Getting your next job – The Internal Pitch

In a previous article, ‘ What is my next job ?’, I talked about how you can work-out what appropriate next jobs may be and how to begin to target them. As internal positioning is a key element to getting on the radar for the team or business unit you are targeting – I thought I would spend some more time talking about this topic.

CV

Have an up-to-date CV and consider re-writing sections to better fit the job, role or team you are targeting. For quite a few years I would change my CV every time I pursued a role so that it was orientated and tailored to that team.

The Influence & Knowledge of Your Network

There is not much point having a network unless you use it ! Reach out to your network and find out from them :

- what do they know about the role, team and manager ?
- do they think you would be suitable for the role ?
- what of your strengths would be the most desirable to the team ?
- do they know individuals or the manager from the team ?
- can they provide any insight as to what they are looking for ?
- can they introduce you to a team member or the manager ?
- can they mention you to the manager ?

Getting an introduction to the target manager is much more powerful than you making an approach cold. That being said, very few people make an approach at all, so you will be out in front regardless.

Write Your Pitch

So you have updated and tailored your CV and you have researched the role, team and manager by leveraging your network. You now want to write a one-page overview which will encapsulate You, your background (relevant to role), anything special about you (won an award, education etc) and several key questions you want to ask the manager. Three key questions you want to ask are :

1. “what are the key requirements they are looking for in a new team member?”
2. “based upon your experience and skills would you be a good fit for their team?”
3. “when do they anticipate roles becoming available within their team?”

The Executive Interview or Meeting

Regardless of how well you may know whomever you are meeting – keep the meeting fairly formal and professional – your objective is to :

a) communicate your capabilities – deliver your pitch
b) obtain a level of interest in you and appropriateness for the team
c) create a connection
d) get on the ‘bench’ for the team or have a roadmap to get there

When I am looking at new career options I generally consider 3 to 4 different roles. I will complete the above process around 3 to 5 months before I am looking to move with a follow-up say 2 months prior and depending upon how things develop maybe another 1 month prior. I am open and tell the managers that I am looking at multiple roles and I disengage if I lose interest.

Are you looking to pursue a new role within your organisation right now ? Let me know and ask any questions ! Please rate this article. Thanks,