The first step in explaining a lateral move is understanding your own reasons for making it. Whether it was for better work-life balance, the opportunity to learn a new skill, or to join a company with a culture that resonated more with you, having a clear personal narrative is crucial. For example, switching from a project manager role in one sector to another without a change in title might have allowed you to manage larger budgets or more complex projects. Recognizing and documenting these reasons helps ground your explanation in sincerity and can become powerful talking points when discussing your career path with potential employers.
A lateral move can often mean expanding your skill set beyond your previous role's boundaries. It's crucial to emphasize these developments when discussing the move. Perhaps you took on a lateral role at a startup where you had to be a jack-of-all-trades, mastering new marketing platforms or learning coding basics out of necessity. Clearly laying out these skills on your resume or in interviews shows prospective employers that the move was not just a placeholder but a strategic expansion of your capabilities.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, adaptability is a highly valued trait. A lateral move can be a testament to your ability to thrive in different settings and adapt to new challenges - a critical trait companies look for. For instance, moving from a regional to a global role in the same capacity can highlight your flexibility and willingness to tackle new markets and regulations. Clearly showcasing situations in which your adaptability has been an asset can position you as a lifelong learner and problem solver.
Once you’ve identified the skills and adaptability your move represents, frame it as a strategic career choice. Perhaps your decision was informed by future aspirations, such as leading to a promotional path or a specific industry exposure. During interviews, lay out how the lateral move was part of a bigger plan – this indicates foresight and ambition. For example, moving from a technical to a customer-oriented role might have been a decision to gain a comprehensive business understanding, putting you in line for future leadership roles.
Potential employers might view lateral moves skeptically if not well explained. Addressing this concern involves being upfront about what you've achieved post-move. Discuss any leadership roles you’ve assumed, innovative projects managed, or any measurable results you’ve contributed to. Make sure to align these achievements with the company's goals you are applying to, demonstrating how the experience aids in tackling the challenges they face. Your firsthand experience can cut through concerns, painting your trajectory as one of active engagement rather than passive participation.
Lateral moves often expand your professional network across departments and industries, a considerable asset. Emphasize new relationships and insights gained that could not have been acquired without such a move. For instance, by switching roles within a company, you might now have established solid connections with key stakeholders, providing a strategic advantage in understanding cross-functional team workings. Demonstrating how these networks and insights can benefit prospective employers shows your move’s tangible value.
There are certain questions you are likely to encounter when discussing a lateral move, such as 'Why didn’t you aim for a promotion instead?', or 'What did you hope to gain from this change?'. Anticipate these questions with thoughtful, confident responses. For instance, you could say, 'I wanted to deepen my expertise in digital marketing to enhance my future leadership potential'. Providing a perspective that shows you are in control of your career and strategically align moves with long-term goals communicates ambition and direction.
After considering how to explain your lateral move verbally, it’s important to reflect this understanding on your resume. A diagnostic tool can identify whether you clearly communicate the skills and growth garnered from your lateral experience. This examination ensures your resume catches the attention it deserves, rather than seeming like a standstill. If you're unsure your resume accurately portrays these details, consider using a free resume diagnostic to spot these gaps and craft a compelling narrative for employers.
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