If you are looking for a change, it is often possible to look for a job within your company. A cross-functional exposure that enhances your skill-set, or even a move to a different team that performs the same job as you, could help your career. An internal transfer offers you the opportunity to network and work with various colleagues, clients, and partners. It also helps you learn and deal with various leadership styles and team dynamics.
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So before you decide on an internal transfer job that best suits your needs, here’s what you should do:
1. Understand your company’s policy: Many organizations have a minimum time requirement in a role before you can look for opportunities outside your current team. You may also require your manager’s approval. You may need to interview for the job too. Talk to your local HR representative to understand the process.
2. Understand how your career will be affected: Moving to a new role could mean a reset of ratings, and if you are up for promotion, it may make sense to get that, before you move. Check previous career graphs and talk to employees who have transferred to understand if the move will cost you your seniority.
3. Learn about the new team: Talk to them in various settings, formal and informal, to understand how the team is structured, and learn about the manager’s work style, etc.
4. Shadow the job: More specifically, shadow the person who’s currently doing the job that you are looking to apply to. You will be able to get an overview of job responsibilities and get a sense of a typical day.
5. Ask to be mentored: Reach out to a relatively experienced person on the job, who’s held the position you are applying for, and understand the nuances involved, and what it takes to get where she is.
6. Take on projects with the team: That way, you get to learn more about people you will be working with, and get a glimpse of what their priorities and dynamics are before you decide to move.
7. Know your benefits: If it’s relocation or a lateral move to a team that falls under a different administration, there could be different benefits associated with the new role. Learn about your benefits before you move. How does salary get affected? How would raises be treated? Will the company take care of your relocation expenses, etc.? It’s important to know what you’re entitled to, before you make a change.
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