I want to hire someone who previously worked for the company but in a different division. The complicating factor is they were fired by their prior boss, who still works for the company. He’s known to be difficult to work for — do you think it’s a bad career move to rehire someone another executive fired?

Calling this “complicated” is an understatement. Before you rehire anyone who previously worked for the company — particularly someone who left involuntarily — you must investigate their prior history, performance and relationships in the company. Some companies even have a policy against rehiring people who were fired. That said, many very talented folks leave under varying conditions and are eligible for and worthy of consideration for rehire. Not sure what your relationship is with the other boss, but that is a factor, too. I would make sure you have everyone’s blessing before making the rehire, otherwise you, that person and the company won’t be set up for success.

When applying for an internal transfer, is the interviewing process the same as a formal interview? Do I need a resume and cover letter? Do I need to dress for the interview as if I were an external candidate, or can I wear my regular work attire?

I’m not sure how your “regular work attire” differs from interview attire, but unless you’re employed on a farm, it shouldn’t involve flannel and work boots, or the folks at InStyle will want to have a word with you! One should always be “camera ready” at work; dressing for the position you want is cliché but a good rule to follow. You never know whom you might run into, which meeting you may be asked to attend or when a new job opportunity is going to present itself. And when applying for a job internally, you should dress to reflect the culture of the company in general and in that department. And yes, while the process may feel more familiar, you should observe the usual norms for interviewing, including having a resume prepared and following up with thank-you notes.