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It’s flattering when you get a call from another company, one you don’t work for, and they ask you to sit for an interview. Not only is this position in a new and exciting company, but it will mean an important promotion too. This certainly has all the hallmarks of what all managers dream of.
However, many who are offered this tempting career advancement are under prepared and often blow it. They don’t take into consideration factors affecting career development, which can result in them not being offered the position.
This is disheartening and downright depressing, right? Thinking that the job was in the bag, many managers don’t fully prepared for the interview. They make some fundamental mistakes when submitting their resume too. 
Sure, you have sat and been successful at interviews before – that’s how you got your job in the first place. You are good at your job, and you have a trackable history of your successes to prove it. Your resume reflects all of these things and more. But, for whatever reason you didn’t cut the grade when it came to the interview. In truth, you failed and you may not be aware of why.
Don’t make the same mistakes. Instead, learn what the factors affecting career development are use them to your advantage next time you get that call.

Openly Discuss What You Are Missing 

Your career record is shiny and full of all the wonderful accomplishments you have made so far. You are on the ball updating it all the time. However, this move to a new company will reveal some gaps that you may wish to ignore or just gloss over - Don’t.
Whatever you do read through the job application thoroughly. Also, read up about the position you have been asked to interview for. What skills do you lack? What experiences don’t you have? Make a list of them and research ways you can address them. Then, make sure you acknowledge them during the interview process. 

Look at Ways to Fix What’s Missing

Openly admitting that there are areas where you are lacking, and then showing that you are prepared to do something about them is a great way to show just how determined you are.
You may have to do an extra course at night or read up about similar situations, and discuss how you would be prepared to learn on the job. Show that you are not above asking for help or advice where needed.

Make Sure You Talk About What’s Relevant to the Company

Talking about your accomplishments in an interview situation is always a good idea. But delivering the same old speech is no way to win the minds of those on the interview panel. Why? Because they would have heard these types of speeches over and over again.
What you need to do is make your interview stand out and get noticed. Find out what issues the company is facing and address those. Talk about what you would do and what skills you have which will ensure that the company will grow. If you are not confident you have these skills or experiences necessary say so, but talk about how you are going to improve on them.
Make Them Believe You are the Best Person for the Job
Put yourself into the shoes of those doing the interview. If you were on that interview panel what would you be looking for? Make a list of the types of qualities and experiences the perfect candidate would have. Now, make a few notes about what you might have to do to make sure you are that person.
Owning your shortcomings and admitting that you don’t have everything the company needs is an open and honest start. However, with many career goals, you are willing to improve and be that person they desire.

Take note of the following:

• If the company is looking to hire externally what does that say about their current staff? What qualities are they lacking, and how can you fulfill that gap?
• During the interview talk about the successes of the company, and what skills you have that will ensure it will continue to be successful.
• Research issues that the company faces, and prove that you can help overcome them.
• Be prepared to be original when answering interview questions. 
• Make sure that when you are asked to speak you have prepared something which will speak directly to what the interview panel are looking for.
• Ensure that they understand you know a lot about the company. When it started and how it works, for example.

And always remember: 

Great managers are made. Not born.

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