Applying for an internal position in another team

[Z064life]

So I've been recommended by someone very senior in my IT function to my head of dept to move to another team, and it is a proposition that interests me and is generally right for me.

I am going to discuss this with my head of dept (who is not my line manager) after the Christmas break, but I know that there will be some reasons to state that the move is not practical such as the fact that I perform a lot of duties in my current position, some COMPLETELY different to my core job (I did this out of initiative and to improve service, and to save myself time in the long run), so cover will not be possible. I am also the most experienced in IT in the team, despite having the least commercial experience. I expect this to be mentioned as a blocker, even though it is management's issue and things should never be like this.

My other worry is would my Line Manager think I am not dedicated to the current position?

So what's the best way to approach this and not burn any bridges? Etiquette, do's/dont's?

The company does generally encourage internal applicants to roles.

I have been with the company for five years.

[craigjm]

Z064life said:

So what's the best way to approach this and not burn any bridges? Etiquette, do's/dont's?

See below and just go for it and don't overthink it which you already are

Z064life said:

company does generally encourage internal applicants to roles.

What is the issue then? any attempt to cage you into your current role by a scared line manager etc will be sniffed out easily

Z064life said:

have been with the company for five years.

Anyone who has been in a role that long, if HR know what they are doing, will be seen as rife to leave or move

In terms of all the stuff you do beyond your job description in your current role. Nobody sticks 100% to their JD and over time things change. A decent HR department will be ready to change the role to include all of that when recruiting and they will find someone, you are not the only person that can do what you do.

[cat with a hat]

Go for it!

Sometimes it can be difficult if your current department doesn't want to let you go.

I was in a similar position previously and was concerned I'd get blocked by my manager/head of department, so I applied and managed to get interviewed before 'letting the cat out of the bag' which made it much harder for anyone to block. I got the role, but there was a bit of back an forth about the transition. After a bit of 'mediation' from HR, I transitioned into the role over a 2-3 month period.

[Countdown]

Happens in my team a lot . I'd love to promote them but I have a couple of people who are counting the days until retirement and, until they move, there's nowhere for the ambitious staff below them.

It's not going to be easy for your boss. However I doubt he/she wants somebody who's keen to progress and, if you don't move internally, the chances are you'll just move externally.

Just be honest and upfront, try and reassure him that any handover will be as smooth as possible and you'll be available for training if the need arises.

[silent ninja]

Have you had honest conversations with your line manager over the years? What do you talk about in year yearly/bi-yearly reviews?

You have been there for 5 years. That's a bloody long time in one role. Just explain you have reached your potential in the role, demonstrate all the great things you've done over the years, and now you see yourself moving in to area X to develop further. "I do a good job in my role, and I think I will be a great fit in X because..."

I guess you know your line manager by now. Is he/she the supportive type or is he/she going to get defensive. You will have tested this water already. If it's the defensive, territorial type, you are better off cultivating your options elsewhere before the big reveal.

You need to be very selfish at this point in your development. You've given enough time to the company already. You need to grow.

[Z064life]

Thanks and some good advice.

I doubt my head of dept will have no problems, in fact he will encourage any such development. He does see me as a great asset, as feedback over the years (and even very recently), would show.

My line manager is definitely more territorial and defensive. The problem would be that to handover everything I do would take months and more than one new resource but I have pointed out these weaknesses in the processes in the department for a long time now but nobody has been interested so that is not my problem to deal with. If anything, this move would be a good wake up call for the team.

I did mention the same ambition but in 18 months or longer, but then I wasn't aware of this role.

[silent ninja]

Z064life said:

Thanks and some good advice.

I doubt my head of dept will have no problems, in fact he will encourage any such development. He does see me as a great asset, as feedback over the years (and even very recently), would show.

My line manager is definitely more territorial and defensive. The problem would be that to handover everything I do would take months and more than one new resource but I have pointed out these weaknesses in the processes in the department for a long time now but nobody has been interested so that is not my problem to deal with. If anything, this move would be a good wake up call for the team.

I did mention the same ambition but in 18 months or longer, but then I wasn't aware of this role.

Like you said, it's your manager's job to handle the skills and knowledge shortage in your team. He can't use that as a weight to hold you down in your job. Not your problem.

Territorial, defensive managers are the old school type. Usually, idiots in my opinion. Good workers are ultimately attractive to many other employers and find it easiest to move around. You just end up holding on to the crap in the long-term with this type of attitude. I firmly believe you have to treat people well in order for them to stay - autonomy, development, purpose etc. Money is the minimal qualifying factor. Then the rest matters.

Don't let anyone hold you back. You have good relations with the senior head. Use that and look after number one-- nobody is going to look out for your interests better than you do.

[alex290568]

If you were leaving to take up an external role, you'd work your notice and then leave. Things may be awkward for your old employer for a week or 2, but life will go on.
I left my last role after 10 years and thought the same as you. They managed!