I am interested in switching divisions at my company.

Anonymous

December 31,2022 at 7:19PM UTC

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I am interested in switching divisions at my company. How much confidentiality should I expect from HR if I apply in another area? Will my current boss know that I am looking to move? Should I talk to the VP in the division I am looking to move to before I apply?

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AnonymousDecember 31,2022 at 8:17PM UTC
It honestly depends on the organization. I think up until recently you could apply, interview for and get offered an internal role without your boss knowing at my company. Now things have changed where as soon as you apply your boss gets notified. I think it's to give your boss a chance to find out why you are leaving and to see of they can give you development opportunities within your current role to make you stay. I'm not a big fan of this, but with that being said, if it were me and I was looking at an internal role I would have a conversation with my boss about it before I applied so that they aren't blindsided. I know I run the risk of them getting upset, but I don't care. This is my life!
AnonymousDecember 31,2022 at 10:34PM UTC
Zero confidentiality should be expected. Zero. HR is never there to protect the employees
AnonymousJanuary 2,2023 at 8:25PM UTC
I disagree. I have been in HR for 23 years and have always balanced the needs of the business with the rights of the employee. It is a big part of the job to maintain that level of being objective and fair while also not getting the company sued.
AnonymousJanuary 12,2023 at 7:09PM UTC
I agree. The last thing HR wants is for the company to be in trouble, therefore, they have to care about the employee. It is in everyone's best interest.
AmandaJanuary 2,2023 at 2:43PM UTC
As an HR Manager, I would advise that you check for any transfer policies. Some companies require approval from your current manager while others do not.
If you are able to convey to your current manager why you are interested in changing divisions ..I e. Career development, then I would hope you would have their support. Honestly, I am learning in life that we all need advocates on our side
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Jessica FerlandJanuary 2,2023 at 2:54PM UTC
I once worked at a company that encouraged growth and supervisor support of growth. Many places are not like this. One would hope that your supervisor would support your growth and perhaps even provide you a reference.
AnonymousJanuary 2,2023 at 3:28PM UTC
Talk to your current boss first! If they feel injured by your job change and tell your next boss you can't be trusted, that will hurt you in the future.
AnonymousJanuary 2,2023 at 4:57PM UTC
Many companies require you to let your boss know before applying for another division/role. It isn't HR's role to keep this a secret.
AnonymousJanuary 3,2023 at 3:42AM UTC
I’ve been in HR over 15 years. Most of the companies I’ve worked for ask if you’ve made you’re current supervisor/manager aware you’re applying for another job? It’s a good heads up from an employee and know they want to move within the company. I’ve had the situation myself and always get their “blessing” to apply. But it’s not HR job to tell/not tell your current supervisor/manager.
Kimberly GrahamJanuary 3,2023 at 5:53PM UTC
Devil's advocate perspective here, but if HR and your current boss do find out it may be a blessing since they may be able to address the very issues that are causing you to want to leave or can perhaps help "grease the skids" for you.