Make ladder climbing a smooth job

Feb 8 2008 By Greig Cameron

Switch roles in professional manner

After working hard to impress the boss, showing willingness to improve and landing the dream job, it should all be plain sailing.

But moving up the company ladder can be harder than you think, according to a leading recruitment firm.

Carlton Resource Solutions warns it can be difficult to leave behind an old position unless you use the right techniques. Joanne Golder, business support manager at the company, advises it is best to be professional.

She said: " You have to strike a balance between saying goodbye to your old, familiar job, while managing and enjoying new challenges. Moving roles within a company has to be done in a professional manner, in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.

"You have to make a clean break and give as much as you can to the new position. You will be missing aspects of your previous role that you had finally mastered and may find yourself without your trusted network of colleagues."

Golder believes there are certain techniques and rules to make the transition easier:

Taking a holiday to prepare for the challenge ahead can rejuvenate and allow you to start with renewed energy.

Providing extensive handover notes for all parties will help you feel like you have moved on and win more brownie points for efficiency.

Be wary of peering over your successor's shoulder or telling them how to do things and allow them to establish their role.

Finally, embrace the excitement and change the new role brings but continue to think why you took the challenge on.

Golder added: "It's a natural process for staff to move up within a company. The transition to the new role can be made easier by taking these steps to get your head out of one job, into the next and ultimately bask in your new position."