Are you not happy with your current position? It is then time to change it. But how to tell your boss you want a different position? We will guide you.
Your position and department matter a lot in your career. If you want to pursue your career in marketing, working in finance won’t help. So take a stand for yourself.
How To Tell Your Boss You Want A Different Position With 7 Safe Tips
When you are stuck in your current position, nothing is more stressful. Therefore, save your mental health and energy.
You have to talk to your boss but in the best way. It would help if you did nothing that caused your termination.
Therefore, let’s dive into safe tips for telling your boss you want a different position:
1. Timing Is Everything:
Don’t walk in and tell your boss you want a different position. It’s important to time it right. You don’t want to do it when the company has a difficult time.
You also don’t want to do it during performance reviews or salary negotiations. Wait for a time when your boss is calm and has some free time.
Arrange a meeting with him by making an appointment. In this way, your boss will know you have something important to discuss.
2. How To Tell Your Boss You Want A Different Position- Come Up With A Plan:
Don’t go into this conversation blindly. Come up with a plan of what you want to say.
What are your goals and your strengths? What can you offer the company? Knowing what you want to say will help ease the tension in the conversation.
Brainstorm on the benefits of changing position. What skills will you enhance? And how will it benefit the company?
Changing positions can be a scary thing. But if you plan it right, your boss will be more likely to listen.
You can have a small presentation-ready too. It can include your previous roles and how they align with the position you want to have.
In addition, you can share where you want to see yourself in future years. Also, tell them how your role will increase the sales and production of the company.
3. Be Polite Yet Clear:
When you talk to your boss, be polite but clear. Don’t beat around the bush—state what you want and why you want it.
Bosses respect employees who are upfront and know what they want. It will show that you’re serious about your career.
If your boss disagrees with your idea, then start negotiating. Let him know what you’re willing to do to stay in the company.
4. How To Tell Your Boss You Want A Different Position – Calmly Express Your Opinion:
If your boss says no to your idea, don’t take it personally. Therefore, accept the answer and move on.
Be firm in what you want but do not argue. Arguing with your boss will only create a negative relationship. It’s important to show humility but also express yourself confidence.
5. Do Not Rush Your Boss For An Answer:
Rushing for an answer right away might end up in the worst case. If your boss says he will think about it, let the conversation end there.
Don’t keep pushing for an answer right away because that can annoy him or irritate him further. Give your boss ample time to think on this matter.
6. Plan For The Worst-Case Scenario:
Prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario. In case you do get fired, have a plan B ready. Have updated resume and cover letters ready to send out.
Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and connect with other professionals in your field.
Networking is vital in today’s job market. So be active on social media and attend industry events.
The worst-case scenario doesn’t have to be the end of your career. If you’re proactive and put yourself out there, you’ll find another position in no time.
7. How To Tell Your Boss You Want A Different Position – Follow Up:
After the conversation, send a follow-up email to your boss thanking him for his time. Reiterate what you discussed and any next steps that need to happen.
It shows that you’re professional and serious about changing positions. And with the follow-up, you will remind your boss to think about this matter in time.
Sample Scripts On How To Tell Your Boss You Want A Different Position
Let’s discuss three scenarios to talk to your boss, and sample scripts to use:
1. Face-To-Face Conversation:
If you are meeting your boss in person, you can get inspiration from these sample scripts:
-“I’d like to discuss something with you that’s been on my mind for a while.”
-“I’m interested in exploring other opportunities within the company.”
-“I’m not sure if this is the right time to talk about it, but I’ve been thinking about changing positions.”
-“It would be great for me to move up in the company and take on new challenges.”
-“I’ve been considering other options, and I wanted to explore them with you first.”
-“After some careful thought, I’ve decided that I want to pursue a different position.”
2. Phone Conversation:
You can use the same script in a phone conversation too. However, make sure your boss is not having family time in a hurry.
You can start your conversation this way:
“Good Morning Sir, I called you to discuss something important with you.”
“Is now a good time to talk?”
And if he says yes, continue with the script you will prepare for the in-person meeting.
3. Writing An Email:
If you choose to email your boss, it’s best to keep it short and sweet. You can use the following as a guide:
“Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope you’re well and having a good day.
I am writing to discuss something on my mind for a while. It is my idea to explore other opportunities within the company.
I’m not sure if this is the right time to talk about it, but I’ve been thinking about changing positions.
It would be great for me to move up in the company and take on new challenges. After some careful thought, I’ve decided to pursue a different position.
I want to schedule a meeting with you to discuss this further.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Your Name”
4. Email Follow Up:
Send a follow-up email if your boss doesn’t get back to you after a few days. You can use this template as a guide:
“Hello, Sir/Madam,
I wrote to you some days back but haven’t responded yet. Please let me know if you thought something about the matter I discussed with you.
I have been working here for five years, and it’s a great learning experience. However, it’s limiting me from growing any further, both professionally and personally.
After careful thought, I realized that it would be better if I changed my position.
Can we schedule a meeting to discuss this further?
I hope you are doing well.
Sincerely,
Your Name”
Before Telling Your Boss, You Want A Different Position
Before you come clean with your boss, you need to consider a few things. It will help you ask for what you want without getting fired:
1. What’s The Issue?
Are there any conflicts that are bothering you at work? If yes, then sort them out first, as it may weaken your position and give room for termination.
If there is no conflict or problem at work, go ahead with the next step. Ensure you sort out any dispute before telling your boss you want another position.
It can cause problems both in the relationship and on the job front. Your workplace must be happy, but it is better to quit than suffer from constant stress.
2. Are You Willing To Quit?
Before you go to your boss, ask yourself this question. If the answer is yes, then quitting might be a better idea. Changing positions within the same company can be difficult, but it is doable.
However, if you quit without having another job lined up, you may find it challenging to get a job in the future.
It is because most employers would want to see a list of jobs you’ve had in the past and not one position change.
3. Have A Plan B
If you are not willing to quit yet, have a backup plan ready. You should know your goals and what you need to do to achieve them.
It will show that you are serious about your career. Have a plan B so that if your boss doesn’t agree to change your position, you have something to do.
Conclusion:
Telling your boss you want a different position can be nerve-wracking. But if done right, it can show that you’re serious about your career.
Make sure you time it right and have a backup plan ready. Moreover, be professional and respectful in your conversations. Good luck!
After the conversation, send a follow-up email to your boss thanking him for his time. Reiterate what you discussed and any next steps that need to happen.
It shows that you’re professional and serious about changing positions. Also, with the follow-up, you will remind your boss to think about this matter in time.
Last Updated on 5 days by Shahzaib Arshad
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