Have you been working for a company awhile but would like to move up the ladder or on to another unit? Career changers can often find opportunities within their current company instead of having to start afresh. When pros outweigh the cons changing careers within the system can be easier to carry out than starting new in a different company.
Benefits of taking an internal opportunity include knowing the company, continuation of benefits (health, dental, retirement), and already having friends and colleagues within the company. Cons vary depending on the situation but include potential limited income, colleagues not respecting your new position, and lack of upward mobility.
Employees are usually privy to internal openings not see by the general public. In addition, jobs may become available by word of mouth before they are posted. Typically internal applicants need only to apply for an internal transfer. Update your resume and make sure you are in good standing with your manager (no probation, licenses and certifications current, etc.) before doing so.
If you happen to know anyone in the department you want to transfer to, inquire about the position and get as much information as possible. Ask about the last person who was in the position you are applying to and why they left. In addition, get information on the expected duties if you can. This will give you some insight on what the job entails before you are interviewed.
Study the job description before your interview. You can typically find this information on the actual job listing and from your previous inquiries about the position from people who work in that department.
During the interview use some of the information you received earlier to your benefit. Don’t bring up negative aspects you may have heard, but instead focus on your strengths as related to the position. If during your investigation you found that the last person in that position had weak communication skills with others, play up how you are a great communicator.
The time after the interview is almost as important as the time spent prepping for it. At the end of your interview ask what to expect next. Some managers will give you a timeframe into which they want to fill the position. After the interview promptly follow-up with a thank you card or email thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration.
Lastly, make a phone call inquiring about the status of the position the following week. This gives you an idea whether or not you are still in the running for the position or if you need to start looking elsewhere outside of the company.
In addition to working as a FNP, Nachole Johnson is a freelance copywriter and an author with her first book, You’re a Nurse and Want to Start Your Own Business? The Complete Guide, available on Amazon. Visit her ReNursing blog at www.renursing.com for more ideas on how to reinvent your career.
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