How to Move to a New Department in a Company

The average person can expect to change careers between three and five times in his life. One of the most common problems with changing careers is changing companies. You lose all that vested time, which probably amounts to vacation time and 401k matching, among other things. Learning how to change departments within a company can solve those problems. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

1. Find employees in your desired department. Talk to them about who is ultimately in charge of hiring for that department.

2. Talk to the person in charge of hiring about qualifications that are necessary for positions and how to apply. Explain that you are a current employee, and that you wish to move to a new department in the company. Companies sometimes prefer to hire from within because current employees are familiar with the company.

3. Obtain certifications or attain degrees that are necessary requirements of the job.

4. Submit an updated resume to the head of the department. Explain that you are a current employee of the company, and that you wish to move departments. Give a simple reason, such as a change in interests. Do not get into problems with a current department. Knowing that you are with the company currently means that money training a brand new employee on broad things such as company policy can be saved, so this is a key advantage.

5. Inform all necessary individuals if and when the job is offered. Unless it is mandatory, do not involve the current department. Resign tactfully when the time comes. Leave with a good attitude and a smile on your face. You may have to interact with these people at a later time, and making it awkward would be a bad choice. After all, you are staying in the company, just moving departments.

Tips & Warnings

• Research everything from the new management to office atmosphere and policies before you decide to switch departments

• Never indulge in gossiping about your old department. Take the high road.