How to change department in the same company

Wanting to change jobs isn’t an uncommon thought, especially if you are no longer finding your current role fulfilling. But for some people, it’s not so much the company they want to leave, it’s the department.

Before you do move departments though, here are a few things to consider.

Talk to your manager or HR

Your manager is usually your main point of contact for any work-related issues. If you have a good relationship with your manager it can be easy to do this, but if not, your next best option would be to talk to someone from the HR department.

Whether you talk to your manager or to HR, communicating your desire to transfer to another department is the first step to making that move. Just remember to consider the pros and cons of moving to another department before you bring it up with anyone to make sure it it definitely something you want to go ahead with. Being absolutely certain will show your manager and HR that you are serious about making the move and you are being proactive about it.

Maintain a good performance and attitude to your work

Just because you are fed up in your current role, doesn’t mean you should let that affect your performance. Waiting to move departments, especially if you’re waiting a long time, can make you feel a little deflated. But, by continuing to work hard and getting the job done, you are showing your potential new manager that you are a team player and this could improve your chances of transferring.

If it is taking time, ask for regular updates to show your interest is still there and your desire to move is genuine. Maybe ask what you can do in the meantime to prepare for your role.

Start to engage with other colleagues from the department you wish to join

Moving departments might not be as simple as asking one day and moving the next, so in the process of transferring, why not look for opportunities to interact with colleagues in that department. Why not consider volunteering on any internal projects you could lend your hand to? This is a great opportunity to showcase not only your skills and talents, but also your willingness to go above and beyond.

This will keep your mind stimulated and will make waiting for your transfer to be official much less stressful.

Don’t lie on your CV

Some companies may require an application process to move departments so if you have to submit your CV all over again, remember which version of your CV you sent across initially.

Updating your skills and experiences on your CV is absolutely fine but don’t lie about your education or working experience if it doesn’t match your original CV. Your employer will be put off by this and it could make you seem untrustworthy if on one CV you got an A in Science and in another CV you got a D.

Moving departments from someone who’s been there, done that

Leah from Manchester has recently moved departments in her company so we spoke to her about how she did this and what she recommends to other people who are thinking of doing the same.

• What made you want to move departments?

I started as an apprentice working in social media but it felt like natural progression after 2.5 years to go onto something else. I’d always looked up to my colleagues who previously took on the role which I was being considered for (which was Junior Trương mục Manager) and I was keen to develop on my skills on both a personal and professional level.

• Who did you speak to about moving departments?

I initially spoke to friends and family to see if they thought I had the correct skills to take on this role. I then expressed my interest in the role to my manager and we discussed what additional training I would need. From this, I began to shadow the other trương mục managers to get a feel for what they do on a daily basis and took part in a few training sessions to make sure I had all the relevant information I needed and to help me prepare for the role.

• What did you find most challenging about this new role and what were you nervous about?

I was a bit nervous about taking on a brand new role and having new responsibilities. What if I wasn’t capable of doing what the role entailed and I fail in front of my friends and colleagues? Thankfully, I was given a lot of support and guidance from my peers and mentors which made me feel more confident about my abilities.

• How have you surprised yourself in your new role?

In the beginning I felt a little out of my comfort zone as it was so different to my previous role. I began interacting with clients directly, sometimes over the phone, which I wasn’t used to. I found that although I was nervous about this, I did do better than I thought and proving to myself that I was a lot more capable than I gave myself credit for was a real confidence boost.

• How do you wish to progress in this role?

I would like to eventually progress from a junior to a senior to show that I have the ability to learn and develop. I’m happy with the relationships I am building with my clients and I wish to maintain these relationships and be a valued member of the team when working on campaigns and client strategies.

• Do you have any advice for someone who wants to move department?

Firstly I would say don’t rush into it. Have a real think about it, speak to friends and family and write down all the pros and cons for moving departments before you make any decisions. Secondly, jot down any questions prior to your conversation with your manager to make sure you are getting all the relevant information you need such as what does the job entail? what responsibilities will I be expected to take on? who will I be working alongside?

For me, communication is key so, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You won’t be expected to know everything straight away but by speaking to the correct colleague, be it your manager or HR, and showing a genuine interest in the role, you are more likely to get the outcome you want.