Internal candidates get 51% of all open positions

Internal candidates get 51% of all open positions Internal candidates get 51% of all open positions According to the Wall Street Journal, internal candidates get 51% of all open positions. This finding comes from CareerXroads, who surveyed 41 companies that employ 1.8 million people collectively. Why do companies prefer internal candidates? Hiring managers like candidates who can make an immediate impact. Internal candidates are more likely to do so because they: Understand the processes Know the people Fit with the culture Most importantly, theyve already proven themselves on-the-job. Typically, external candidates only have a resume, the interview, and a few references to demonstrate who they are and what they can do. To summarize, theres more risk hiring an external vs. internal candidate. As an external candidate, you must close the gap between you and the internal candidate. Invest the time to review the company website and talk to employees. Create your own on-the-job opportunities. For example, if youre applying for a marketing or sales job, try the following: Create a business plan for a new product idea Develop a new sales deck for an existing product Make your own opportunities and convince the employer that youre just as strong as (if not stronger than) the internal candidate.