Internal Transfer

An internal transfer on the workplace.Best convincing ways to ask an internal transfer with the boss.

Have you been working under your boss for the past many years and feel like you need a change? Do you believe that there is a better job scope for you in a different department? Is there a different role in your firm that will allow you to evolve and grow? If answered yes to any of the queries above, then it’s time to request for an internal transfer.

What is an internal transfer?

An internal transfer may be a viable option when you want to continue working for the same company but in another department. There are other reasons you may opt for an internal transfer. They are-

• When you aren’t thrilled with your job but like your company.
• An internal transfer can be an excellent way to start a new career path when you want a change in your job function without having to seek employment with a new company.
• You can request for a transfer if you’re seeking to switch departments or want to work at a different job in the same company.

Sometimes, requesting for a transfer does not necessarily imply that you are unhappy with your current job position. Instead, a lateral move let you seek out promotions and diversify your portfolio. If you desperately want a change but don’t know where to begin, fret not! Here are five useful tips to follow when seeking for an internal transfer.

Five useful tips to follow when seeking for an internal transfer

• Do your homework

The first thing you should undoubtedly do before talking to your employer is to go through the company’s transfer policy. A lot of firms require employees to be in a position for a minimum number of years prior to requesting for a lateral transfer. So the last thing you should do is to request for a transfer before you meet this requirement, as that could easily backfire. You will end up with no chance of moving to a different team and stuck with an employer who knows you want to leave at some point.

Also, ensure to clarify the internal application process with your HR representative before having this delicate conversation with your employer. There is an immense difference between going to your boss with a well-thought-out plan and an unreasonable demand!

• Upgrade your resume

Once you have identified the positions available for internal transfer in your firm, it’s time to update your resume. Read through the job description in the available role thoroughly, identifying the important skills that the new department is expecting from the candidates. Then, list down your skills and expertise that match the new position. If you haven’t upgraded your resume in a long time, it would be a great idea to check and ensure your resume highlights your achievements. It increases your chances of landing your dream job.

Once you have updated your resume, make sure to identify the gaps between your skill set and the requirements for the new job. Come up with a strategic plan to achieve those skills in the next few months if possible. It let you close the gaps as much as possible before applying for the job role. Remember to highlight your plan to achieve the necessary competencies during your job interview. By doing this, you are showing your future boss not only that you care about your professional growth, but also that you are proactive.

• Brush up on your networking skills

When you want to seek out for an internal transfer, your networking skills should be sharp. You’ll never be able to understand the open position from the job description alone fully. So, talking to someone senior in the new department will help tremendously to understand the work culture and work expectations better. Make it a point to mingle with co-employers from different departments rather than just staying within your clique. This way, you can discover more about job vacancies and market your skills to potential employers informally before even heading for the interview!

• Make it clear that it’s not personal

The fact that you are requesting for an internal transfer doesn’t mean that you’re unhappy with your current employer, so make that clear! Explain to your manager why you are looking for this turn in your career. It will help to explain how you will add value to the new team with your technical experience. Ensure that you also articulate your gratitude for the expertise you have attained from your current team.

Even if you are requesting for an internal transfer because you are unhappy with the current boss, don’t apply to several openings within the same week. That just confirms that you’re despairing to jump ship. Instead, space out your applications and continue keeping your head down until you the transfer gets granted.

• Offer to train a replacement before leaving the role

When you request for an internal transfer, you are actually leaving your manager in a stressful point of finding a replacement for you in a short period. Now out of stress, they might, in turn, take it out on you. To keep a good relationship with your manager, even after you request for a lateral transfer, ensure to offer to make their life easier by training a replacement before leaving. Even if this lets you work extra hours to keep up with your pending assignments and the responsibility of training a replacement, it’s worth it as your employer would really admire your courtesy. There’s nothing awkward with requesting for a job transfer, just ensure to be aware of others’ feelings in the process.

Overall, requesting an internal transfer needs a level of tact, courtesy, and understanding of the process. Before you are ready to jump ship and dive into a new department, ensure, you follow these tips and prepare yourself.