June 4, 2024
A lateral move in a career is when an employee changes roles at the same level within their company. This means taking on a new job title without a promotion or pay increase. It's a shift to a different position with similar responsibilities and status.
People consider lateral moves for various reasons. Sometimes, it's about gaining new skills or exploring different areas within the company. Other times, it's a strategic step toward long-term career goals. This type of move can provide fresh challenges and opportunities for growth.
There are many reasons someone might make a lateral move:
Yes! Here is how the two moves differ:
Internal lateral move:
External lateral move:
Both types provide new opportunities and experiences. They can help employees build diverse skills. Whether internal or external, lateral moves often refresh careers and keep work engaging.
A lateral move can enhance your skill set. It can provide new knowledge and experiences. Learning a different role can be a way to gain a wider understanding of the industry. This can make an employee more versatile.
It can also be a way to keep growing in your career. New roles often come with different problems to solve. These can help you learn to think in new ways. This development can be key for long-term career growth.
Moving to a new position can connect you with new people. It can grow your professional network. Strong connections can lead to more job opportunities and advice. This can be helpful in shaping your career path.
A larger network can also provide support in your job. You can learn from the experiences of others. This can be helpful in future roles. Networking is crucial for career advancement.
A different role can bring fresh challenges. These can help you grow personally and professionally. Facing new problems can build problem-solving skills. It can also keep your job exciting.
New experiences can prevent job boredom. They can also boost your creativity. Taking on challenging tasks can prove your abilities to employers. This can be critical for your career growth.
When considering a lateral move, it's crucial to evaluate changes in pay, benefits, and long-term financial effects. This ensures your new role supports your financial goals and needs. Topics you will need to consider:
When making a lateral move, salary might not increase. Companies position lateral roles at similar pay grades. This often means a move without a raise.
Still, some companies offer slight bumps to match market rates or skills. Researching industry standards can help you gauge if your salary fits the norm. Consider cost of living if you're moving to a different location.
Comparing pay between the current and new roles is key. Ensure that your responsibilities match the compensation offered.
If the salary doesn't change, perks and benefits may provide compensation. These can include:
Negotiating these benefits can make a big difference. For instance, tuition reimbursement or remote work options can offset a static salary. Know what perks are most valuable to you and bring them up during discussions.
Think about the long-term financial impact of a lateral move. This includes:
Consider how this move fits into your financial plan. Sometimes, lateral movement offers better growth potential, leading to higher earnings later. Evaluate both immediate and future financial benefits.
Keep in mind, compensation isn't just about salary. It's about the total package and how it fits your career and life plans. Review all factors carefully to make an informed decision.
They provide necessary support, assess candidates, and ensure proper training programmes are in place.
Leadership's support can ease an employee's transition in a lateral move. Leaders provide encouragement, set clear goals, and foster a positive environment. Open communication between leaders and employees is vital. Team meetings, one-on-ones, and feedback sessions can help.
Leaders can inspire confidence by recognising achievements and addressing concerns. This support can motivate employees to adapt quickly and feel valued. Leaders also create opportunities for growth, ensuring the move benefits both the employee and the company.
The hiring manager evaluates candidates for lateral moves. They look at skills, experience, and fit for the new role. Interviews and reviews help in this assessment.
The hiring manager's role includes:
They also ensure the chosen candidate aligns with the team's needs and company goals. This careful selection process ensures the right person is in the right role.
Transition programmes help employees adapt to their new roles. These programmes offer guidance and resources for a smooth change. They might include mentorship, onboarding sessions, and checklists.
Training is also crucial. Employees need to learn new skills and processes. Training methods can be:
These programmes ensure employees are ready and confident in their new positions. Management must continually evaluate and improve these programmes for effectiveness. This will help in achieving overall job satisfaction and productivity in lateral moves.
When making a lateral move, focus on how to showcase your skills on your resume, perform well in interviews, and negotiate effectively for your new role. Here are key strategies to help you succeed.
Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills. Emphasise responsibilities similar to the new position you’re aiming for.
Make sure to provide measurable results from past jobs to demonstrate capabilities.
Prepare thoroughly for interviews by focusing on how your skills can translate to the new position.
Confidence and clear communication can make a significant difference, so practise speaking about your past experiences and how they align with the job.
When negotiating, be clear and realistic about your expectations.
Being informed and prepared will help you secure a fair job offer.
Lateral moves can offer new experiences and skills. However, they can also come with certain risks like burnout, limited career advancement, and misalignment with long-term goals.
Moving laterally might mean getting new responsibilities. It often requires learning and adapting quickly. This can lead to stress and long working hours. Without proper support, the employee might feel overwhelmed.
Being in a new role might also mean proving oneself all over again. This constant pressure can result in exhaustion. Eventually, it could affect the worker's health and job performance.
Lateral moves do not always lead to promotions. They involve changing roles without advancing in rank. This might hinder one's climb up the corporate ladder. While the move may develop new skills, it might delay reaching higher positions.
Employers might not see the employee as committed to moving up. They could perceive lateral shifts as a lack of direction. This could limit one's chances of further promotion within the company.
Switching to a different role might not align with career goals. The new position might not match one's skills or future aspirations. This could lead to dissatisfaction and a sense of being off-track.
Long-term objectives usually involve clear steps. Lateral moves may divert attention from these steps. Over time, this misalignment can make it harder to achieve career aspirations.
They provide chances to sharpen skills and find new paths.
Lateral moves can lead to promotions. By moving sideways, employees gain unique experiences. This makes them stand out for higher roles.
For instance:
These experiences are valuable. When a higher role opens, these employees are ready. They've shown they can adapt and excel in various settings.
No. A promotion usually means a higher rank and more responsibilities. A lateral move often involves a change in job role without a change in rank. It focuses on gaining new skills or experiences.
This post was written by: Alicia Edwards, Digital Marketing Assistant
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