The Internal Job Search

One of the biggest issues people have when they’re looking for a job while they are still working is that they don’t have time to do it. Once you’ve decided to make a change and you’re still employed, start with your existing organization—i.e. do an internal job search—before you look outside.

?Consider the following:

?1.?????Why Conduct An Internal Job Search?

2.?????Internal Search Strategies

3.?????Dos And Don’ts

?Why Conduct An Internal Job Search?

?There are numerous advantages to the internal job search. It saves time and effort. Your co-workers are a captive audience. You have more opportunities to change your role or your functional field internally than you would outside. In fact, many employers have policies that actually support internal mobility. In addition, in the process you may also learn about a new role or field of interest outside the organization that you want to explore.

?Your political situation—how your company is doing, your relationship with your boss, and whether you want it known that you are exploring other opportunities—determine how you proceed.

?Internal Search Strategies

?You can use the same approaches to the job transition within your organization that you would use externally: the Direct approach (applying to posted job openings)—and the Indirect approach (tapping the “hidden” job market to identify opportunities before they are made public). There is also a third option available to you for the internal transition: the Hallway approach. Hallways and elevators provide an invaluable opportunity for impromptu exchanges that build relationships and allow for an exchange of information that you wouldn’t have outside the organization.

?The Direct Approach

As a first step, find out the company policy on internal job changes. Follow protocol so you don’t inadvertently make a misstep. You are generally required to be in a job for a minimum amount of time before you make a change. Also, when you make such an application, identify influencers to the decision maker and enlist their support for your candidacy.

?The Indirect Approach

?You can access the hidden job market—openings when they are in the planning stages—by setting up information interviews inside the organization—just as you would outside. (See The Information Interview) These enable you to research new areas and expand your network of contacts. Because it’s possible that your boss could hear about your job researching activity, be prepared with an explanation in case you are asked for one. You might say, for example, that you want to learn more about the company and/or that you’re giving thought to your long term career goals.

?Tip: You may be able to create a position for yourself within the organization through your networking activities.

The Hallway Approach

The Hallway approach gives you a golden opportunity to make headway in your job transition with minimum effort. Take time to prepare for impromptu exchanges in hallways and elevators, and stop to engage in casual conversation. When there’s an opening, let people know some of the things you’ve been working on. Take the opportunity to plant a seed for the future. If you want to return to a role you held in the past, you can refer to that experience and plant a seed for that as well. For example, you could say, “When I was in Risk Management ….” Talking points can then ensue. When you are prepared in advance, these exchanges can happen naturally.

?Show up a few minutes early for a meeting and linger afterwards to chat. Such interactions can easily lend themselves to suggesting coffee, lunch, or a drink sometime. Take advantage of opportunities to do this as frequently as possible, and be on the look-out for ways to be helpful to people.

?Expect anything you say to be passed on, so be sure to exercise discretion and be positive about your department, your boss, and your colleagues. Take your time about disclosing your desire to make a transition unless it is public knowledge that you are looking.

?Dos And Don’ts

?Do:

• ?Look for opportunities within your organization before you look outside
• Know what your company’s policy is about making transfers before making an internal application
• Use the same search strategies internally that you would use outside the organization
• Take advantage of the Hallway approach
• Consider ways to create a job for yourself

?Don’t:

• ?Say anything negative about your department, colleagues, boss, or the overall work situation
• Disclose your desire to make a transition prematurely

?To Sum Up: Don’t make your transition harder than it has to be! There can easily be opportunities right in front of you in your existing organization that you don’t want to miss.

-??????Nonie Potocki

?Published on LinkedIn June 8, 2022

?[email protected]

?www.careervistas.net