You’ve proven your worth at your current company, and you’re ready for a new challenge! Whether you’re moving up or moving out of your department, effectively transitioning to a new role requires some careful planning. If you’re looking to make a move, use these tips to set yourself up for success:

• Do your research. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and even if it is, you need to make sure your company will allow you to feel that fresh grass under your toes. So before you do anything, understand your company’s policy on internal transfers. Some companies require you to be in your current position for a year before you move, or to have your manager’s approval. Be sure you’ve checked all your boxes! This includes researching your would-be position: talk to coworkers, supervisors, and the incumbent, job-shadowing if you’re able. Make sure the position suits you before you go for it.
• Talk to your boss. Depending on your relationship with your boss, you might be apprehensive to discuss transferring roles until you have a sure thing. But your boss can be a powerful ally to sing your praises or to put you in touch with the right people. Remember, it’s part of your boss’s job to give you the tools and support you need to succeed, and your boss will find out if you apply for another job within the company, and may not look kindly upon your doing it on the sly. If you don’t have the best relationship with your boss, or if you need permission to transfer, frame your role change as a benefit to the company.
• Prepare for your interview. Don’t assume the transfer is a given because you’re an internal candidate. You don’t know who else has applied from the inside, or how strong the external candidates are. This means you need to prepare for your interview, even more because you are an internal candidate, you know how things work, and you have access to resources an external candidate will not. You may even know your interviewers; if so, be mindful of professional dress, posture, and language—don’t get too casual. Draw connections between your skills and the job requirements, ask thoughtful questions at the end, and be sure to send thank-you notes!
• Stay positive if you aren’t able to transfer. Of course it’s disappointing if your boss denies your request or if you aren’t selected during the interview process, but keep your chin up! Take a few days off if you’re having trouble controlling your emotions. Sulking, trash-talking, or slacking off will only hurt your chances next time you apply for a change. Nobody wants to promote a bitter poor sport!
• Ease the transition if you are selected to move. Green light, go! Before you share the news of your transfer or take any official steps, be sure to check with both your current boss and your future boss. They may have a specific tactic or time frame for announcing your move. Then your first step is to tie up loose ends in your job and transition any projects. Keep working hard in your current position until your last day, because slacking off will not help your reputation. You can also start preparing for your new role by introducing yourself to your team and by asking your new boss what you should be reviewing or researching before you start.

With some careful planning and a bit of follow-through, you can make your job transition a success. Good luck in your new role!