Headhunted within company-ettiquete

Kyougu

A previous coworker who I had kept in touch with after she switched departments just contacted me about an opening in a new team she's forming. For various reasons (More room for advancement, frustration with current position, etc) I'm thinking of taking her up on the offer.

I'm just curious about the ettiquete in this situation. Do I give my manager a head's up? I have a great relationship with my current manager and she has shown she appreciates my work so I feel a bit guilty about leaving but I should do what's best for me. How would I bring it up? Should I?

Saammiel

It will probably depend on your company culture and all, but if you are friendly with your current manager, I'd just tell them if you get an offfer for the new position. Intra-company transfers are a fair bit different than leaving the company in my experience and there is a lot less potential animosity. Also, if this is in the same geographic area the two managers will probably want to coordinate some sort of transition schedule.

The Crowing One

Kyougu wrote: »

A previous coworker who I had kept in touch with after she switched departments just contacted me about an opening in a new team she's forming.

More than anything, I would suggest waiting to actually get the offer before doing anything. The last thing you want to do is tell your boss you're leaving when you're not.

Improvolone

It never hurts to leave on good terms.

darkmayo

There is usually steps that have to be taken internal to the company for you to transfer over to the other department. This varies from company to company, talk to your HR or Recruiting/Personel people to find out the specifics. Moving around inside the company shouldnt be too much of an issue but you will have to bring up the op to your boss because well.. they are your boss and you will still be inside of the same company.

You know your coworkers better than us, if you were to talk to your boss and say, "Hey, such and such in the yadda yadda department is looking for people and I am interested, how can we make this work?"

Donovan Puppyfucker

Secure the position, then hand in your two weeks notice, thanking the company profusely for the job you had.

Sarcastro

Headhunting is usually a term that applies to other companies soliciting specific employees away from thier current positions. Intra-company is totally different, you are using the company's investment in you to advance your own skillset and opportunities, and as such the corporate agenda as a whole (the right people in the right places etc).

Green light the move you are interested in, as transfers often take time. Highlight the opportunity changes to your boss when things seem more solid (in terms of the thing going through). There is no reason at all why there should be any hard feelings or issues- in a positive working environment people are there to grow. Stay on good terms and keep the contacts you've made. It's very likely you will liase or work with those people again.

Just like the company you work for, you are in the business of maintaining and improving your career. Anybody business minded will appreciate that and understand the motivations there. I am always delighted when my former students and protoges surpass thier training and move upwards and onwards. Likewise, I am pleased when people manage through thier own means to secure a better fit within the company. Everybody wins.

Saammiel

chrishallett83 wrote: »

Secure the position, then hand in your two weeks notice, thanking the company profusely for the job you had.

They aren't leaving the company. I've never heard of an internal transfer giving a two weeks notice. In every instance I'm aware of it was far more flexible than that since you are all working for the same org.

schuss

Having done this -
1. Confirm the position/offer
2. Talk to current boss and explain that you've gotten a great opportunity that you'll be taking
3. Wait for that management and your management to work out transition terms. You may need to to estimate time needed to train someone
4. Run through your transition period. You'll probably start ramping up on the new job before you leave the old one, so your time will gradually shift.
5. Enjoy your new position!

Main thing to remember is don't burn bridges and be professional. If people have random questions after you move to your new job, answer them with a smile (Unless they take tons of time, then you'll want to point them in the right direction and advise that you can't commit that level of effort to your old position).

witch_ie

I've recently gone through something similar where I actually initiated the move, but had to be careful because of my organization's culture and the political environment at the time.

As for etiquette, you should definitely let your current manager know that your taking this position is a possibility. Be clear in that you haven't yet interviewed (yes this should be part of the process even for internal transfers), received an offer, or made your decision. Also, commit to keeping her posted on what's going on with this. Essentially, if you do transfer, you want it to be a warm transfer where your transition date is negotiated within the company and with the agreement of both departments/managers.

Also, be prepared for some political backlash between the departments because of the headhunter's actions. I'm not saying for sure that this will happen, but depending on the company's culture and how people at various levels take the move, you will want to have some talking points ready if asked. Good things to say are: I really enjoyed working with my old department and my manager was great, this was just a great opportunity for me to grow and learn more. If asked about what triggered the move, be honest and explain that you were contacted by your new manager.