Internal mobility is a big focus for companies right now. Our latest research shows that businesses are working to retain talent (36%), make internal candidates more visible (27%), and create clear career paths (27%).

For employees, this means exciting opportunities to grow within a company that already aligns with your values or to prioritize looking for an organization that encourages and nurtures internal mobility in your next job search. Another advantage? It’s often much more cost-effective for companies to promote from within than to hire and re-train external candidates, which gives internal applicants an edge in the process.

In today’s blog, we’ll show you how to market your transferable skills and position yourself for that internal move you’ve been eyeing.

 

First: Is an Internal Move Right for You?

Before applying, take time to think through whether an internal move aligns with your career goals. Ask yourself:

• Does this new role fit with my long-term growth?
• Will it allow me to develop new skills or expand my network?
• How does this move align with my personal values and interests?
• What unique transferable skills can you bring to the role?

 

Before You Apply: Check with HR

Before making a move, connect with HR to understand your company’s specific internal application process. Some companies may require that you’ve been in your current role for a certain length of time or that your manager knows you’re applying.

 

How to Market Your Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are qualities and abilities you’ve developed over time, not just at work. They can come from experiences in hobbies, school, volunteer work, or previous roles, and they can be both hard skills (like coding or data analysis) and soft skills (like problem-solving or communication). You can identify your transferable skills by:

Reflecting on Past Experiences: Think about tasks where you’ve excelled—whether in your job, volunteer work, or personal life. For example, managing a group project could showcase leadership, while troubleshooting a technical issue might highlight problem-solving.

Seeking Feedback: Ask team members, mentors, or friends for input on what they see as your key strengths. They may provide insights you hadn’t considered.

Analyzing Tasks and Achievements: Look at the tasks you’ve handled successfully and write down the skills needed to complete them. For example, if you delivered a project on time despite challenges, that showcases adaptability and project management.

 

Review the Job Description

Identify the key skills the new role requires (e.g., leadership, communication, or project management). Compare these with the skills you’ve identified and match them with relevant experiences from your past.

 

Connect with Team Members

Reach out to team members in the department to learn more about the role. This will help you understand the day-to-day requirements and how your skills align. You might even discover gaps you could fill with your experience.

 

Tailor Your Resume

Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, be sure to update your resume. Highlight specific instances where you’ve demonstrated those skills, such as leadership experiences from past projects. Clearly connect your past roles to the new opportunity by using language from the job description.

 

Prepare Like It’s an External Interview

Even though it’s an internal role, approach the interview process with professionalism. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method and be ready to discuss both the broader company goals and the department’s specific objectives to show you understand both the bigger picture and the team’s needs. Express genuine interest in the role, and be authentic in your responses.

 

By following these steps, you’ll be able to showcase your skills effectively and position yourself as a top candidate for internal opportunities.