IJP interviews

I have recently been through one of the most challenging phase of my life. My IJP interview. It was challenging because when you have been in a position for too long and it starts to stagnate, you feel doomed. Even though your situation is not as bad as it seems. You may be the most deserving candidate but the idea of competing in an open playing field with other employees who may or may not be as much a contributor as you can be nerve racking. What if someone else gets the change just because they have prepared well and you miss out.

To make sure I be the surest candidate for the IJP I had to make a plan. This started more than a month ago when I first heard that there is a likely position coming up. Hence first lesson is "PLAN" at the right moment and well in advance, anticipate it before others do and get a head start.

The second step was to understand what will be required of me? So "Understand the requirement" of your boss. Speak to those who are already doing the same job, learn what and how they do the job, see if you can learn some of their trades.

"Highlight yourself", this is the most important part. People may forget what 'big' you have done six month back but they will remember whatever small contribution you have made (apart from your normal job) recently. Be visible, do something new, something that catches others (most importantly your manager's) attention.