How to Make a Smart Lateral Career Move

After working some years in your career, you think about career development and growth. You want to move up in your career ladder, but not every job offers that opportunity or chance. What to do?Learn how to make a Smart Lateral Career Move.

Today, I would like to share details about the Lateral move, such as Lateral Career, why should you make this move. On top of all, how to make it smartly.

What is Career Lateral Move?

When you take a new job with the same job responsibilities and pay in the same or another company. In an ideal world, you want to get a promotion and move to a managerial position or higher-level designation. Many roles don't bring that luxury.

So, in that case, the perfect method of career development is a lateral move.

In the same company, you switch from one department to another. You know all about company culture and protocol, so adjustment isn't an issue.

You can take a new job role in another company whose responsibilities you are already handling in your current company. Now all you have to do is to learn all about company culture and adjust.

Why Should You take a Career Lateral Move?

Many different reasons make you think about this move. I'm sharing a few for reference.

Better Exposure

The more department you change, the better exposure you will get. If you are an extrovert who believes in networking, social interactions, and connections, then go for it. This opportunity offers you a chance to interact with a wide variety of people. 

New clients, new colleagues, and better corporate world experience are available. Many employees think of making this move as it helps them to recognize internationally. So, switching from a national to a multinational company is something you should consider during your lateral career move.

Skills Boosts

When you move to another company with the same job position, you get a chance to expand your skills. Maybe another company offers training to employees, and you learn new languages and other things.

Now next time when you apply for a position, your resume will contain a different skill set. Thereby, employers consider you more.

Promotion

If you think that your existing company is unable to see your potential and another company in the same industry will understand your worth better, then, by all means, go and make a smart career lateral move.

We all need something to stay motivated on the job. If a company doesn't offer you what you deserve, then it's better to let go. Another company might provide you with better pay and promotion. It would be best if you tried your luck.

Job Satisfaction

Are you dissatisfied with your current job? Maybe the reason is management or culture. If you can't do anything about it, a better option is to switch the company—your job satisfaction matters for ultimate productivity on the job and career development. If you are unhappy and can't focus on work, a lateral move is the only solution.

When is Lateral Move a bad idea?

There are some scenarios when you should not make this move as it will not benefit you. Let's find out what these are.

Low Pay: A new job should be an upgrade to your current job. If it is not paying you well and you have to do the same task, you better stick with the current one. You should know that employers don't raise salaries quickly. You will have to start from scratch and work hard for the same level of pay you are getting at the moment. Why make all such efforts? It's not the right thing; skip it.

More Responsibilities: The main idea of a Lateral career move to have the same pay and responsibilities. In case a new job offers you more responsibilities, it becomes a stressful option. Your mental peace is worth more than that; please don't make any lateral move in that scenario.

Your Professional Name at Stake: Your professional reputation matters the most for your career development. If you keep changing jobs, it's regarded as a red signal by recruiters. A new employer might think that you run away from responsibilities and don't have what it takes to work for your employer. When making a lateral move, you should be vocal about it so your colleagues and manager know what you are up to. If the bad repo follows this move, it's a wrong career move.

No Advancement Options: You take a career move to get closer to your dream job. Although switching departments may increase your skills or satisfaction, it might take away your promotional chance. Before making this move, discuss your career goals with your boss and manager not to take a wrong turn in your career.

How to Make a Smart Career Lateral Move?

Here are some steps you need to follow.

Step No.1 Analysis and Evaluation 

 A lateral move is a big career decision, and you shouldn't take it overnight. Make a list of your career goals, then sit and think whether this new move helps you achieve some goals or not. Make a pros and cons list and then decide what works for you and what doesn't work. Also, think about whether you need to move to the same company or another company. If you are unsure, get help and ask your friends. 

Step No.2 Search for a New Job 

If you have decided to move to another company, it's good to start searching for a new job. Post your CV on the job boards of Fratres Canada. You can reach out to the recruiter with a Letter of Intent as well.

Step No.3 Talk to Manager

 You can't resign your manager with a Resignation Letter. Permanently close a chapter on a good note. If you have a job offer and talk to your manager about this. He might have a better offer with a raise in salary or benefits. Listen to him, as he might want to keep in the company or same department with better options. You need the best recommendation letter from your old employer to get hired quickly for a new job, so you better show good behavior while leaving your current position.

Step No.4 Start New Job 

After making a lateral career move, you need to keep track of what you have gained from it. Try to achieve your career goals by learning new skills. Remember, you made this move for ultimate career development. Make connections in new jobs and departments. Be ready to adopt new technologies and skills.

Wrap up

You need to make a smart lateral career move. Don't rush for this move; take all the time you have but don't overthink. Sometimes, you don't want to change because of some wrong reasons like what your colleagues will think. Be rational when it comes to analysis, and it's how you will be able to make the right career move.