7 Effective tips on switching jobs within your company

All people make mistakes in both private and professional life. Sometimes, we choose a wrong university, faculty, profession or company. You fall in love with what you study or do, but then you suddenly lose the interest. Did you find yourself thinking of a job change, but don’t want to leave your current employer? The thing is that life is too short to do something that doesn’t make you any happier. The Balance reports that the average person is used to changing job from 10 to 15 times during the career. However, the internal transfer is easier said than done, and you’ll need to have every angle covered before reaching this goal.

Research the opportunity that you’re interested in

Before jumping into career transition, do in-depth research. Have a look at the company’s policies on lateral movements, figure out what vacancies are available, get to know if there’re other candidates. Learn as much as possible about the position you’re going to apply for. Are you sure it is worth it? Are you going to stick around there longer than at your previous position? What’s a real reason for transfer? Ask yourself those questions and answer sincerely. In addition, ask your co-workers if any of them had such experience. Following somebody’s path is always easier than heading down a new one.

Have a conversation with your manager

Before approaching anyone else, talk to your manager. Losing one team player might be stressful. It entails many problems regarding the department’s productivity, organization, and schedule. Simply ask how to make a career change and transfer job within same company. Name the concrete reasons why you want to change roles in a company and if there’s a possibility to do it in the near future. Don’t rush to say everything in a minute. Be calm and confident. Your manager is supposed to take your side after this conversation and help you reach higher managers, persuade them to give you a chance and prove you’re qualified enough.

Make a resume for internal position

New position definitely has new duties and responsibilities. In order to prove your ability to take it, you’ll have to complete some formalities — submit a transfer request, gather other documents, go through the interview. Don’t stress about it too much — you’ve done it plenty of times.

Prepare a CV

It must be an eye-catching, well-arranged resume that will make you stand out, show your accolades and experience in different lights. Make it yourself or use online services.

• Write a cover letter

According to Indeed, you can also write a cover letter. Tell why you’re interested in this job (yes, you’ll be asked to explain it many times), delineate how you’re ready and qualified to take this position, add your experience. As long as you want to change the job, your goal must be well-defined.

• Be ready for an interview

There’s a chance your boss or HR manager will invite you to have a conversation. Try to guess which questions you’ll be asked and prepare responses in advance.

Take on projects and tasks related to the desired position

You must establish yourself as an expert in a new field. Take on as many projects related to your dream job as possible and prove that you’re skilled and qualified enough. Your boss and managers must see the benefits from your transfer and your ability to tackle new duties. This step also helps you understand for yourself if the new occupation suits you or not. Be ready to work some extra hours because you can’t leave your current duties unattended and can’t work for two departments at a time.

Roll out the change gradually

Make sure you tie up all loose ends with the current department and give your team a notice when your transfer goes well. End up all your ongoing projects and tasks or hand your duties over to the person who’s going to take your place. Do your best to help a new recruit get to grips with your responsibilities — be happy to answer all questions. Do it virtually or in person. Don’t pose problems for your co-workers and manager — nobody else has to suffer because of your transfer.

Be patient

You don’t just snap your fingers and switch the job. Usually, CEO, HR department and other managers have a lot of paperwork to do and deal with other formalities before you enter the building holding a new post. They have plenty of factors to consider — for how long you have been working for a company, what are your achievements, whether you’re able to work in another department, and how it’ll benefit from your attribution.

The point is that the average hiring time is 23.8 days, but your case is even more complicated — you’re already employed. Find something to do while waiting. For example, visit the department where you’re planning to work, have a conversation with people who’re working there. Prepare your future co-workers in advance. It’s also wise to learn more about a new job. Use the internet or attend some career training courses in the city.

Keep calm and control your emotions

Do not stir up a scandal and threaten to resign from the company if you fail to get the position. Most likely, no one has guaranteed you the opportunity to change the profession any time you want. Think about other methods that can help you push boss’s buttons and convince him or her to give you a new place within the company. If nothing works, consider the option of changing the workplace. Maybe, you will have to start from scratch — search for a job, find a new company, adapt to a new team and place, but at least you will be doing what you like.