How to move jobs within your company

Is it time to break free?

If you want to switch departments but still keep on friendly terms with everybody in your company, then diplomacy is the key.

Plan well in advance. Get to know people in the new department who might be able to smooth your path across the office.

Find out who is in charge, the office manager, for example, may be quiet and understated but can wield huge amounts of power. Find out in conversation if there has been much moving between departments in the past and what the company's policy is on the subject.

Get it clear in your own mind why you want to transfer. Is it a different type of work? Is the other department offering unique challenges or is it just better pay?

Diplomacy

You will almost certainly be asked to explain why you want to move so ensure you have a suitable answer. If it is because you hate your colleagues with a passion it might not be advisable to be so honest. Saying instead that you fancy a change of environment is more diplomatic.

Initially, do not tell anyone about your plans - even close friends within your own department.

Offices are notoriously gossipy places and you can rest assured your secret will find its way out.

If it reaches your boss before you've been able to talk to him in person it will cause immense bad feeling and scupper your chances.

Tips for moving Find out about the department you want to move to Don't be rude about your old boss Be clear why you want to move

When you've made up your mind, ask for a private word with the manager of the department to which you want to move.

If they have advertised the job internally then you can apply in the usual way - it is normally confidential.

If you have heard there's a vacancy coming up or are chancing your arm, tell the manager why you want to work for them and what you can offer.

Say you feel awkward because you are already working in another department, but explain you wanted his advice and to evaluate your prospects before risking upsetting the apple cart in your own division.

If it is clear there's a job for you - go and talk to your own boss and explain the situation and the reasons behind your decision.