First, let’s define quiet hiring.
Quiet hiring is when executives decide that employees must work in other roles or departments that may or may not be associated with their current job description to meet a current critical need in the organization. Or, a business may choose to hire contractors to outsource essential tasks to [reduce or eliminate] costs of onboarding, training, and benefits associated with full-time employees.
Unlike what the term depicts, when organizations choose to ‘quiet hire’ for new skills or increased performance, they are not actually hiring employees. They are simply reassigning them. Examples of quiet hiring include mandating that a customer service manager devotes a portion of their day to answering or making customer service calls or mandating that an employee who works in the admissions office at a university work in the financial aid office during peak periods.
If you’re an employee who finds yourself reassigned to a new position that may or may not be associated with your current job, how can you take advantage of the situation to further advance in your career? Let’s have a look.
Get Clarity
If an organization is attempting to hire you quietly, it is critical to obtain clarification on what your new role will entail, as well as what, if any, responsibilities you will carry over from your current position. Overstretching yourself and spinning too many plates will lead to burnout and frustration.
Have an Open Dialogue With Your Boss
Discuss your expectations and concerns with your employer. Make certain that you understand the terms of the temporary assignment or reassignment, including how long it is expected to last and your responsibilities. Set some success criteria so that you and everyone else understand how you thrived in that role.
Bring Up Compensation and/or Flexible Hours
If new responsibilities are more involved than your current role, know your worth. Do external research to determine what the job pays — talk to industry insiders, former bosses, and colleagues who work at competitors and more — and then schedule a meeting with your boss to see if a pay increase is possible.
If your boss hires someone externally for the same role, there’s a considerable amount of ramp-up time to learn the role and assimilate to the culture — and, since you’re internal, that’s a moot point. If your boss says no to increasing your salary, ask for this — how you stepped up to the plate when asked — to be strongly taken into account during the annual salary review process. Also, ask about one-time bonuses perhaps in the form of a spot award.
You may also want to talk about flexible hours or a more flexible schedule.
Ask for More Challenging Roles and Responsibilities
One significant advantage of quiet hiring is that you can request more challenging roles and tasks to help you develop your skills. You may be given the opportunity to lead a team more frequently, which means you will be in a more difficult role, which will help you with many different skills and leadership development.
Add Value in New Ways
If your employer is looking for volunteers to assist in other roles or projects, don't be afraid to try it. Finding new ways to add value is one of the best ways to keep your job secure, especially in uncertain times. The more indispensable you are, the less likely it is that your position will be eliminated.
Network With Others in Your New Role
Quiet hiring assignments can be an excellent way to network with others in your industry. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from your colleagues and network with people who can help you in the future.
Make a Horizontal Career Shift
If an employee is unsatisfied in their current position but likes the company they work for, this is an excellent opportunity to test the waters to determine if shifting departments within their current company or pursuing another career path entirely is the right move. Quiet hiring offers a low-risk entry point for curious professionals. The employee is at an advantage since the company is in need of quick help.
Negotiate a Promotion
Employees who are willing to pivot to job functions that are significantly outside of or above their current role now have an excellent opportunity to initiate discussions about a promotion they've been eyeing.
Employees can meet with their manager and express their desire to be a team player and discuss what this means for their career in the short and long term.
