A lateral move might seem like career stagnation, but it's often strategic. You may have taken a lateral step to enhance specific skills, enter a new industry, or increase your job satisfaction. For instance, moving from a project management role in tech to the same role in healthcare isn't about standing still; it's about diversifying expertise. Highlighting these motivations in a cover letter or interview shows employers your proactive approach to career development. It demonstrates that you've prioritized growth over title inflation, which can make a real difference in how you're perceived.
Your resume should spotlight the skills and accomplishments gained in your lateral role. Use bullet points to list new responsibilities and developed skills that align with future job targets. For example, if your move involved managing a larger team, this shows leadership growth despite the lateral nature of the move. Clearly denote any increased scope or responsibilities, and how this prepared you for the roles to which you're now applying. A well-crafted resume doesn't just list jobs; it tells a progressive career story.
In interviews, focus on the 'why' behind your lateral move. Practice articulating this as a strategic expansion of your skill set or a pivot into a more passion-driven role. For example, explaining, 'I moved laterally to gain exposure to a new business model,' showcases foresight. Convey enthusiasm about what you learned and how it positions you for future roles. Interviewers are more likely to see you as upwardly mobile if you illustrate how lateral steps are preparing you for long-term goals.
Quantifiable achievements bridge gaps in perception. Metrics offer a concrete measure of success, which can be critical post-lateral move. Suppose you streamlined a key process that resulted in a 20% cost reduction; that's a powerful story to tell. Numbers show impact, so make sure to include data that proves the effectiveness of your work. This demonstrates that, even if your job title hasn't changed, your contributions have had significant organizational impact.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool that many overlook when making a lateral career move. Update your profile to reflect the new skills and experiences gained. Use the 'Projects' or 'Publications' sections to highlight work completed during this role that aligns with your career trajectory. Engage with industry-related content to position yourself as a thought leader in your new field. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can reinforce your resume and help circumvent the 'stalled' narrative.
Ensure your career goals align with your lateral move. This is crucial when addressing potential employers. Share specific goals like mastering new software or understanding complex industry regulations, which your lateral role facilitated. Such specific, targeted goals show that you are working toward a clear endpoint rather than meandering through positions. Concrete goals allow employers to see your potential fit for future positions in their organizations, setting you apart from candidates who appear directionless.
Every application needs a tailored approach, especially after a lateral move. Research the company and the role to which you're applying. Use the application to connect the dots between past roles and the one you're aiming for. Relate your lateral experience to the new role's requirements. For instance, if a company values inter-department communication, demonstrate how your lateral move honed such skills. A precise, targeted job application highlights the strategic element of your career moves.
A lateral move shouldn't compromise the clarity of your career path. Use resume diagnostics to uncover potential blind spots and areas for improvement. By identifying weak points, you can better structure your career story to highlight growth. Diagnostic tools offer insights into how your resume reads to potential employers, helping ensure your lateral move adds value to your career narrative. This is a practical step toward refining your documentation to showcase strategic planning, and highlight your readiness for the next role beyond a lateral move.
Upload your resume and get a free diagnostic in 2 minutes. No account required to start.
Get my free diagnostic →