I am transitioning to a new job.

5 Comments

1. Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachOctober 26,2021 at 9:55PM UTC

   All of these apply to small companies too, but are much more critical and impactful at larger companies:

   1) Network your heart out - get to know people really well, not just on your team, but in your department/division and in the support departments and in influential leadership roles. Don't be afraid to schedule coffees or lunches with leaders that are senior to you and not in your daily orbit. Get to know them beyond their work roles - what books do they read, what TV shows do they watch, how many kids do they have and where do they like to vacation, etc. It's so key to building genuine relationships and allows you to view your co-workers in a more empathetic way beyond their professional roles and image. Likability is probably the #1 underestimated currency when it comes to navigating the workplace at large companies. Many a promotions and dodging the layoff list has come down to who is more likable between top performers, and even further - likability is the foundation for successful negotiations (in all scenarios). You want to go to work with people you like and you're more likely to negotiate with someone you like.

   Join committees that interest you and also get you face time with leadership or influential mentors. You'll also feel connected to your company and your colleagues beyond the daily grind of your job.

   Once you've gained the trust of your supervisor and feel like you've really gained command of your role within the company, be direct and ask for what you want for your career growth within the company, and do this with people (peers, managers, leaders) you engage with outside of your team, so people know you've got long-term investment in the company and your path there. This also allows them to keep you on the top of their mind when thinking of internal staff for new projects and/or positions.

   At a large company, you do have to work harder to standout, but if you perform well and network consistently, you'll have no problem rising the to the top. Good luck!

2. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 11:50AM UTC

   Great advice! Thanks for taking the time to write this all out—it’s straight up inspiring :)

3. Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachOctober 28,2021 at 3:50PM UTC

   You're welcome!

4. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 1:13PM UTC

   Set apart some time simply to poke around and get to understand the organization! I found that understanding how teams work together was a really important first step to knowing who I should reach out to in different situations. Then, as Stephanie said below, network, network, network!

5. Bretley DannerOctober 28,2021 at 1:56PM UTC

   I purposely live in a small town (ski town), and have always worked for Companies that are not large. When a world wide, huge company purchased the last company I worked for, I learned a couple things. It’s harder for people to screw with you, as there is an HR department that MUST follow the law at all costs. However, simultaneously it goes for you as well. You must keep your thoughts to yourself more, and tow the line. You are more of a cog in a big machine now, and what you think and say is tossed into a pool of tons of people. Head up, work hard, don’t align yourself with the haters and manipulative ones - Ass kissers. The more you keep independent, and don’t bring up shit your bosses don’t want to hear, or deal with, the more you will shine! But never join the popular, manipulative groups that power play everything , and you will be much happier - don’t buy into the hype!!