When you first started applying for jobs, did you already know When you first started applying for jobs, did you already know what you wanted to do? For those few of you who did, we are all jealous. And for those who haven’t quite figured it out, don’t fret — it makes sense that you don’t have your full career path mapped out yet.
Whenever you start a new job at a new company, working with people from different departments, there are hundreds of opportunities you hadn’t thought of before.
- What if you like the company you work for and are just looking for a change?
- How do you go about moving to a new job internally?
It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to push your career forward or have lost love for your job; there will always be a point when you ask yourself: what do I do next? If you love your company, an internal transfer can allow you to explore new territory without completely changing scenery.
How to Find the Right Role at the Same Company
Looking at other open roles within your company can be tempting, but rushing into a career change without research will lead to failure. Take a look at your company’s lateral movement policies first.
Respect the company’s policies and guidelines so it can be consistent in the process, helping you transfer smoothly.
When considering an opportunity, it is wise to do your research.
Changing jobs inside your current company has some significant benefits. Not only is your employer more likely to take a chance on you—after all, you’ve already proven yourself—but some companies specifically have programs that facilitate internal transfers of employees, making it easy to make a change.
Of course, successfully transitioning to a new role requires some careful navigation. So, if you’re looking to make a lateral move at your current company, follow these tips and tricks to make a smooth transition:
1. Research the open position
Knowing as much as possible about a job posting will help you decide whether to apply. The following are some essential things you can learn from employees who already have the job you’re interested in:
- What do they think of the position and the duties involved,
- The most enticing aspects of the job, including responsibilities and potential salary, and
- In their opinion, what qualifications are most important to succeed in the role?
2. Talk to your manager or HR
The first step to transferring to another department is communicating your desire to your manager or HR. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons of moving to another department before discussing it with anyone. Being certain will show your manager and HR that you are serious about making a move.
3. Engage with other colleagues from the department you wish to join
Moving departments is more complex than asking one day and moving the next. Why not look for opportunities to interact with colleagues in that department during this process? Why not consider volunteering on any internal projects to which you could lend your hand? It is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, talents, and willingness to go above and beyond.
It will stimulate your mind and make waiting for your transfer to be official much less stressful.
4. Take the interview seriously
Don’t assume you have the job in the bag simply because you already work for the company. The average job opening receives 250 applications, so you’ll likely be up against external applicants who will enter their interview in full force. Rise to the occasion and use your internal knowledge to your advantage.
Talk about the projects you have worked on with the team you are applying to join. Connect your current role to the new position.
Whatever you do, don’t check out your current job. Remember, you’re looking to stay within your organisation, and reputation precedes itself. If you stop giving it your all in your current role, word of mouth may spread, and a new hiring manager may be reluctant to work with you. Your goal is to maintain your reputation as a great employee and continue to show your commitment to the organisation you’re with—even if you’re not currently working for the ideal department or team you have envisioned.
