Employers often see lateral moves as a lack of progression. They’re typically looking for candidates who can demonstrate growth, not just in title but in skills and responsibilities. If you’ve switched roles without a promotion, it may raise red flags about your ambition or career trajectory. However, it’s important to remember that many factors can influence these decisions. Providing context can help shift the perspective from being stagnant to being smartly strategic. Understanding these perceptions is critical for framing your narrative effectively.
A key step in justifying a lateral move is to highlight the new skills you gained. Did the move allow you to master a critical tool or process that’s in high demand in your field? Were you able to broaden your expertise across departments? For example, moving from finance to operations could demonstrate your ability to see the bigger picture and solve complex problems. Clearly articulating these gained skills shows that you’re an adaptive learner, capable of adding value to your prospective employer.
When explaining your lateral move, emphasize the strategic thinking behind your decision. Perhaps you saw a plateau in your previous role and moved laterally to gain exposure to a different aspect of the business or industry. For example, if you moved from marketing to sales to better understand customer needs, position this as a way to strengthen your future marketing strategies. This shows foresight and the ability to navigate the professional landscape to build your desired career.
Leveraging your professional network can be powerful in validating your lateral move. Endorsements from colleagues or mentors who can vouch for your rationale can be invaluable. Arrange informational interviews or get recommendations from those who can speak to how the move increased your effectiveness or broadened your skill set. This external validation reassures potential employers that your career choices were respected and validated by peers, lending credibility to your explanation.
Your resume should tell a cohesive story of growth, irrespective of the lateral move. Use your resume to draw direct lines between your experiences and how they build upon one another. Focus on results and achievements in each role, rather than titles. For example, highlight increases in efficiency, cost savings, or successful projects you led. This can shift the focus from your titles to your tangible contributions, painting a picture of continual advancement in capability.
When you're in an interview, address your lateral move directly and confidently. Avoid sounding apologetic or defensive. Begin with the why — what motivated the change. Follow it up with the what — skills and experiences gained. If you moved to gain experience with a key market or learn a niche skill, emphasize how that positively impacts your future career plans. This approach shows that you’re forward-thinking and possess the introspective ability to make decisions that cater to your long-term career.
Transparency builds trust, and being open about your career decisions can strengthen your personal brand. Honesty about why you made a lateral move — whether it was for personal growth, work-life balance, or a passion project — can present you as genuine and trustworthy. Employers appreciate candidates who are open about their career paths and goals, as it indicates that you’re thoughtful and deliberate in your decisions. It can also serve as a point of connection if your interviewer has undergone similar experiences.
Before applying for your next role, give your resume a critical review to ensure it clearly conveys the strategic nature of your career moves. A resume should accurately portray your journey and potential. Use a resume diagnostic tool like 'Ghosted' to get feedback on how well your resume reflects your career story. This can help identify gaps or areas where your lateral moves aren’t being highlighted effectively, preparing you for a smoother interview process with your next potential employer.
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