Michael writes:
I am currently working for a subsidiary of a large corporation. I am interested in working for the parent corporation and would like to seek out a job position there. Yes, I know —technically, I am working for the parent company but would like to work for them directly (for career advancement). What is the best way to approach this situation while “keeping it under the hat” for the time being with the subsidiary company? Are there ethical issues involved here? Would it be more like applying for a transfer or do I apply with a resume and cover letter like I would any new job? How would I word my situation in a cover letter?
Michael, most companies with various divisions and subsidiaries have very specific guidelines in terms of the process one goes about for applying for a job within the corporate umbrella. In some cases, the policy treats the process as a simple job transfer, but in others, the policy treats the process as a full-scale job search.
At one corporation I deal with, the policy is that you have to inform your current manager that you are interested in an internal position (transfer). He or she then has the power to approve or disapprove the interview and possible transfer.
You are in a very touchy situation, and I strongly encourage you to speak to a human-resource person at the parent company — and learn, in general terms, the process that your company wants its employees to follow. Failure to follow this policy could be disastrous for you.
Sean writes:
I have recently made a decision to completely change my career path. I would love to find a career that involves animals and/or travel. I want to do something important in the way of helping to save and preserve our wilderness.
I am having difficulty finding what careers are out there that would combine these two interests. Could you suggest a resource where I might find some possibilities?
Since I don’t really have any idea of your education and work background, it’s a little hard for me to know exactly the types of jobs you enjoy or are qualified for, but I’ll ignore that issue and face the bigger question: Where can you find a job/career that involves animals/wilderness/travel?
My immediate reaction was to go to Quintessential Careers: Volunteering and Nonprofit Career and Job Opportunities. At this site you can find links to Earthwatch, the National Park Service, and other organizations that may offer career opportunities that match your new career interests. There are also many other environmentally-oriented groups, such as The Wilderness Society, that have their own Websites where you may be able to network and search for job opportunities. Finally, you might check your college’s career office or a local college’s career office for leads, especially if one of these schools has an environmental studies department.
Sharron writes:
My question is, would it be a mistake to leave a job that I have had for going on 19 years to pursue a career as a paralegal? I am four years shy of retirement. I have tried to get promoted within the company, but I have been overlooked continuously. I would like to get a better job.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook: “Paralegals is expected to rank among the 20 fastest growing occupations in the economy as employers recognize that paralegals perform many legal tasks for lower salaries than lawyers.”
But while the outlook appears bright, the bigger question for you is what is your real motivation for switching careers so late in your professional life. If you become a paralegal, do you have plans to push your retirement back? Will leaving the company you are currently with now, rather than four years from now, adversely affect your pension? How much more education do you need before you can become a paralegal — and how will that time affect your decision? Finally, if you have been working for this company for 19 years, but have been overlooked for promotions, is it more your frustrations than reason pushing you toward becoming a paralegal?
I think honestly answering the questions in the previous paragraph will give you the direction you need to take you through the next four years and beyond. Good luck.
Evonne writes:
I am currently working for in a behind-the-times office. No fax, no updated copier, and no computer. I am have excellent skills in computer programs I will to school for computers. I feel I am wasting my time and skills. My boss lied about getting a computer and I am ready to move on. Help!
I remember an almost opposite situation happened to me when I went to work for People magazine. I had been told that all the managers had state-of-the-art computers — and when I arrived I found that to be the case. The only problem was that for many managers their PC was an expensive paperweight because no one had thought about training.
In your situation, you need to assess the complete picture, and not just focus on the technology — of lack thereof. Do you enjoy what you are doing; are you making a good salary; do you have good benefits; do you like the work environment and your coworkers; is there room for advancement?
Other issues: How long have you worked there; can you afford to quit?
I think that if the job offers you opportunities to use and develop new skills that make you more marketable in the workforce — even without the technology — then you should stay. If there are too many negatives, then start job-hunting immediately.
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Gina writes:
I need advice on related job info. I am currently a group manager at a major department store. I manage the cosmetic and fragrance business. I have been in retail for 13 years. I have a degree in marketing and am looking for a career change. What will be a likely career that would encompass my talents? I have been leaning toward human resources.
Because of your experience and education, I think you can go into a number of other careers, including: managers in wholesale trade (such as cosmetics), hotels, banks, and hospitals. I can also see you using your talents in human resources.
The key for you is to conduct a self-analysis that leads to the development of a list of transferable skills, a focus on the new career you want to enter, and a plan of attack for your career change.
A book I highly recommend for people considering a change of careers is: Career Change (VGM), by Dr. David Helfand.
And don’t forget to utilize all the resources and tools we offer in this section of Quintessential Careers: Job & Career Resources for Career Changers.
Anonymous writes:
I am working in a finance department and not making the money I need to be satisfied. I have spoken with someone in the travel industry and she told me the ups and downs of working in a travel agency. The money would definitely be a plus, but it would be a big change. I have two children and would have to leave them for three weeks, and hopefully it would be for the better. Also, I would not have income coming in for three weeks, which is a concern. Someone told me to be aware that the Internet is taking alot of travel needs away from the agencies. I need advice
It’s funny how the growth of the Web is changing how business is done and people’s perceptions of how business is done. However, I would worry less about the impact of the Web on travel agencies and more about whether making this career change is in the best interest of you and your family.
As you make a career change, one of the most important things you can do is talk with people currently working in your potential new career. You have spoken with one person. Before making the jump, I would talk with several other travel agents — at varying size companies — to get a better picture of the field. I know I will sound like a broken record, but you really should conduct some informational interviews. Check out the ins and outs of informational interviewing by visiting Quintessential Careers: Informational Interviewing Tutorial.
By the way, according to my sources, while the Web is taking some business away from traditional travel agencies, more and more people are traveling, thus demand is still strong for knowledgeable agents. Many job openings will arise as new agencies open and existing agencies expand, but most openings will occur as experienced agents transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.”
Valerie writes:
I’ve started a job search and actually have an interview scheduled in another department at my company that would better suit my talents. Problem is, my current supervisor is required to be notified about the interview. If I don’t get the job, she’ll know I’m job hunting. How would I handle such a situation, and how do I tactfully approach her about the upcoming interview?
I have a friend who works or AT&T, which has a similar policy, and I will give you the same advice I gave her. It is not always a bad thing that your boss knows you have outgrown your current position and are seeking new challenges and responsibilities. People are not supposed to stay in the same jobs forever — you are expected to grow and develop as new challenges change the way you do business or as you move up the management chain into higher management positions.
Having a supervisor know you are ready for such a change can be a signal for that person that he or she should be ready to move up as well.
Of course, the whole thing could also backfire a bit. The first time my friend told her boss she wanted to interview for another positions within the firm, the boss turned her down and blocked the transfer, citing her as too valuable for his department. And while she did not get that initial transfer, she also received more training and responsibilities in her current department, which later helped her transfer out when an even better internal position became available.
So, go tell your boss about the interview. If she is truly a good supervisor, then she will support your efforts to continue your career — either inside or outside your firm.
Jill writes:
I recently graduated with a BS in social psychology at 41 years of age. The past 10 years I have been in the clerical field and now more than anything want to work with teenagers. In my cover letter and resume how do I relate my past experiences with the changing career choice I would like to make? Any information would be appreciated.
There are a few keys to making the successful transition. In terms of your cover letter and resume, you need to sit down and think about the skills you have learned and used and how they can apply to your new career field. For example, organizational skills are extremely important in the clerical field, and working with teens requires organizational skills as well. Read more about the topic by visiting Quintessential Careers: Transferable Skills.
The next key to success is to review the job descriptions of the types of jobs you are considering. How does your education and experience match up with the requirements? Can you position yourself to fit these requirements? If not, you may need to take some additional courses or look at different types of jobs.
Finally, I would encourage you to talk with people who currently have jobs that are similar to what you want to be doing or are supervising people who are doing the type of job you want to be doing. We call these informational interviews, and they are an extremely valuable resource for gaining knowledge, making contacts, and networking. Get the scoop by visiting Quintessential Careers: Informational Interviewing Tutorial.
Chris writes:
I’m a recent graduate from four-year college and have BS in accounting. I didn’t have any accounting experience, so I had a hard time finding an entry-level accounting job. I was finally hired as a payroll processor at local company that specializes in payroll. At this company I basically put the numbers into automated payroll system. With an accounting degree, I don’t think I use any of my education and don’t see any future in this company. I want to have more responsibility and use my accounting knowledge relate to payroll. (I like the field I’m in.) I’ve been working for this company three months now. Is three months’ work experience too short to say “I know what I’m doing?” Should I wait to apply for other company which provide more work experience? If so, how long? Please give me an advice on this matter.
Three months is a fairly short period of time, but a lot depends on whether you have a probationary period, how often you are being reviewed, and your relationship with your supervisor. If you are in a probationary period or will have a 3-month or 6-month review, I would wait for the next review period and raise your concerns and interests. If you only have an annual review process, I would consider raising your concerns after another three months … unless you have a very strong relationship with your supervisor. At one of my first jobs after I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I had a boss who was an absolute delight, and she had a completely honest open-door policy to discuss any issues of concern. It was because of her that I received an adjusted raise after six months, something that never happened at that company.
Once you make your desires known, there are two possible outcomes. The better one: your boss will take your concerns under advisement and help you use more of your accounting skills. The other one: Your boss will either ignore your concerns or think you are rushing things, in which case the ball is then in your court to stick it out or start looking for new employment.
Robin writes:
I have been struggling with an employment situation where I am not happy in my present corporate role. I have tentatively accepted another position approximately 4 miles from where I work now, but the job does not come available until December of this year. I have been offered another position out of state as of last week. The gist of my dilemma is I am in the golf industry as a maverick troubleshooter for golf courses. I was approached a week ago by the owner of the third-largest professional golf tour in the U.S. and asked to come to work with the tour. I hosted his tour at two different facilities, and he has offered me the opportunity to run the entire tour operation for the country. The move would entail moving my family to Atlanta. I was hoping to settle after doing course restructuring for the past seven years, being involved with three different corporations and 12 properties in 6+ states. My question is to you; I know I am leaving my current situation soon; the tour offer is now, and my prior commitment is not until December, can I go back on my prior commitment (no contract, just an owner who knows my abilities)? and do I move my family again. I have seen the ceiling in both course options and see only endless possibilities with the tour. My wife understands the situation and tells me to do what my heart and soul tells me. My son said he will miss me being away at first until we were to move. All salaries, incentives and benefits are similar, except tour offers two jets for travel when needed. WHAT TO DO????? The gentleman who owns the tour asked me to put down on paper what I wanted, and he would have it drawn up as an agreement. That is where I FOUND you — looking for
samples of offer-negotiation letters.
Robin, you can certainly go back on your prior commitment since all you had was a verbal agreement. But, before you do anything about it, first make sure you have a signed contract with the tour that meets your requirements. The worst thing you can do is to contact the golf course and tell him you’ve changed your mind and then have the tour job fall apart.
Since the tour is what you want to do — I get that from reading between the lines of your email — and your family supports your decision, I say go for it. And once you have the signed contract with the tour, write a letter and/or call the owner of your previous commitment and try not to burn that bridge. If the person knows of your abilities, he or she will be disappointed in not getting your expertise in December, but should also understand your opportunity with the tour and your desire to start there now.
Best of luck to you and your family with the new job and with yet another move.
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