How to Ask Your Boss for a Transfer

There are several reasons for requesting a job transfer.

There may be several reasons that you would like a job transfer. Maybe your spouse got a job in another location and your company has an office there. It could be that you have skills better suited to a different position within the company. Other possibilities include moving to a location that has a better effect on your health or locating somewhere closer to a school to further your education. Whatever your reason may be, the following steps will help you to request a job transfer from your boss appropriately.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Paper

Instructions

Put the Request in Writing

1. Put your request for a transfer in writing, so that there is a record of the request. This also gives you the opportunity to clearly state your objectives and intentions in requesting the transfer.

2. Start your formal letter to your boss by addressing the purpose of the letter: your request for a transfer. Explain clearly the circumstances that lead to the request and why it is necessary for you to work for the company in a different location or position.

3. Address your devotion and commitment to the company. Make it clear that you would prefer to stay within this company than work for someone else, indicating how much you enjoy your job and believe in what you do. Include your thoughts on how the company would benefit from keeping you/providing the transfer.

4. Remind your boss of your accomplishments and abilities. Write out an overview of your time with the company, highlighting any promotions, strong employee reviews, achievements and other circumstances that help reflect your commitment and devotion to the company.

5. Request a face-to-face meeting with your boss to discuss the transfer further in person.

Meet with Your Boss

1. Prepare to answer any questions your boss may have honestly and thoroughly. He will more than likely want more details about your reason for the transfer request. So, for example, if you're requesting a transfer because your health requires you to work in a warmer/dryer location, provide your boss with documentation from your doctor that verifies this information.

2. Offer to train the individual the company hires to fill your current position before you move to the new location. This will reiterate your devotion to the company.

3. Provide documentation that shows the costs the company would incur to transfer you. If applicable, compare the transfer costs to those the company incurs with your current position. For example, if you travel a lot of the company and are requesting a transfer to a branch closer to your most frequented destination, then compare the continuing travel costs to the transfer costs.

4. Make your commitment to the company as clear as possible. It's one thing to put that on paper, it's another thing to say it in person. Reiterate your accomplishments and experience while working for the company thus far.

5. Indicate a deadline if one applies, such as in the case of your spouse receiving a new job that requires your family to move, resulting in the need for your boss' decision by a certain date.

Tips & Warnings

• If your reason for requesting a transfer is because you are bored or unchallenged in your current position, first try requesting more responsibilities. This shows your commitment to the company and your ability to take on a number of duties.

References

• Monster Guide: How to Write a Job Transfer Request