Interviewing for a job where I know there is an internal candidate--any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

I applied via USAJOBS for a federal position in another part of my agency, and made the cert list. The next day, I called a friend who worked with the hiring manager and she asked him about the search. He told her they had already selected an internal candidate, so I figured that was the end of it. That was a couple of weeks ago.

This morning, I got an invitation to interview tomorrow. I wasn't expecting that, since the hiring manager explicitly told my friend that they had selected someone.

I was wondering whether anybody had advice on how to prepare, that is specific to this situation? It's a panel interview, if that matters. I assume there is a strong internal candidate and I need to somehow justify why I as a stranger would be a better choice than that person.

Thank you very much.

[Anonymous]

It's likely an interview for show.

My advice: Bring your A-game, and do your best to market yourself as versatile. If you're a good candidate they may find another position for you, even if they hire the internal candidate for the original position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's likely an interview for show.

My advice: Bring your A-game, and do your best to market yourself as versatile. If you're a good candidate they may find another position for you, even if they hire the internal candidate for the original position.

+1. I was once the internal candidate in this scenario. The hiring manager wanted to just offer me the job, but his superiors required him to do at least one other interview. I felt bad for the guy who they interviewed since he had no chance.

But I agree that if they like you, you may be able to move over there in the future when another position opens so do your best. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's likely an interview for show.

My advice: Bring your A-game, and do your best to market yourself as versatile. If you're a good candidate they may find another position for you, even if they hire the internal candidate for the original position.

I was the hiring manager in this type of situation (not Fed though) and we ended up hiring the outside interviewee just months later for another position.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks all! I'll do my best, prepare a lot, and look at it as an opportunity to make connections in a new place.

[Anonymous]

I've been the hiring manager in this situation and been so blown away by the external that they ended up with the job. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

OP, all the pressure is off for the interview. Just go in there loose and do your best -- it could pay off down the road. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

agree with all the good advice above - give it your best shot but also profit from it; I would also emphasize what you bring to the table that doesn't come from an internal hire (without specifically mentioning that), for example, fresh perspective, benchmarking etc.

[Anonymous]

Off topic, but is there any way to fight that? It's the biggest scam in applying for federal jobs that in so many cases agencies are just going through the motions to comply with the legal requirements to post the job and interview externally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Off topic, but is there any way to fight that? It's the biggest scam in applying for federal jobs that in so many cases agencies are just going through the motions to comply with the legal requirements to post the job and interview externally.

Are there any legal requirements to interview though? I've been on many cert lists where I was referred but not interviewed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Off topic, but is there any way to fight that? It's the biggest scam in applying for federal jobs that in so many cases agencies are just going through the motions to comply with the legal requirements to post the job and interview externally.

Are there any legal requirements to interview though? I've been on many cert lists where I was referred but not interviewed.

I'm assuming there is some sort of requirement, since if they already have the candidate then why go through this charade of posting the position, having HR review and refer resumes to hiring managers, and having interviews.

[Anonymous]

I work for the WB and this is a daily occurrence. There is nothing you can do for this particular job.

BUT, if you make a bang-up impression, you may be kept in mind for other things.

[Anonymous]

I was once in your position - without knowing it til i got there. It was pretty damn obvious they were just going through the motions. They were nice about it but disinterested.

I just chalked it up to a experience.

To the PP who called it a scam - I think the opposite of you. I think it's a waste of time that the gov't has to go through these hoops to promote people internally. Just do it without wasting everyone's time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Off topic, but is there any way to fight that? It's the biggest scam in applying for federal jobs that in so many cases agencies are just going through the motions to comply with the legal requirements to post the job and interview externally.

Are there any legal requirements to interview though? I've been on many cert lists where I was referred but not interviewed.

I'm assuming there is some sort of requirement, since if they already have the candidate then why go through this charade of posting the position, having HR review and refer resumes to hiring managers, and having interviews.

I guess (?) sometimes the internal person declines the position and they want a backup? I am presently the internal person for one and I may decline.

[Anonymous]

Tell them your salary immediately up front!