Let’s say that you love the company that you work for but are bored with your job. Or that you crave a new challenge but don’t want more responsibility and would rather not start from scratch in a new organization. Many professionals meet their career goals by transferring to a new department and taking on new tasks with their employer.
If a lateral move feels right to you, treat the transition like an outside job search. Do your research. Present yourself with confidence. Know how the company will benefit from hiring you for the position, rather than an outside job seeker. Here are a few ideas:
You save money on recruitment costs. Businesses spend a lot of money on recruiting, especially when they buy advertisements and conduct lengthy interview processes. By hiring you from the existing work force, your employer will cut down on staffing expenses.
You make the transition easy. With your understanding of the corporate culture, you can easily adapt to the people and processes of the new department. An external candidate may not “fit in” with the organization. You already do, which ensures a seamless transition for everyone involved.
You have proof of your achievements. Outside job seekers may enter the market with strong resumes and references, but your background is transparent. If you are a dedicated employee, your record will show it, and in most cases, your current boss will vouch for it.
Now that you can argue that your lateral move will benefit the company, it’s time to vie for the new position. Keep in mind that the supervisors in the new department don’t know about your achievements and transferable skills. It’s your job to show them.
Prepare a resume that highlights your accomplishments and focuses on the ways that you improved profitability or efficiency for the business.
Write a commanding cover letter that expresses your genuine interest in the position. Remember that many employers assume that you are only qualified to do what you have done in the past, so be self-assured and persuasive in stating your transferable skills.
For instance, if you have made a positive impression with clients in an administrative role, you will probably be a great match for a sales position. If you have a knack for pinpointing mathematical errors (and saving money in the process), you may be a perfect candidate for the finance team.
Your cover letter is a good place to mention one or more of the benefits that I listed above, such as the fact that you understand and truly enjoy the culture at XYZ Co., which will make for an effortless transition.
Once your documents are complete, use your inside knowledge to determine the right person to contact about your transfer. It may be your current boss, the hiring manager in the new department or a human resources specialist. Plan your strategy, and then proceed with confidence.
To land a lateral position, prove that you are the right person for the job with the right set of skills. Emphasize your loyalty and flexibility. And make sure that your employer recognizes the benefits that you bring to the company, now and in the future.
Send your job search questions to eve.getajob@gmail.com.
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