Dilemma on applying for a new role

Anonymous

January 10,2024 at 1:44PM UTC

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Dilemma on applying for a new role

I would request some advice on my current situation - I started a new role about 10 months ago - it has been an uphill task, it is a challenging role and I have given it a 100% so far - my current manager and senior management are very happy with my performance. But in an adjacent department, a great position has opened up which is a level up than my position and i am a really good fit for. It comes with a better role title and a better benefits and I have worked with the reporting manager before - the holy trifecta! However, I am very hesitant on applying for the role as I do not want to burn bridges in my department, especially with senior managers. In the back of my head - I feel there maybe a backlash, if I apply and do not get it, I am already second guessing myself. I checked with HR, there are no rules that prevent me from applying, if I fulfill the qualifying criteria, and I do. I am quaking in my boots thinking about how do I place this with my senior managers and manager that I like this other role and would like to apply. I also worry that this is too good of an opportunity to pass, I will regret not applying.

Appreciate any input on how to handle this gracefully.

Thank you!

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AnonymousJanuary 10,2024 at 1:49PM UTC
As a courtesy to your current management, I would discuss with them. Explain why you are so interested in this role, how you would assist in transition from current role, etc.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJanuary 10,2024 at 2:01PM UTC
I would sit down with your current manager and let them know how much you have grown and enjoy the challenge of the role you are in, talk about how professional growth and development is important to you and you are interested in X role that was posted.
You could share that while making a change 10 months in isn't something you had considered, share why the role is intriguing to you and ask for their support to "throw your hat in the ring" . This way you are letting them know, asking for support, and positioning yourself as a go-getter. no bridges burned along the way
Kimberley Ferretti HammettJanuary 10,2024 at 7:23PM UTC
This, 100%!
And I would just add, because you may be nervous your leader would still take it personally or have a negative reaction.. their reaction is something you cannot fully control. If you present it this way and they are not supportive because it makes things more difficult for them, that is on them and that would be true of their character at any point your personal needs and desires don't suit them, maybe better to know that now than later? I hope they are supportive, though. You got this!
Heather HaalandJanuary 10,2024 at 2:15PM UTC
You need to be your own advocate and go for what you think you deserve. A manager should understand that your wanting more growth and this is a great opportunity for you even if you role will be hard to fill.
Sylvia VerrecchiaJanuary 10,2024 at 2:26PM UTC
Apply!! Do it! Never, ever let an opportunity go past you due to some silly loyalty to any employer. This is your career - not theirs. Always remember this is a job - so your loyalty is misplaced here. Be loyal to friends and family only. Applying for another internal job 10months into a job is no biggie - I encourage my employees to move forward, move up - take chance, jump off the deep end. It's your career - not your employers. Apply!!
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 1:36PM UTC
? agree with this!!
AnonymousJanuary 10,2024 at 2:32PM UTC
You should also check to see if your company has a policy restricting moving to new role within a certain amount of time. For example, my company requires you to be in a role for 18 months before you apply internally. If they don't have a policy then yes I agree that you should discuss it with your manager as it's always better to be transparent about things like this.
AnonymousJanuary 10,2024 at 2:46PM UTC
She did state in her post that she already checked with HR on rules around applying internally.
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 6:18PM UTC
Thanks, missed that.
AnonymousJanuary 10,2024 at 2:59PM UTC
You should have this very discussion with ONLY your current manager and express your thoughts about making a move and applying. That is the correct way to approach moves within your organization. To apply without doing so may be embarrassing and back fire on you.
Angele DaviesJanuary 10,2024 at 3:12PM UTC
Please have a conversation with your current manager/supervisor. It's typically a goal for management to prepare employees for advancement. Usually it's a daunting task to find a replacment for someone really good. If you have a conversation with both your current department head and possibly future department head about the transition not leaving anyone high and dry, but perhaps waiting until a suitable replacement is hired, things might work out. Good Luck
KatJanuary 10,2024 at 4:47PM UTC
Apply! Definitely discuss your interest with your supervisors. Good supervisors want you to succeed and grow with the company. They might be able to put in a good word for you with the hiring team since you're a newer employee. Don't sacrifice your career growth out of loyalty, to avoid uncomfortable situations/conversations, or because it will make things harder for the place you're leaving. Your career has to come first-all other considerations come second. If this opportunity doesn't pan out, then you stay where you are until another good one comes along-internally or externally.
AnonymousJanuary 10,2024 at 4:47PM UTC
Are you required to let them know you are applying before you apply? I used to work at a place where we could keep our search private. We only had to tell our supervisors if we were leaving for the other role. So, if you don't get the role you don't have to disclose you were looking.
AnonymousJanuary 10,2024 at 5:50PM UTC
All well and good except where I see this going bad is this is within the same company. People talk, managers, even in different departments, talk to one another. If her current manager hears about this from someone other than her, that's going to not look good.
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 2:10PM UTC
Second this. I would keep your movements private until paperwork is signed on an offer. You owe nothing to anyone.
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 9:11AM UTC
I don't understand why you wouldn't discuss this opportunity with your manager. They will be aware of the role advertised and your skill set so may be able to help you word/phrase your application to give you the best chance of getting it. They can also support you if you don't and then direct you in ways to upskill if applying in the future. Just go to your line manager and document it somewhere what you discussed - managers are people too.
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 1:33PM UTC
Go for it!
Talk to your direct reports and let them know you are interested in the position. Also thank them for the opportunity in your current role and share some of the successes. Be positive about getting a new role or staying in your current role. Giving them a heads up might actually help them know what your career goals are and how they can help you achieve those goals… if not now, in the near future.
You got this and sometimes by doing the right thing could benefit you in more ways than one. Good luck FairyGodBoss!!
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 1:42PM UTC
If your manager really is a great manager, they'll be supportive of you exploring interests. And if they're not supportive of you pursuing your interests, then it's great that you moved on.
Apply for the role!
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 2:08PM UTC
Look out for yourself and go for it! No delay, no question about it. Having recently survived a layoff, I can assure you your company only looks out for its interests; it’s up to you to look out for yours.
Debra SesholtzJanuary 11,2024 at 2:38PM UTC
In many company’s you have to inform your direct manager that you are applying for another internal role. It doesn’t sound like you have to do this. If you don’t want to burn bridges with your current manager, consider having a conversation with them about your interest in applying for this other role so they are not blind sided. They may be able to help you.
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 8:33PM UTC
Is there a good backfill for your current role? Your ownership of the void would make a difference in my receptivity to your move.
AnonymousJanuary 12,2024 at 8:32PM UTC
Ask your manager for a recommendation. The other manager will be asking your manager anyway, so giving your manager a heads up and asking for good will is a necessary step.