How to Get a Different Job Within Your Company

Seeking a different job in the same company is an ideal solution if you are happy with your employer but still desire a career change for personal or professional reasons. Many businesses, especially larger companies with multiple facilities, encourage internal job advancement to retain valuable staff. Some companies post job listings internally before advertising the opening to give current employees an application advantage. Act professionally and take the internal application process seriously to land a new job within in your company.

• 1

  Monitor your company's internal and external job postings. Avoid applying for every open position. Focus on jobs you qualify for that provide career or educational advancement opportunities.

• 2

  Update your resume or curriculum vitae to include skills learned in your current position. List new educational achievements you attained since joining the company. Write a cover letter explaining why you'd be a good fit for the open position and noting your dedication to the company, as well as any significant internal achievements.

• 3

  Notify your manager of your impending application. Keeping your existing manager in the loop helps to smooth over any ruffled feathers before they happen and could potentially gain you an ally.

• 4

  Follow your company's internal transfer or hiring process. Inform your supervisor, human resource officer or the appropriate management representative of your desire to apply for the opening. Provide your updated resume and complete any necessary paperwork.

• 5

  Prepare for the interview the same way you would for any company. Think about likely interview questions and craft polished answers in advance. Come up with a few questions about the open job in case the interviewer asks if you have any, but avoid basic questions that imply you haven't researched the job. Dress professionally and thank the interviewer and department managers involved after your meeting.