Navigating Lateral Career Moves: How to Expand Your Job Search and Find Opportunities

When we think about career advancement, the focus is often on moving up the corporate ladder. But a lateral career move—shifting to a similar role at a different company or within a different department—can be a smart strategy for job seekers looking to diversify their experience, gain new skills, or simply find a better fit. Whether you're aiming for a similar role or want to explore new opportunities at the same career level, lateral moves offer an excellent path to growth.

Here’s how to make the most of lateral job searches and expand your career horizons efficiently.

Why Consider a Lateral Move?

A lateral move can offer benefits beyond just salary or title. It can:

• Broaden Your Skills: Moving to a new company or department can expose you to different systems, technologies, or teams, making you more versatile.

• Change in Work Environment: Sometimes a new work culture or leadership style is what you need to thrive. A lateral move can give you that change without the pressure of a promotion.

• Increased Job Security: If your current company or industry feels unstable, a lateral move could help you transition into a more secure environment without a drastic career shift.

Steps to Efficiently Job Search for Similar Roles

1. Identify Core Competencies Across Job Titles When searching for lateral moves, focus on your transferable skills and how they align with various job titles. Start by identifying the key competencies required for your current role, such as project management, communication, or technical skills, and look for jobs that emphasize similar abilities. While the titles may differ slightly, the skills overlap is what counts.

Example: A Marketing Manager might look for lateral roles such as Brand Manager, Campaign Manager, or Communications Manager, focusing on skills like strategic planning and content development.

2. Research Comparable Job Titles Not every company will use the same title for similar roles. Research different variations of your job title to find positions that align with your current experience but might be labeled differently. Tools like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed can help you discover job listings under multiple titles.

3. Network Strategically Networking isn’t just for moving up—it’s crucial for lateral moves, too. Reach out to peers in similar roles across different industries or companies to learn about potential opportunities. Leverage professional platforms like LinkedIn and industry-specific forums to connect with others who may offer insights into job openings that aren’t publicly listed.

4. Leverage Job Forums While traditional job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn are essential, also look into niche forums or industry-specific sites. These platforms often have hidden gems for lateral moves, as smaller companies or specialized roles may not always appear on larger boards.

5. Tailor Your Resume to Focus on Versatility When applying for lateral roles, emphasize your versatility and how your experience in your current role can translate to similar positions in different industries or departments. Highlight projects that required adaptability, cross-functional collaboration, or skill sets that are in demand across various sectors.

Should You Consider a Step-Up in a Lateral Move?

While lateral moves offer benefits, you should also evaluate if now is the right time to step up into a more senior position. Consider the following:

• Additional Responsibilities: Do the roles you’re looking at offer opportunities to take on leadership or bigger projects, even if the job title is similar?

• Growth Potential: If you feel ready to take on more, look for lateral moves that also give you a pathway to promotion within the company or role.

• Industry Transition: If you’re looking to break into a new industry, a lateral move might give you a fresh start with enough time to grow within that sector before you aim for a promotion.

Tools and Tips from OTWN

To optimize your job search for lateral roles, leverage the free resources available through OpenToWorkNow. Our Networking Checklist helps you build strong connections that can lead to lateral opportunities, while the Career Goals Worksheet ensures you stay focused on the right kind of roles to target. Additionally, use the Daily Scheduling and Time Maintenance Worksheet to allocate time to job search forums, networking, and following up on applications.

Final Thoughts:
Lateral moves aren't just about sidestepping—they can be powerful steps forward in your career. By expanding your job search to include similar roles, you open up opportunities for growth, skill development, and a better work environment, all without the pressure of climbing the next rung on the ladder. Stay strategic, leverage your network, and make use of OTWN's free resources to ensure you're making the best move for your career.