8 MIN READ

"Re-Interview" for Your Own Job

Getting Rehired After a Company Restructure

Remember that your experience will stand you in good stead.

Your company is restructuring – and many roles and jobs are changing too. The new structure may make sense for the "new strategy" and the "new organization," but where will it leave YOU?

Restructuring can affect everyone – some people may change departments, others may change responsibilities, and yet others may be asked to relocate. So does this mean good news or bad news for you? Will you end up with a job you don't like, or lose your job altogether? Or is this the opportunity you've been waiting for?

Understandably, you may not like having to re-interview for what feels like your own job – the new job that will replace it in the new structure. In fact, it's quite common to feel angry and insulted.

But don't take this personally. If your boss values you and the quality of your work, this can be a great chance to gain a challenging and interesting role in the restructured organization – and the newly defined position may be better than your old one! Remember, you have the experience and qualifications to do this job, and you have time to prepare for the interview. So grasp the opportunity, and make the most of the situation!

Note:

Even if your company doesn't restructure, re-interviewing skills can help if you want to apply for any internal position – whether it's a promotion or a lateral move. As an internal candidate, you may be held to a higher standard than outside applicants, because you're expected to know more about the organization. Be prepared to talk specifically about how you'll address the challenges of the new job.

Tips for Re-Interviewing

The number-one rule is to take this seriously. You are not guaranteed to keep your job, so this isn't simply a "rubber-stamping" exercise. This process is just as serious as applying for a different job with a different company.

However, your preparation is different from interviewing for an outside job. And the interviewing approach can be different.

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