Steps you can take to explore an internal promotion or transfer
When we think about changing jobs and growing professionally, we usually picture a role in a new organization - which can be a great option. Given the job market and for various personal reasons, there are also some terrific reasons to consider a new position with your current employer. These might include familiarity with the organization, personal growth, existing flex policies you'd like to maintain, keeping your same commute, working towards retirement vesting, being curious about another department for increased knowledge and/or fulfillment, and increased salary, among other things. You also might love your current company and want to pursue a higher-impact role to learn, grow, and contribute even more.
In some cases, running parallel paths and looking for new opportunities in and out of your current company can be a wise, flexible approach that may uncover some new and exciting options. In fact, changing departments can sometimes be a faster way out of a challenging work situation than switching organizations. If the new internal promotion/transfer, boss, and colleagues within your same company are more your vibe, this shift can significantly improve your daily life and well-being. Plus, depending on the situation, it might be a less intensive process than a solely external job search.
Here are some ways to pursue advancement in your organization.
Be proactive and let people get to know you.
The advantage of identifying opportunities at your current employer is that you already work there! This means that you can observe which departments, teams, and leaders you'd like to learn about. Reach out proactively to colleagues, key stakeholders, and potential hiring managers to find out more about the business, their career path, and for a pulse on what's coming up. By showing genuine curiosity and getting to know each other organically, you can develop positive work relationships. Roadtesting ideas is also a great strategy; by connecting with various departments and people along the way, you'll be able to better assess which teams and types of work feel most aligned with your interests, style, and preferences.
Allow others the chance to get to know you, too. Over time, you can share your own path, skills, and experience, and let them know that you are interested in contributing to this line of work. When an opportunity arises, they will be more likely to think of you - and you'll know about department needs in advance. Sometimes, they may even create a new role for you.
Build and maintain strong relationships across the organization.
It's also a good idea to cultivate a habit of connecting with others outside of your immediate department and work circle. This is a terrific way to develop a deeper knowledge of your organization and industry, and it sets you up for success by building your professional network. It's inspiring to learn about different areas across your organization and it shows colleagues that you are taking an interest in what they do. When your efforts are genuine, good things can happen; plus, it's so important for our mental health to connect with others. It's also fun! I encourage grabbing coffee/lunch or doing a virtual chat with a colleague at least once a week or a few times a month.
From a job search perspective, when you see an open role posted on the company site, now you have an active network across the organization to reach out to for more information, find out who the hiring manager is, and share your interest in the position. Your relationships combined with having relevant experience for the role may increase your chances of getting the job.
The work landscape is dynamic. Just like putting money into a savings account, you want to maintain great connections all year long. Then, if something shifts in your current role or department, you can reach out to existing company contacts for information, job leads, and support.
Treat the internal interview process the same as an external position.
Many times we hear that the position went to an internal candidate. In the context of this post, this could be you! This means preparing for interviews with the same amount of time, dedication, and care as if you were vying for a position in an external company. This shows your future boss and colleagues that you are respectful, humble, dedicated, enthusiastic, and prepared; they are viewing you as a future team member and you want to show without a shadow of a doubt that you are the best person for the job.
Additionally, since they know you are an internal candidate, the expectation is that you will use the resources available (since you work here!) to research the position, be knowledgeable about company goals and culture, and exhibit the values of your organization. Sending thank you notes (via email or a written note) within 24 hours of your interview is also a good practice, which some internal candidates overlook. Remember, you're building relationships and in this case, also continuing to cultivate a positive personal reputation at your company.
Become informed about internal salary caps, if any.
At many companies, there are salary caps for current employees changing roles or, in some situations, no salary increase for a department transfer. Naturally, I want compensation increases to be robust and readily available for everyone whether the new role is internal or external. It is therefore a good idea to do your homework ahead of time to increase your knowledge for internal compensation conversations so you can prepare, and eliminate or at least reduce any surprises. It is no fun to compete for an internal position you're really excited about, receive an offer, and discover the pay is less than what you thought or there is no salary increase. Getting informed ahead of time about what to expect is key. You can contact HR or the Compensation & Benefits department politely and with curiosity to learn about organizational policy when it comes to internal hires. You can also do this anonymously. By the way, in case you're wondering, yes, you can negotiate salary and ask about what might be possible as far as compensation with any job offer, including internal job offers, promotions, or transfers.
Salary directly affects our livelihood and options, and cannot be overstated. And again, I wish every internal (and external) job change included higher compensation. Yet, it's also helpful to keep a big-picture view in mind, in certain circumstances, when the internal position salary is less than you'd like or not part of a transfer package:
What is the status of my current situation? Will this position and/or type of work increase my happiness or fulfillment?
Can this new role help me grow personally and/or professionally?
Does this position offer more flexible options than my current situation?
Could this new role lead to other positive things such as, but not limited to, career advancement?
Can compensation be discussed/reevaluated in a certain period of time?
Is this new position better than my current situation in a way that warrants a tradeoff?
Will this new role be a healthier situation mentally, giving me time & reduced stress to consider new options from there?
Maintain a positive reputation.
We alluded to reputation earlier, and it's such an important part of getting hired for any role. You never know when an interesting internal opportunity will pop up. Your reputation among colleagues and leaders is essential to being considered for internal roles, and here's where being kind, having a strong work ethic, and being great to work with really pays off - plus, these qualities are just better for our work community. For all jobs, whether internal or external, people want to work with nice people, who do a good job, have a great attitude, are service-oriented, and are fun to be around.
Wishing you much confidence, success, and fulfillment as you consider your next internal promotion!
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