© Patty Inglish 1995 - 2009; all rights reserved.

You may be considering a job transfer for any number of reasons. However, you may want to master your current job before moving onto something improved or different. There are several items to consider.

First of all, in learning your jobs well and becoming an expert in it, you become a value-added flexible employee. You can function better in more scenarios than less well-trained associates. Be learning new skills and cross training in other job titles in your own or other departments for your current employer, you can become invaluable and the company guru. Your employer will be coming to you for everyday miracles.

You may have a job transfer in mind for a particular position in another department or company position. First, consider which of these jobs with your current employer offers the largest potential for promotion and further growth. If the new job is more challenging, it can boost your morale. If you can make your current job more challenging, you may earn a raise along with a morale boost.

Look at your specific reasons for a transfer and ensure that they are good and they make sense. Up until the Dot.com era, it was a certified psychological mark of a personality disorder if an employee switched jobs more often than every two years. After that, the IT Industry made it usual for employees to change jobs every year to remain fresh and to bring new blood into information-based companies. Changing jobs more often than once a year is currently often a sign of some sort of problem, so it is prudent not to ask for transfers too often. You cannot job hop too frequently, even within your own company, because your current or a potential new boss will think that you are unstable and unproductive. Think carefully about transfers to ensure they match your long-term personal and employment goals. For example, in some transfers, you may go back to the starting level of salary and lose income and seniority, meaning shorter vacations your first year on the new job!

• Bored? Not being challenged on the job? - If this is the case, demonstrate initiative and ask your boss for additional duties and responsibilities. You will be more challenged and may earn a raise!
• Not enough money? - Make sure to keep you Employment Portfolio up to date with your training and accomplishments well noted. Use this information to request a raise during your next performance review, or ask for a "sit down" with your boss to discuss the matter.
• Problem with coworkers or supervisor? - Work things out through channels before requesting a transfer, or the same problems could recur in a new department. However, if the problem is sexual harassment, a transfer is often the prescribed official remedy.
• Want a promotion? - Remember that transfers are often "later" in that they do not constitute promotions or include pay raises. Change solely for the sake of change can be seen as irresponsible on the job. However, one remedy is to join a Temporary Agency that offers fulltime benefits with a selection of changing job venues. Another possibility, for healthcare professionals, it to become a Travel Nurse or other traveling health professional. They even make more money because they travel.
• Want to work overseas? - That's great! You will need a sponsor made possible through your employer. Check out all the specifics - travel and work visas, passports, etc.
• Is your Spouse's employment moving to an area that your company has a location in? That can be a blessing. Employers will often work out transfers to accommodate you in this case. However, do not permit yourself to bully or be bullied into a move that is not right for you. You or your spouse can say, "No" and should be respected for it/
• Health Reasons - Do you need a warmer climate in a region to which you can transfer with your current employer? Talk to your boss and the Human Resources to make arrangements. Keeping you in a region that harms your health will cost your employers dollars as well as pangs of conscience.
• Education - Can you transfer to a place where a school is located you would like to attend? Discuss this with your employer. Often, there are branch campuses right in your own city that you are not aware of. How about distance learning? Many colleges, universities and vocational schools offer online classes and your employer may even pay for them or reimburse you if you earn a minimum grade level. However, if not, arrange a transfer through your boss and Human Resources if you can.

Whatever your reasons or motivations, the important thing top do it to communicate with your boss and Human resources regularly so that they can help you, they are not surprised by your request for transfer and the transition is as smooth as possible.

You will need to make a professional written request and justify your reasons for transfer in your letter.

• Begin with your specific purpose for writing - your transfer request.
• Highlight your abilities, accomplishments, and experience with this employer.
• Complement your employer and your boss as being top notch. Write about your commitment to the company.
• State specifically why you want to transfer and/or advance in the company
• As with your cover letter for your original position focus on what you can continue to do for the company:

[HR Director or Supervisor Name]

[Company Name]

[Address]

[Date]

Dear [HR Director or Supervisor]:

The [department title] Department of [company name] is accepting applications for [job title] and I am submitting my resume for your consideration for a transfer to this new position.

I have worked for [company name] for [number] years, in the position of [job title], and have found a professional and efficient organization with good communications and one that is supportive of employees and their development. At this time, I want to continue to enhance my professional growth with your firm and move my career ahead.

My contribution to the company has thus far included the following achievements that can be used in the new position to good advantage:

• A

• B

• C

• D

These accomplishments and my increasing skills will bring further productivity and profits via this new position with the company. I look forward to continued growth within this company throughout my career.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to serving the company in new and ever expanding capacities.

Sincerely,

[Insert Signature Here]

[Type Name Here]

[Job Title/Department]