New job. Same place: How to apply for internal positions

What signal does it send that I am applying internally within the company?

Applying within a company you're already working at may suggest that you are happy to be in the company, but that you would like some new challenges. For example, it could be that you have “grown” out of your current position and would like to have greater responsibility or other tasks. In that situation, you're sending a positive signal as an internal job seeker. 

If you are applying for a very similar job in another team, you should be aware that it may signal that you do not have a good collaboration with your manager or closest colleagues, but would like to continue in the company. In the IDA Advisory Service, we often speak to members who are not very happy with their manager, so this may be a real reason to apply in another department, where you may know that the manager is a better match.  

Hopefully, there are other reasons besides the manager that you can be open about instead. It can be a balancing act to be open and transparent so that there is no history in the workplace, but also not so honest that it affects the atmosphere or collaboration. 

Should I be open about the fact that I am applying internally, or should I keep it a secret?

It depends a lot on the culture in the company. If it's a large company where it's common to move around, can you talk to your manager about whether you'd like to take on other tasks in the company? Maybe you agree with your manager that you're a better fit for another position, or you need to move as part of your development in the company.  

If the situation is that the company is expanding and needs to use internal resources in new roles, it may be good to be open about it and perhaps even collaborate with your manager on a new position.  

If you have the feeling that your manager will not take your application to another department very constructively, you should probably keep quiet about it.  

Therefore, you need to consider the type of company and culture you are in, and what is at stake, before you are completely open about a possible internal transfer. You may also have a colleague you are familiar with who you can start by talking to. Perhaps someone who is in the department you would like to move to.  

Should I talk to the manager of the department that's hiring?

It might be a good idea to talk to the manager of the department you want to move to. You might initially be curious about the job or the opportunity to work in the department. You might also want to approach the manager more closely and ask if they think it would make sense for you to apply there. If you are just sending a CV and an application, it might be a good idea to give the manager and perhaps your colleagues on the hiring committee an idea that you would be a great fit. 

Does the manager in the new department have a duty of confidentiality towards my current manager? 

As a general rule, your new manager cannot inform your current one that you have applied for an internal position unless you have given your consent. Your application must be treated confidentially in accordance with GDPR and general employment law principles. 

You may wish to write in your application that you wish it to be treated discreetly. 

The information in your application must be treated objectively and only accessible to those individuals who are relevant to the recruitment process. It must not be shared unnecessarily or widely within the organisation. 

Is it an advantage to be an internal applicant, or should I rather apply as if I were an external one?

It can certainly be an advantage to be an internal applicant. You already know the company and perhaps also a lot about the role involved in the new position. You can also use that knowledge to your advantage when applying.  

However, your CV and application should still be as professional as if you were applying for a job elsewhere. You should still write how you match the position, what skills you want to bring to the table, how you would like to solve the task and what your motivation is for applying for the position.  

If the job is an internal temporary position, can I be sure to return to my permanent position?

No, there is no automatic legal right to return to exactly the same tasks or position unless you've made an agreement thereon in writing. 

Therefore, we at IDA recommend that you make a written agreement about:  

• How long does the temporary position last?
• What tasks or functions are you returning to?
• Whether there are changes in salary or working hours while you are in the temporary position

Without such an agreement, the employer can change your tasks as long as the changes are within your job description. However, significant changes require you to be notified with your individual notice of termination. 

Read more about your rights when your employment conditions change

Will there be any changes to my notice period and seniority in the event of an internal job change?

When you change jobs within the same company, you should be aware of whether your seniority and thus anniversary bonuses, notice of termination, etc. continue in the new position. In practice, many companies choose to maintain seniority so that you retain your notice of termination, but you should always have it written into the contract.  

Always agree in writing what happens with notice of termination and seniority. 

Do I have to go through a probationary period with a shortened notice period again when I change jobs internally?

No, a probationary period can only be agreed upon once for an employment, unless it is a completely new contract with significantly changed job content. If you simply change function or department internally, there is usually no new probationary period.  

If the company wants to introduce a probationary period in connection with an internal change, IDA recommends that you inquire about the reasons.  

You should also be aware that it may be a sign that they see it as a new employment and seniority and other terms must therefore be explicitly agreed upon.  

If you move from a regular position as an employee to a management position, a new probationary period will typically be agreed upon.    

How do I handle it if I don't get the job - am I in a weaker position and will I be perceived as disloyal to the department?

If you haven't told anyone that you're applying, then in principle only the hiring committee knows that you've applied and they have a duty of confidentiality. If the company handles it professionally, you shouldn't be in a weaker position and be perceived as disloyal, but it also depends a bit on how you handle it yourself. If you go back afterwards and work just as motivated as you usually do, then you show that you're a loyal employee.  

You may have a period right after the rejection where you are disappointed and can't find the motivation. In that situation, it may be good to keep quiet until you either find the motivation again or find another job.  

It may also be that you have received a constructive rejection, which you can talk to your manager about or take action on in terms of getting new assignments, or whatever it takes to motivate you in the job you already have.