Is a Lateral Move Good for a Career?

A lateral career move is often a strategic way to make a name for yourself. Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock

Most people are trying to climb up the corporate ladder. But clawing and scratching your way up may not always be the best maneuver to advance your career. Often, a lateral job move can help you.

A lateral career move is often a strategic way to make a name for yourself. What is a lateral move, and how can it help you with that coveted promotion?

Lateral Move Types

Sometimes going sideways is the best strategy when the ultimate goal is a promotion. There are two types of lateral moves.

The first is staying in your current company. This is an internal lateral move. You simply move to a position that is at the same level as your current job.

This is not a career change, but it is similar. When making a lateral move, you usually stay in the same career field and the same company.

Another lateral move is an external one. In this case, you leave your company for a similar role, but with a new title while remaining at the same career level. For example, if your current position is midlevel, you remain midlevel at the next company.

A lateral move can ultimately put you on the fast track for a promotion.

Lateral Move Good Strategy for Promotion

If you want to be successful in your career, have as many skills as possible. For example, a general manager once said to all his lower managers, “I can do all your jobs, but you can’t do mine.” This general manager had made lateral careers throughout her career, giving her the tools to be promoted.

If you are in customer service, move to a product-facing role. Once you have that role down, move to a sales representative position. You now have three skills to market yourself with.

More Exposure to Various Managers

Networking is vital when you want to be on the track for a promotion. What better way to network than to work for various managers.

If you’ve worked under different managers, you'll be well-known when reviews are made for promotions. Because you’ve made lateral moves that exposed you to various managers, more people can vouch for you if you are head to head with another employee for a promotion. It could break the tie.

Showing Learning Agility

The Human Resources department has various terms to identify employees with high potential. One is “learning agility.” People with learning agility in their toolbox are the type of employees the company wants to invest in long-term.

You must show the ability to learn new skills and concepts. Then, you must be able to implement them. This will help you become a high potential employee. Although a quick promotion is not always possible when starting a career, lateral career movement is often readily available. This prepares you for the eventual promotion.

Lateral Move Gives Better Engagement

Are you good at your job, but bored? A lateral career move can help you become more engaged. This is especially true if you like the company but are in a rut.

Another reason that goes along with engagement is if you feel burned out. A new role may help you reenergize and focus better.

But don’t tell your manager you’re bored or feel the job has become rote. Instead, let them know that you wish to learn a new skill while adding more value to the company.

Improved Managerial Culture

You may have found that the managerial style of the current leader is not your cup of tea. A lateral move to work under a new manager is what you need. You'll learn a new skill and have a new manager.

If the company culture doesn’t align with you, a lateral move to another company may be in order. You'll learn a new skill with a company you feel comfortable with.

Downside to Lateral Move

A lateral move isn’t for everyone. Weigh the pros and cons when considering a lateral career move. Starting up can be nerve-wracking. Make sure you ask a lot of questions before making the move.

Remember, most lateral moves don’t come with additional compensation, but it’s always worth a shot to negotiate.

And, sometimes, a lateral move may slow down your career’s progress. If you’ve made too many lateral moves, it might send up a red flag to your superiors.

Making a Lateral Move

Research the position you want and watch you don’t make a move to a dead-end position. Ensure you’re learning a skill to help you in a managerial role. A lateral part can be a step forward in your career.

Discuss your objective with your manager if you decide to make a lateral career move. Make it clear to both your current and future manager that you are interested in the new position.

Spread the word with management and follow up on all leads. Sometimes, you must move sideways to move up with a company.

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