It is a fact that we all have our dream job. Moreover, we want a job that can help us grow our careers. More importantly, we want a job that can help us grow as an individual. With that, you may explore a new path with your career.
Fortunately, you have a chance to change roles within your company. So, you don’t need to work at other organizations. Thus, there are available positions in the current company you’re affiliated with. If you plan to take a lateral move at your current organization, you can follow the Internal mobility guide below.
Do: Learn to educate yourself.
It can be easy for you to see the open roles in your organization. However, you should have in-depth research before making a decision. With that, you can also avoid failure. By educating yourself, you can prevent possible problems that may arise.
Make sure to respect the guidelines and policies of your employer. You can research an opportunity that interests you. Learn about the possible role that you’re planning to move into. It is also a good idea to speak with those currently doing the role. It can show your interest in that new position.
Don’t: Give ultimatums.
You can let your manager know about your interest in changing positions. However, don’t give a hint that you’ll quit if the job you desire is not given to you. Never display a bad attitude, and don’t demand things from your manager.
Do: Talk to your manager.
You may be nervous about reaching out to your manager about possibly leaving your team. You should know that it’s a critical step. Talk to your manager first about it before anyone else in your company. If you decide to apply for another role, make a compelling argument on why you should allow it. You can discuss the good reasons, like how it can benefit your team.
Don’t: Sulk if you don’t get approval.
It is natural to feel disappointed if you don’t get the green light to change your position. However, it’s not a good idea to mope publicly. The way you handle disappointment can affect how others perceive your upward potential. You can find a way of managing your disappointment outside of work. Give yourself space if your request wasn’t approved.
Do: Learn to be patient.
It is challenging to wait for a reply if you want to hear it as soon as possible. You should understand that internal transfer needs more thought on your manager’s part, HR team, and more. Your boss has many factors to consider, including the time you spent in your current role, business case, evaluation of your skillset, and transition plan. Sometimes, changing roles is handcuffed by the policies of your company.
Do: Get ready for the interview.
If you get the approval to apply for another internal role, be ready for the interview. Since you’re already working at the company, you may assume that you will surely pass in your desired new position. Well, you should treat it like having another interview. Be ready to highlight your relevant skills, answer the questions asked, and explain why you’re interested in the position.
In addition, you should send a thank-you note after your interview. Don’t act too casually during your internal interview. Instead, be professional even if they know you well and working with them for years.
Don’t: Blab prematurely to the entire office.
Remember that changing roles within your company is a sensitive issue. With that, you should not tell other company members about it. Additionally, you can avoid everyone asking questions about your plan. Be patient and ensure that everything is finalized before sharing it with others.
Do: Make a transition plan.
Another thing to consider when changing roles within your company is creating a transition plan. A clear transition plan can help prevent hurting your current manager’s feelings. You can talk with your manager about co-creating a transition plan. With a transition plan, you can ensure that the transfer goes through.
Don’t: Check out the role.
If you have a clear plan of when and how you’re going to transfer your current responsibilities, make sure not to neglect your current job. Never stop giving your best in your present responsibility. Thus, word of mouth can spread, making the new hiring manager unwilling to work with you. Therefore, you should keep your reputation as a good employee. Show that you’re committed to the team you’re associated with.
Do: Prepare yourself for the new role.
If the official start date hasn’t yet arrived, you should be ready for your new role. You can do this by establishing relationships with your team. It is good to know about your responsibilities and how you can perform them well.
You can get to know everyone on your new team. You can also reach out to your soon-to-be manager by asking for any resources that you can review. Research before you begin performing your new responsibilities.
Don’t: Doubt yourself.
It can be challenging to try new things, especially if you don’t have experience or knowledge. With this, you should not give up easily if you don’t succeed in your new role instantly. Instead, be patient and work hard to improve your skills and knowledge to make the best of your new job.
Never look back and never quit. Once you accept your new role, make sure to be committed to it. You can expect tough times for the first few months of learning a new area or skill. Meanwhile, it would help if you never doubted yourself. Believe in your abilities and know that you can still hone your skills to do your work better. You should give your best until you learn everything and increase your productivity with your new position. Never stop trusting yourself.
Conclusion
Changing roles within your company can be a challenging task. As mentioned above, it may take time before you get your desired new position, so be patient. By applying the dos and don’ts of changing roles within your company, you can have a smooth and successful transition.
