Top Tips for Finding a New Job Within Your Current Company

When employed people decide to look for a new job, they instinctively think about job hopping and external moves. Yet, significant growth and opportunities can be found within your current employer, offering a way to enrich your career without stepping outside the organization.?

Neil Lenane , Progressive Insurance 's business leader of talent acquisition, recently talked with me about the ins and outs of making internal moves. His advice is based on his own career and what he's observed in the years he has spent as a talent professional.

Be Open to New Roles and Responsibilities

The first step towards internal career advancement is fostering a mindset of adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges, says Lenane. "Be willing to do something different every three years. That could be a new role, evolving yourself in your current role, maybe taking on a different responsibility within that role."?

This approach not only keeps your career dynamic and engaging but also ensures the continuous acquisition of new skills and experiences, essential for upward mobility.

Make Your Career Aspirations Known

A crucial aspect of internal mobility is transparency about your career goals. Engage in open conversations with your leaders, express your aspirations, and demonstrate your interest in moving forward. Lenane says employees should have candid discussions with their leaders about their excitement to advance.?

"Sometimes your manager may be aware of some opportunities that may be coming up," he says. "Don't be afraid to kind of drive the bus."

He also highlights the significance of understanding your company's business. Knowing the organization's priorities makes you a more valuable and informed candidate for upcoming opportunities.

Excel in Your Current Role

While it's essential to look ahead, excelling in your current position is crucial.?

"Continue to be really good in your current role," Lenane says, stressing that performance in your present role lays a foundation for future opportunities.?

Understanding and aligning with your organization's attributes—whether analytical, customer-focused, or adaptable to change—can further enhance your compatibility with potential new roles within the company.

Proactively Plan Your Development

Finally, proactive career planning, including self-assessment and leveraging learning resources, is vital for internal career mobility. Lenane suggests driving your own development by starting with assessments and possibly coaching.?

"Every organization's got some kind of learning organization to it," Lenane says, indicating the importance of taking advantage of formal training, mentorships, and job shadowing opportunities.?

Understanding the 70-20-10 model for learning can guide your development efforts effectively. That model says about 70 percent of your learning should come from your job, 20 percent should be due to your encounters with others, and 10 percent should be from formal learning experience.

There are obviously many variables that you may need to consider at your respective company, but Lenane's advice offers a solid roadmap. It involves being open to change, clearly communicating your career goals, excelling in your present role, and actively planning your career development. Embracing these strategies can unlock a wealth of opportunities within their organizations, paving the way for a fulfilling and dynamic career path.

You can hear all of Lenane's advice by listening to our conversation on my Get Hired podcast. You can listen on Apple Podcasts by clicking here . A transcript of the conversation is also available by clicking here .

Amy Schultz , who is the head of the global acquisition team at Canva , brings a wealth of knowledge on crafting resumes that both catch the eye and capture the essence of who you are as a professional. Amy joined me on the latest episode of his Get Hired podcast to discuss the evolving norms of resume design and strategies for standing out in an increasingly competitive labor market.

You can listen to the episode above or on Apple Podcasts by clicking here . A transcript of the conversation is available by clicking here .

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