-to-successfully-interview-for-a-job-promotion-2061306
https://www.topinterview.com/interview-advice/job-promotion-interview-tips
Script
A promotion interview of a policy advisor for the position of the chief of staff to the secretary of state. The policy advisor has been working for 5 years directly with the secretary of state.
Hello ma’am. Good evening.
Hi Arpita. How are you doing today?
I am doing well ma’am.
That's great! So shall we get started?
Sure.
I have seen the cover letter you have submitted. It looks great! I see a lot of growth since the first day you came into the department. You are doing a great job as a policy advisor, what brings you here for a chief of staff position?
As you know, I love my job as a policy advisor. My knowledge and skills have found meaningful and effective ways to make an impact at this job. But now, I feel I am ready to use my experience to head the team. Ms Nadine cannot be replaced as a chief of staff and I will not be able to. But I carry the learnings she has imparted throughout these years and I want to do the job in my own way. That is the reason I am here.
Well, you are right that Ms Nadine cannot be replaced and I am looking for someone as efficient as her. I don’t doubt your efficiency regarding the policy given the record of the critical deals you have worked on. But I have my reservations regarding your assertive communication. Do you think you will be able to head the team as a chief of staff where you have to do a lot of tough talk?
I know I am a world class people pleaser. I do think a lot before I pitch in. But, it is also my superpower to not give up. I have worked on my assertive communication. And I displayed it at the meeting with the president last month. I have learnt from you ma’am that when your objective is clear and you are determined, you deliver what is necessary. I am committed to doing that.
In these 5 years, when did you feel like you failed?
In the investigative journalist’s case ma’am.
What about it?
I knew the reports sent by the Russian embassy about the health of the captured journalist had some truth to it, despite ambassador Harriman denying. I should have stood up to him before it was too late. But I overlooked my instinct and judgment and that cost the journalist’s life. That was when I felt I failed for the first time in my life. My lack of assertiveness cost a life. That's when I decided to never hold back my judgment or step back from something I believe in.
That wasn’t your fault Arpita, but I see it has taught you the greatest lesson of the job. Moving on, how did you prepare for this interview?
I started preparing for this interview over the past 5 years in every work I did ma’am. I have prepared my best and tried to deliver it in every policy and every crisis I have worked on. So, yesterday, I just sat down and reflected on my growth and shortcomings and the ways I have overcome them and will overcome them in the future as well. These made me believe in myself to present to you today, why I deserve a shot at this job.
Okay. If you get this promotion, tomorrow, you will be in an authoritative position with people who are your colleagues now. What will change Arpita?
My desk ma’am.
Your desk ?
Yes. It's going to change. I will get a cabin and my team will have to come there to discuss work with me.
And of course, a layer of accountability will add on to my colleagues while talking shop with me. But other than work nothing else will change.
I expected that. Thank you Arpita. I will let you know by tomorrow.
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