cover letter for internal position in the same department

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Cover Letters for an Internal Position or Promotion

Promotion Cover Letter Writing Tips and Examples

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

• Sample Cover Letter for Promotion
• Email Job Promotion Letter

Applying for a Transfer

More about getting promoted.

When you're being considered for an  internal position  or a promotion, you may need to  write a cover letter  to officially apply for the new position within your company.

What should you write in a cover letter for a job at a company where you already work? What's the best way to frame your credentials to secure a promotion?

A job promotion cover letter should clearly explain your interest in the job and delineate  how you are qualified for the position . The letter should also recap the experience you have had, your knowledge of your employer’s current mission and needs, and the progressive growth you have enjoyed within the company.

Don't presume that the hiring manager or department manager reviewing your qualifications will know your background just because you work for the company.

Sharing the specific details of your history with the organization will help earn  your resume a closer look  and ensure that your qualifications get noticed.

This is especially true when applying for a position at a large company. Also be prepared to discuss these  qualifications during job interviews .

See below for a general cover letter for a job promotion, as well as an email cover letter written for a retail position.

Sample Cover Letter for an Internal Position or Promotion

This is a cover letter example for an internal position. Download the internal position cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Lewis Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 lewis.applicant@email.com

August 4, 2021

Julia Lee Director, Communications ACME Retail 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I would like to formally apply for the Assistant Communications Manager position in the Corporate Communications Department. As you are aware, I have had extensive experience with Acme Retail starting when I participated in your summer editorial intern program while I was still in college.

Since then I have been advanced through progressively more responsible positions in both the Human Resources and Marketing Departments. During my tenure, I have developed exceptional writing and editing skills and have designed and implemented highly successful communications strategies at the departmental level.

I have also demonstrated my ability to work with leaders across business units and multiple lines of business, consistently earning exemplary scores on my annual performance evaluations by my supervisors.

In addition, I have been responsible for benefits communications and employee relations, as well as liaising with the company's clients and vendors to ensure that all projects are completed by established milestones.

These are just a few examples of my accomplishments and contributions to our company. I hope that you will find that this brief view, in combination with the attached resume, describes a dedicated employee of Acme Retail with the experience and skills to meet or exceed the requirements of the position of Assistant Communications Manager.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity for promotion with you at your convenience. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide that will support my candidacy for this promotion.

Best regards,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Lewis Applicant

Email Job Promotion Cover Letter

Here's an example of a letter or email message used to apply for a job promotion to a management position at a retail store:

Subject:  Application for Manager - Shoe Department

Dear Janice,

It was with great interest that I read that Human Resources is seeking applications for a new Manager in the Shoe Department. Please accept my resume for review and consideration for this role.

I have been with Casey's for a total of four years, two in my current position of Assistant Manager in the Children's Department, and two as a Sales Associate in the Junior Department. Before coming to Casy's, I worked for Mears as a Sales Associate in the Shoe Department as well as in the Men's Department.

With my experience in varied departments, I feel that I would be an asset as a Manager here at Casy's. In my capacity as an Assistant Manager, I successfully took on many of the managerial duties in the Children's Department last year when Suzy Smith was out on maternity leave, and I would welcome the opportunity to bring that same stability, energy, and dedication to the Shoe Department within the vacancy created by Amy Jenner's sudden departure.

I appreciate your consideration for this position. It has been a real pleasure to come to work every day since you hired me, and I thus look forward to continuing to grow in my career at Casy's.

Caroline Xao Assistant Manager, Shoes caroline.xo@caseys.com 555-555-1212

If you're seeking a transfer instead of a promotion, here's a transfer request letter example , a letter to use when you're relocating , and tips for requesting a transfer to a new job with your current employer.

When you're working on getting a promotion, it may take some effort to get noticed by management. There are ways you can enhance your promotability and lay a strong groundwork for a successful move up the career ladder.

Take the time to ensure you're in a perfect position to make the best impression at work and to  get that promotion you're seeking .

Key Takeaways

PROVIDE DETAILS: Remind your employer of your history with their company, of your contributions to their success, and of your dedication to their corporate mission and goals.

BE GRATEFUL: Express your appreciation for the opportunities the employer has given you to grow within your current job with them. This will also serve as a reminder to them that you have taken good advantage of the training and increased responsibilities they have offered you.

ENHANCE YOUR PROMOTABILITY: From the moment you accept an entry-level position with an employer you respect, look for opportunities to gain the skills that will position you to assume promotions to roles of greater responsibility in the future. 

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How to Write an Effective Internal Position Cover Letter and Resume

You have probably spent years working for your organization. You deliver outstanding results, meet company goals, and now you feel it’s time to advance into a different department or ask for a promotion. But how do you go about it? It’s easy to assume that you don’t need to submit an internal position cover letter and resume because your track record already speaks volumes.

However, that isn’t always the case. Whether you’re seeking a promotion or applying for a new departmental position, you must submit a cover letter and an internal position resume. Usually, this application centers on your current role and convinces the hiring manager and managerial staff that you are ready for the position. 

Find your bootcamp match

Keep reading to learn several tips and tricks that will guide you in writing a successful internal position cover letter and resume.

Internal Position Cover Letter Guide

Writing a cover letter for an internal position shouldn’t be as challenging because you already know the company dynamics. You only need to express your interest in the job and explain how you intend to transition into the new role. You can list a few of the significant achievements you have accomplished in your current role.

Why Does Your Internal Position Cover Letter Matter?

An internal cover letter is important because it positions you as a strong candidate for the role. Not every department manager knows your achievements and skills. Writing a cover letter to accompany your resume captures the hiring manager’s attention, giving you an upper hand.

Most people who apply for internal positions are highly qualified and deserving. A cover letter allows you to vouch for yourself and explain why you are the right pick for the job. You can showcase your contribution to the company and explain how your current role shaped you for the new position.

Essential Components of Your Internal Position Cover Letter

Internal position cover letters follow the same cover letter format as universal cover letters . However, the letter’s contents will focus more on your current position and not previous job opportunities. Here are the most significant components of an internal position cover letter.

• Contact information. You will include your contact information and the company’s information. In addition, you will add the date of your application. Your information allows the recruiters to give you feedback and the date proves that you submitted your application before the deadline.
• Salutation. You will address the letter to the hiring manager using their name. Luckily, because it is an internal job posting, you can find the hiring manager’s name. Using the official name makes the letter more personable and captures attention.
• Two or three body paragraphs. Start by expressing interest in the open position and highlighting your qualifications. The next paragraph covers how your capabilities align with the job opening. Include hard data to prove your achievements at the company. Finally, explain how you have grown in your current position and how your skills will contribute to your success in the new role.
• Conclusion. This paragraph concludes the letter by expressing gratitude to the hiring manager and prompting them to consider you for the next step of the hiring process. It should be about two to three sentences in length and conclude with a handwritten signature and formal closing, such as “kind regards” or “sincerely.”

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Internal Position Cover Letter

There are hundreds of tips when it comes to writing cover letters. However, writing an internal position cover letter requires more attention and knowledge of the company culture and products. Here are the five top tips to implement in your cover letter.

• Be professional. You may be a seasoned employee, but that doesn’t mean you can rely on your relationships at the company to get ahead. Don’t randomly throw in your boss’s name unless you’re using them for a recommendation. Write a formal letter like you would for an external position.
• Use insider knowledge. As an employee, you already know about the organization. Tailor your achievements to match what the company is looking for in a candidate. Highlight specific contributions and explain why they make you the right fit for the job opening. You can use figures and measurable outcomes to emphasize your point.
• Keep it short. Cover letters should be brief and to the point. Typically, your cover letter should be around 250-350 words, which is under one page. Only focus on meaningful information to make your cover letter captivating. Your resume will contain additional information.
• Speak highly of your boss. Always show gratitude and explain that your boss played a crucial role in preparing you for the new position. Keep in mind, the chances of the hiring managers reaching out to your boss for confirmation on your work are very high.
• Proofread your work. Don’t ever submit your job application before proofreading. Proofreading helps you correct grammatical errors and edit out unnecessary information. Your hiring manager will appreciate a well-crafted cover letter.

Internal Position Cover Letter Example

Now that you’re aware of the components and tips for writing a professional cover letter, you can go ahead and draft a few examples. But if you also need a practical example, here is a sample cover letter for an internal position.

Internal Position Cover Letter Sample

123 Street St., New York, NY

(123) 456 7890

[email protected]

November 20, 2021

Madeleine Woods

XYZ Creatives

321 Manhattan, New York

Dear Ms. Woods,

I am writing to formally express my interest in the Digital Marketing Manager position in the Sales and Marketing Department. I was ecstatic to learn about the role as it allowed me to showcase my leadership skills and long-term experience in digital marketing. I am currently working in the same department as an assistant sales manager.

When I joined XYZ Creatives in 2017 as a Sales Associate, my goal was to learn and contribute to the department and organization at large. Since then, I have gained extensive experience in online sales, digital marketing, and management. I have also risen to become an assistant sales manager, working under the most supportive department head.

My digital marketing expertise led to a 32 percent client growth and improved client satisfaction ratings. In addition, I joined a digital marketing bootcamp in 2020 to learn about analytical marketing skills, digital marketing tools, improving client loyalty online and in person, and more. I can use my knowledge and experience in the sales department to ensure client satisfaction and lay a firm foundation for the long-term success of digital marketing campaigns at XYZ Creatives.

I have attached my resume, which features all my notable achievements and skills. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss further the Digital Marketing Manager position and how to move XYZ Creatives forward. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you,

Internal Position Resume Guide

Although you submitted your resume when applying for your current role, you still need to write a new one for the internal position. Remember, you have made more strides in your career path and achieved new goals along the way, so you should update your resume to reflect those accomplishments. Keep reading for tips on how to write a winning resume .

Why Does Your Internal Position Cover Letter and Resume Matter?

An internal position resume allows you to add the new achievements and skills that you developed while in your current position. For example, you may have attended a coding bootcamp or contributed severally to the success of various company initiatives. Adding these achievements to your resume makes you a strong contender for the position.

Whether you’re seeking an opportunity for a promotion or applying for a new position, hiring managers always expect a fresh resume. An official application process places you in the same position as external candidates, meaning all your application materials are necessary.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Furthermore, internal resumes allow you to use specific client names, programs, and initiatives that the hiring manager is familiar with. You can include reviews from your colleagues and department manager to prove that you are the ideal candidate. A specific and detailed resume will demonstrate how you’ve made an impact on the company since you were first hired.

Essential Components of Your Internal Position Resume

Unlike typical resumes, resumes for an internal position focus more on your career paths within the company. All you’re doing is adding to an already submitted resume while focusing on relevant achievements, skills, and goals. However, you need to write a new one and include these essential components.

• Contact information: The header features your full name and contact information. You will include your phone number, physical address, email address, and professional profile, such as LinkedIn. This section also allows you to upgrade your information if you have moved within the employment period.
• Professional summary. You must write a new professional summary to demonstrate your growth within the company. This section features your career objectives and an overview of your professional life within the organization.
• Work experience. In an internal resume, this section focuses on your duties and achievements within the company. However, if your previous experience from a different employer is relevant to the position, it is essential to add that to your resume. Alternatively, if you don’t have extensive experience working for the company, you can also rely on previous experience.
• Education. Your education history is significant because it helps the hiring manager determine whether you’re the right candidate for the role. Add relevant education history to this section.
• Skills. This section is where you get to brag a little and showcase your skills. Note down previous skills and all the skills you learned as an employee of the company. These can include technical skills and soft skills that are relevant to the position.
• Additional sections. These sections include the hobbies and interests you picked up, courses, awards, certifications, memberships, and other relevant information. These sections are not mandatory, but they can help boost your resume and place you ahead of other internal candidates.

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Internal Position Resume

Your resume can make or break your application. Generally, hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes, and many lack the patience to understand a poorly written resume. Here are five essential tips to guide you in writing your internal position resume to avoid such instances.

• Write a new resume. When writing a resume for an internal position, it is advisable to write an entirely new resume instead of editing your previous resume. You will need to add new skills, achievements, and promotions. In addition, writing a new resume shows that you are serious about the job application.
• Change your professional summary. Altering your summary is important because, over the years, your career aspirations and goals will change. You will achieve your career objectives and develop new ones, making your previous professional summary irrelevant. In addition, your professional summary must align with the target position.
• Use keywords. Hiring managers seek the services of resume scanning software to select the best resumes. These scanners detect specific keywords set by the managers and separate the resumes accordingly. To ensure your resume is prioritized, go through the job description and include relevant keywords within your application.
• Focus on your internal achievements. Demonstrate your accomplishments as a hard-working employee, team player, and leader. If the hiring manager is impressed by your hard work and commitment as a loyal employee, you will likely become the best candidate for promotion.
• Adapt the company language. As an employee, you already understand the company culture. That means you can use company language in certain sections of your resume. For example, if your employer is focused on client satisfaction and mentoring as the key company goals, ensure you strategically add these words to your resume.

Internal Position Resume Examples

If you have a hard time drafting the perfect internal position resume, you can use resume builders, which feature templates and resume samples. We have also outlined two resume examples to guide you during the writing process. One focuses on the skills section and the second one features a full resume template for internal positions.

Internal Position Resume Sample: The Skills Section

While the specific skills included in this section may vary based on the keywords mentioned in the job description, below are some of the typical qualifications professionals tend to have within their documentation.

• Data analysis, content creation, SEO, and CRM, which are requisite skills in digital marketing
• Excellent sales skills to enhance client growth and loyalty
•   Adept leadership skills demonstrated through timely deliveries in the sales department
• Interpersonal skills to maintain solid client relationships and the marketing team
• Project management skills to facilitate professional development opportunities
• Knowledge of Semrush, Google Analytics, Hubspot, WASK, and Act-On

Sample Internal Position Resume Template

Phone Number, Email Address

LinkedIn Profile

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Write a captivating summary that will capture the reader’s attention. In 2-3 sentences, express a bit of your personality, experience level, achievements within the company, and career objectives.

WORK EXPERIENCE

List your work experience using bullet points and in chronological order. Remember to include all your promotions (if any) and responsibilities. You can also list your key achievements below each role.

Company, City, State

Dates Employed

• List responsibilities

Key Achievements

• List relevant achievements

List your education starting with the highest degree. If you advanced your education after receiving employment, state that clearly in this section. You don’t have to add high school information if you have a university degree.

List all the relevant skills using bullet points. Remember to tailor these skills to match the job opening. You can refer to the section above.

CERTIFICATIONS AND AWARDS

List all your certifications and awards. You can skip this section if you don’t have any certifications or awards.

Internal Position Resume Template Resources

• Microsoft . Microsoft offers different resume templates for internal company promotions and transfers. They are downloadable word documents that you can tailor to suit your application.
• Template.net . This site features several resume templates for different career fields. You will find internal position templates for sales managers, audit directors, communication managers, and more.
• Indeed . This popular job search platform also offers resources on writing a strong resume. There are templates, tips, and examples for writing your internal position resume. 

Importance of an Internal Position Cover Letter and Resume

An internal position cover letter and resume are essential for the organization and employees. These application materials make the process more credible because all internal candidates follow the same application process. In addition, you have the opportunity to showcase your demonstratable success and contributions to the company.

Internal Position Cover Letter and Resume FAQ

Your cover letter should focus inward, highlighting your contributions to the current company. You will include measurable outcomes of your work and the relevant experience that makes you the ideal candidate for the position.

Yes. A resume is mandatory when applying for an internal promotion or transfer. Writing a fresh resume allows you to include any relevant achievements, skills, and education certificates you attained after your employment. These additions make a significant difference in your job application.

An internal position cover letter is less detailed compared to a resume. Your cover letter offers a brief introduction of your interest in the position and why you are the right candidate. It also highlights significant achievements and skills, whereas a resume gives a more detailed overview of your work experience and broader career plans.

The best way to apply for an internal position is to submit a well-crafted cover letter and resume, expressing your interest in the position. Leverage your skills, achievements, and contribution to the company to prove that you are the right fit. Once your application is submitted, you can send a follow-up a few days or weeks later, depending on the feedback timeframe.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internal Position

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What is a cover letter for an internal position?

• How to create a cover letter for an in-house position
• Cover letter for an internal position template
• Cover letter for an internal promotion example

When applying for an internal job at your current company, you should create a cover letter to accompany your resume. A cover letter distinguishes you as a strong candidate for a promotion. It should outline your experience, qualifications and interest in the new role. In this article, you’ll learn how to write a cover letter for an internal position and provide a template and an example to help you write your own.

A cover letter for an internal position is a written statement that accompanies your application for a new role within your current organization. Similar to a standard cover letter, this type of message should discuss your professional accomplishments and your work experience to establish you as a strong candidate for the promotion.

How to create a cover letter for an internal position

Follow these steps to create a cover letter for an internal position:

1. Follow a standard cover letter length

Cover letters should average 250-350 words that span three to four paragraphs. If you submit a paper application, ensure that your cover letter is less than a page long using 12-point font. A shorter cover letter may not take full advantage of the potential that this introductory message offers, while a longer letter may need a more simplified narrative.

2. Begin the cover letter with the most important information

Start your cover letter by listing your contact information. State the date that you are submitting your application, and then list your company’s contact information, including the hiring manager’s name. Use a professional salutation like “Dear” before writing the body of the letter.

3. Write about your experience as a story or narrative for the hiring manager

Discuss your previous professional experience and the new skills and qualifications you developed in your current role. Even if you are already familiar with the hiring manager or you have discussed your experience in your initial interview, include this information in your cover letter as a reminder and to show your serious interest in the position as well as your readiness. Incorporate these elements into a narrative that explains why you are qualified for the promotion and how your experience will enable you to contribute in a unique way. 

4. Discuss how you have improved your qualifications and skills in your current role

Use examples to discuss how you have learned and advanced in your current role. Consider mentioning training programs you have completed, certifications you have earned or objectives you have achieved. Mentioning the ways you have improved allows you to position yourself as an employee who can continually impact the company in a positive way.

5. Mention specific contributions and accomplishments you’ve made in your current role

Add data and figures to quantify the contributions you have made to the company. Consider mentioning additional revenue you generated or cost-saving initiatives you established. Adding these specifics helps the hiring team understand the value you have added to the company and assess what you could provide in the new role.

6. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application

Conclude your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for their consideration. Prompt them to take the next step in the process, which may be interviewing you or having a formal discussion about the job opening. Finish the letter with a formal closing like “Sincerely” before adding your signature.

Internal position cover letter template

Use this internal position cover letter template to write your cover letter:

Your Name Your Address | Your City, State, and ZIP Code | Your Phone Number | Your Email Address

Today’s Date

Hiring Manager’s Name Business Name Business Address Business City, State, and ZIP Code

Salutation,

The first paragraph should begin with a statement of your interest in the open position. Briefly summarize your career goals and unique qualifications.

The second paragraph should discuss your qualifications for the job opening. Mention accomplishments and specific figures and data when possible.

The third paragraph should expand on areas where you have improved since joining the company. Connect your achievements and skills to the job opening.

The final paragraph should include a reminder of your interest and a prompt to take the next step in the hiring process. End by expressing gratitude.

Formal Closing, Your Signature

Internal position cover letter example

Consider this cover letter a model for how to tell the story of your qualifications, goals and contributions. Use this example to help you write your cover letter for an internal position:

Hannah Lee 123 Main Way | New York, NY 11110 | 555-555-5555 | [email protected]

July 1, 2019

Pat Smith ABC Business 123 Business Pkwy New York, NY 11101

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am writing to apply formally for the Assistant Sales Manager position in the Sales and Marketing department. I was excited to learn about this newly created role, as I am eager to apply my leadership skills and extensive experience to a management role within the company.

When I joined ABC Business three years ago as an Account Coordinator, I brought five years of experience in the sales field. Since then, I have gained experience managing sales teams and devising strategies, even leading my current team to exceed our quarterly goal by 15%. My initiatives have also increased team-wide efficiency by 10%, further adding to increased revenue for the sales department.

In my three years in this Account Coordinator position, I have developed strong communication, problem-solving and management skills. I believe these skills, combined with my past experience and deep knowledge of the company, would allow me to contribute substantially to the Assistant Sales Manager role and the sales department’s objectives.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this Assistant Sales Manager position with you in person. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to talking with you further.

Sincerely, Hannah Lee

MyResumeStar

How to write a cover letter for internal position

• Posted on November 14, 2023
• In Cover Letter

Cover letter for internal position

Writing a cover letter for an internal position is slightly different from a traditional cover letter for an external job application, as you already work within the company. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective cover letter for an internal position:

Cover letter Format for internal position

Please note that you should customize this template to match your specific situation, the internal position you’re applying for, and your own experiences and qualifications. Be sure to emphasize how your current role has prepared you for the new position and how you can contribute to the company’s continued success.

Sample Cover Letter Templates

Cover letter for promotion

Promotion cover letter examples, seeking a promotion within the same department, seeking a cross-departmental promotion.

Click Here for Cover letter templates

Seeking an Executive-Level Promotion

Remember to customize these templates to your specific situation, ensuring that you highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications for the promotion you are seeking.

In conclusion, a cover letter for a promotion should be a concise yet compelling document that showcases your accomplishments, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the new role. By addressing the above key points, you can present a strong case for why you are the ideal candidate for the promotion and leave a positive impression on your employer. Remember to customize your letter to your specific situation and the position you are seeking.

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How To Write A Cover Letter For An Internal Position Or Promotion (with Examples)

• Cover Letter Examples
• Best Cover Letters
• Cover Letter For Internship
• General Cover Letter Templates
• Career Change Cover Letter
• Promotion Cover Letter
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• How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field

Find a Job You Really Want In

When you find a position you’re interested in, you’ll likely still need to apply just like everyone else, which means you shouldn’t neglect your cover letter. This is why knowing how to write a cover letter for an internal position is important.

Whether you’re going for an internal position or a promotion, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll go over how to write a cover letter for an internal position or promotion, provide a sample cover letter, and give you some tips to keep in mind when writing yours.

Key Takeaways

When writing a cover letter for promotion, you should put just as much effort into it as you would when applying to an external position — don’t assume you’ll automatically get any favor just because you already work at the company.

Be specific about why you’re the right candidate for this role and how you’d help the company by working in that new capacity.

Your cover letter for internal promotion should only be one page long, so include only the necessary details.

How to write a cover letter for an internal position or promotion

Cover letter example for an internal position or promotion, cover letter for an internal position or promotion template, tips for writing a promotion or internal cover letter, how an internal cover letter differs from a standard cover letter, cover letter for internal position faq.

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In order to craft a stand-out cover letter that will stand out among the pile of other applications, it will be crucial to understand the specific elements that should be included. Those include (in order of appearance):

Date and contact formation. This should include your contact information and the date of submission.

Be sure to also include the employer, hiring manager , or recruiter’s name (whoever will be reading the cover letter) and professional information.

Opening paragraph. Explain how your current role prepared you for the new position. Include information regarding the specific role and department that you’re applying for.

Body paragraph. This should be a detailed (but brief) explanation of your current role, previous experience, and notable achievements at your employer’s company. Be sure to highlight both “hard skills” (technical skills) as well as “soft skills” (interpersonal communication skills).

Closing paragraph. This paragraph should show your expression of gratitude to your employer for your previous experience with the company up to this point, and for the opportunity to be considered for the role you’re now applying for.

You can also include information regarding how the recipient – i.e., the hiring manager or your employer – can get in touch with a trusted referral (be sure to confirm with that referral beforehand that he or she is willing to have their information included in your cover letter).

Closing and sign off. End with an appropriate closing and your signature if you’ll be handing in a physical copy of the cover letter.

Keeping in mind all of the themes that we’ve already outlined above, here’s a cover letter sample for an internal position or promotion:

August 10, 2023 Marissa Swarts Human Resources Manager Swarts & Sons Enterprises [email protected] Dear Mrs. Swarts, I’m excited to submit my candidacy for the role of Content Strategist in the company’s Marketing department. I began my employment with Swarts amp; Sons in August 2018 as an Assistant Copywriter. I have spent the last two years honing and broadening my abilities and learning a great deal from my managers within the department. I believe that the job requirements of the Content Strategist role that you’ve outlined on the company website match the skill set I have developed during my tenure with the company. I’ve contributed to a wide range of valuable projects for the company. Beginning in February of 2019, I spearheaded the new blog strategy which has become the primary format for blog post drafting and publishing across the entire Marketing department. Additionally, I helped launch a department-wide training program on basic SEO practices in May 2019. This program has boosted our company’s website traffic by as much as 25%. If you’re interested in learning more about my experience and accomplishments within the company, I encourage you to reach out to my supervisor , Edwin James ([email protected]). I have worked closely with Mr. James over the course of the last two years, and he would be glad to answer any questions that you might have about my suitability for the Content Strategist role. Thank you very much for your time and for the opportunity to be considered for this position. It’s been a great privilege working with Swarts amp; Sons, and I look forward to continuing to grow within the company. Sincerely, Andy Axelrod

Here is a template to help you get started on your cover letter. Be sure you tailor it to your specific needs before sending it to your hiring manager or recuiter.

August 10, 2023 Dear, Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my strong interest in the [position name] within [department name], as advertised on the company’s internal job posting. Having been part of the [current department name] team for [years on the team], I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute my skills to a new role that aligns closely with my career aspirations and the goals of the company. Throughout my time with [company name], I have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the company’s success, such as [mention specific achievements, projects, or initiatives you’ve been involved with]. In my current position as [current position title], I have developed a foundation in [mention specific skills, responsibilities, or accomplishments], which I believe puts me in a position for success in [position you’re applying for]. I am particularly excited about [mention specific aspects that intrigue you]. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my long-term career goals, and I am eager to contribute to [department name]’s success. Thank you for your consideration. I welcome the chance to discuss how my experience and enthusiasm align with [position name] in more detail at [your contact information]. Please find my resume attached for your review. Sincerely, [your name]

You should never assume that you will get the position just because you have experience within the company. You should also stick to a professional format when writing your letter. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when writing your cover letter for a promotion or an internal position:

Don’t assume. Don’t expect that you’ll be chosen solely on the basis of the fact that you have experience within the company you’re applying to. If you’re keenly interested in a job opening, there’s a very good chance that a large number of other internal (as well as external) applicants are too. Make the effort to put your best foot forward with a polished application and cover letter.

Be truthfully self-promoting. By drafting and submitting a high-quality cover letter, you have a golden opportunity to communicate the specific reasons why you’re the ideal candidate for the role in a way that doesn’t sound braggy. Talk about your skills and accomplishments without stretching the truth but also without being self-deprecatingly modest.

Don’t take your cover letter lightly. In many cases, it (along with resumes ) will be a key factor in a hiring manager’s decision regarding which applicants are qualified to advance to the interview stage .

Stick to a classic, professional format. Adhering closely to a tried-and-true cover letter template (like the one we’ve outlined above) will help you to create a cover letter that will grab the eye of any hiring manager without making them work too hard to figure out how your letter is laid out.

Remember brevity is important. Hiring managers and HR employees tend to be very busy people, and it’s one of their job requirements to review dozens (and sometimes hundreds) of job requirements.

Don’t lie. You should never lie on your cover letter or resume, but this is especially important for a cover letter for an internal position or promotion.

Now, it’s important to understand from the outset that the process of drafting a cover letter for an internal position or promotion will differ in some important respects from that of a cover letter that’s submitted by an external applicant.

Cover letter for internal position. In the case of a cover letter for an internal position or promotion, the hiring manager will very likely already be (at least somewhat) familiar with the applicant’s background and experience, which makes it very important for the applicant to record details as truthfully as possible.

Standard cover letter. In the latter case, an employer will be largely unfamiliar with the applicant’s professional profile, so there’s always the chance that the applicant might risk exaggerating (or fabricating) some of the information that’s included. This leads to an understandable wariness in the minds of many hiring managers when they’re reviewing the qualifications of an external candidate.

It’s also important to bear in mind that internal applicants have some significant advantages over external applicants in the review and hiring process. As an internal applicant, you’ll be able to:

Draw on specific contributions that you’ve already made to the company

Include references who are (ideally) trusted acquaintances of the hiring manager

Understand what the company values and use that to your advantage

These factors make it much more likely that your application will be favored – and ultimately selected – during the hiring process.

Do you write a cover letter for an internal position?

Yes, you should write a cover letter when applying for an internal position. Writing a well-crafted cover letter helps distinguish you as a strong candidate for promotion among your competition and allows you to formally apply for the position.

How do I write a cover letter for a promotion?

When writing a cover letter for a promotion, be sure to explain your interest in the job and what your qualifications are for the position. Although your hiring manager may already know your accomplishments and experience, it’s a good idea to reiterate them all in one document to demonstrate your readiness for a new position.

Additionally, you should include your knowledge of the company’s mission, needs, and the growth you have experienced in your current position thus far.

Including these things reminds your employer that you have a history with the company, that you have directly contributed to its success, and that you are invested in its mission and goals.

Craft your cover letter for promotion exactly as you would a regular cover letter, but be sure to add the prior mentioned specifics to demonstrate the value of promoting an internal employee versus hiring an outside candidate.

The first paragraph should begin with a statement of interest regarding the position. Here you can summarize your career goals and any stand-out qualifications or accomplishments.

Your second paragraph should discuss your qualifications and experience in more detail by including figures and data when possible.

Your third paragraph should expand on your improvements in your current job since joining the company. Be sure to tie these to the open position at hand.

Your final paragraph should remind the hiring manager of your interest and include the next step in the hiring process. Don’t forget to express your gratitude before signing off with a formal closing.

How do you start a promotion cover letter?

Start your promotion cover letter by saying, “I would like to formally apply for the [job title] position in the [department].

When you send a cover letter internally, it’s assumed you have discussed the position at hand with your current or new hiring manager.

They may anticipate you applying, so it’s a great idea to articulate that this is simply your formal application when crafting your cover letter.

How long should your cover letter be for an internal position?

Your cover letter should only be one page for an internal position. You should only include the necessary details that pertain to the position that you are applying to. Your cover letter should be one page single-spaced.

Is a cover letter for a promotion necessary?

Yes, a cover letter for a promotion is necessary if the job requires one. You should never assume that you are going to get a promotion just because you work for the company. You should write your cover letter the same way you would if you were applying as an outside candidate. Make sure you are professional in your letter. Just because you work with the hiring manager doesn’t mean you can slack off.

Harvard University – Resumes and Cover Letters

Broad Institute – Cover Letter for a Job

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Kate is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where she completed a degree in Comparative Literature with a minor in Mathematics. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking and reading.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How To Create A Cover Letter For An Internal Position

In This Guide:

Cover letter for internal position template, setting the tone, connect your experiences and skills.

Show Gratitude (It's Not About Me, Me, Me)

You've worked hard, put your time in, but now you're looking for something more.

Your dedication and patience have paid off because now you found a new position that you know that you're qualified for.

And best of all: It's inside the company that you're working at.

After seeing how hard you work, your manager may have tapped you on the shoulder for a promotion. Your leadership skills make you the ideal candidate for a management position, and now you need your cover letter to reflect that.

Or maybe you have the drive and ambition to go further than the current position that you're in. You've seen a job opening in another department at your company, and you want to throw your hat in for the position.

Whether you're being promoted or looking for a job that better suits you, your cover letter needs to show that you will excel in the new position that you're applying for.

You have a major leg up on the rest of the competition because you already know the people, vision, and values of the company that you're applying for.

You have your foot in the door, and now all you need to do is pry it open a little more and step in.

We can help you with that.

In this article, you'll learn:

• How to set the tone for a cover letter for an internal position.
• How to connect your experiences and skills to the position that you're applying to.
• How to quantify your achievements at your current job.
• How to show gratitude to your current manager, team members, and the organization for which you work.

While I've got you here, if you're looking to create a cover letter which will wow any hiring manager, Enhancv has over 500 examples of professional cover letters to gain information from.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Dwayne J. Nicole

Marketing Analyst

312-456-5555

[email protected]

Linkedin.com/in/dwayne-nicole

Chicago, April 18, 2022

Bryanna Bartlett

Senior Marketing Director

Northern Electric, Inc.

450 Pullman Road

Chicago, Illinois

Dear Mrs. Bartlett,

As a loyal employee of Northern Electric, I am excited to be interviewing for the position of Marketing Manager in the North-east region. I have worked under Shawn Tuttle for the last few years as a marketing analyst. Shawn has mentored me in the role of customer relationship management for the last three years, and I have grown leaps and bounds in my understanding of how to properly market and sell the products of Northern Electric. I am truly grateful that Shawn has recommended me for this promotion, and I also feel confident that I can excel in this role and help to provide future growth to the company.

I have been with the company for over 10 years, starting out on the sales team. I pride myself on my ability to learn quickly, and I have developed excellent communication skills, with both customers and team members. As well, I create a great rapport with the customers with whom I spoke, making sure that their needs were covered, which can be easily seen in my customer satisfaction which is 97%.

In the last three years working under Shawn, I've gained experience overseeing sales teams, and as a result of my work I have seen my sales team produce a 5% increase in profits this quarter. In fact, under my leadership, we saw sales of our new line of PLC computers grow by almost 10%. Throughout this time, one of the things that differentiated me from other marketing analyst team leaders was that I promoted a holistic view of customer relationships, utilizing Customer Relationship Management software. I gained a special understanding of how to turn inbound leads into clients, all the while prioritizing the needs of the clients.

I've read the job description for the marketing manager of the North-eastern region, and I believe I will excel in the position because I have already performed many of the requirements found within. I have filled leadership positions, and I excelled because I chose a servant leadership model, one in which I chose to lead from the front and take into consideration the needs of other team members.

Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my application. My supervisor will be happy to meet with you to shed light on any of the items that I mentioned in this cover letter. Please reach out to me if you need more information about my work experience and technical skills. I would be happy to help with anything that you need.

Dwayne Nicole

Writing a cover letter for an internal position is like reuniting with an old friend.

You are a known entity within your organization .

Good for you! That first step of networking is already out of the way!

It may be even better if you are applying for a new position within your organization which is overseen by your current manager.

And even if you don't have a relationship with your hiring manager, you will have made a name for yourself within the organization. They will know of you, even before you apply for the job.

But before you jump into writing your cover letter, the tone that you use for your letter is incredibly important. Check out the tips below to help craft a cover letter which hits the mark:

Keep The Tone Professional

One of the most important things to keep in mind when writing a cover letter is that it is a formal letter.

An article in the Atlantic states that a cover letter's main purpose, from when it was first introduced in the US in the 1930's, was "to paint a picture that might not easily emerge from the denser material that was, well, under cover."

What a cover letter does is show the hiring manager that you are the most capable, dependable person for the position.

If you want to show that you are the most capable person for the position, keep the tone fairly professional by using these methods:

Properly Format Your Cover Letter Header

By including a properly formatted cover letter header, you show you view this document as a formal, professional letter. Even if you are simply dropping the letter off in your manager's office, be sure to include information like:

• Personal information: your name, your email address, phone number,
• The date you are writing
• The hiring managers information: their name, position in the company, and the address of your company.

If you'd like to see more examples of how to format your cover letter header, check out this article on Enhancv which provides examples and solutions to create a properly formatted cover letter header.

Keep The Body of The Letter Professional

Remember, a cover letter is a document that is addressed to a specific person, usually the hiring manager. Even if you know the hiring manager from your current position, try to keep informalities out of the writing.

Also, try to avoid negative comments about your current manager.

Use Your Cover Letter To Tell a Story

The dominant tone of your cover letter should be geared towards an exploration of your story , with an emphasis on what makes you exceptional, and the ideal candidate to fill this position.

It's hard to sell ourselves. Even those whose current role is in the sales and marketing field may have a difficult time with sharing about what makes us unique.

Many of us have been told from when we were little we shouldn't brag about ourselves.

But I'll tell you that when writing a cover letter, the most important thing you can do is share about your accomplishments, how you've grown as a leader and gained technical skills and abilities.

It's not bragging to explain where you excelled in your position.

Soft Skills Vs. Hard Skills

Soft skills.

Soft skills involve people skills, like communication, leadership, and any habits which make you work better in a team. When you are applying for a promotion, highlight the soft skills that you've gained through your current position, especially those that involve leadership.

Soft skills to promote in your cover letter include:

• Your ability to collaborate within teams
• Your public speaking ability
• Your ability to problem solve
• How you manage your time
• Leadership skills
• Your ability to adapt

Check out this article if you’d like find descriptive words to describe yourself:

The Best Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Hard Skills

Alternatively, hard skills are technical skills which you gain through years of experience working in your field, as well as skills that you've gained through school or other courses. If you're considering transferring to another department, highlight relevant technical skills which would make you the perfect fit for that department.

Although hard skills completely depend on the field within which you work, let's look at one example which can help you understand which hard skills to promote. If you are an IT security manager, some hard skills that you could promote include:

• Your knowledge of cloud computing
• How you visualize and create virtual images or maps
• Your experience with IT Security management software
• Your understanding of enterprise architecture management

Highlight Soft Skills For A Promotion

When you write a cover letter for a promotion, you should highlight your experience in a leadership role. Provide examples from your current job of when you've managed teams of colleagues.

Point to quantitative results that you've shown as a leader of a team. If you’ve seen a major sales profits increase while you were the team leader, mention that you were the one leading, encouraging, and facilitating the growth of your team members throughout the process.

Here are some examples which you can use for your cover letter:

• If you were the team lead for a sales team and you saw sales increase in one quarter 6%, highlight those results in your cover letter.
• If you introduced new software which allowed your team to better collaborate on projects, as well as introducing everyone to that software, mention the percentage of people that adopted the software into their regular, everyday work.

Promote Hard Skills for a Transfer

When you're moving laterally within a company, moving from one department to another, you should consider highlighting hard skills that you've learned in your current position, which are transferable to another department.

Transferring is typical within the IT industry, and many of the skills you gain in one position can be transferred to another department.

For example, if you were working in the IT field and you wanted to get to the cyber security field, there are a lot of skills that you may have gained along the way which could be promoted in a cover letter:

• Mention any courses that you've taken throughout your time working in the IT field. Specifically, if you've learned specialized cyber security software, mention the software by name.
• Highlight the role that you may have played in addressing the company's need for greater security of cloud computing programs.

Show Gratitude (It's Not About Me, Me, Me)

In your cover letter, try to give credit to where credit is due. If you're mentioning your current supervisor, highlight the ways in which they have played a major role in making you into the person you are today.

Every single person on this earth can owe their success to a select number of people in their life.

Show gratitude to those that have helped you.

Also, a cover letter is written to a specific person, and therefore, shows some gratitude to the person who is reading the cover letter. Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to read through your cover letter. Ask them if they need any more information from you.

If you're interested in learning more about how to end your cover letter, check out this article on how to end your cover letter .

• Keep the tone of your cover letter professional by including a properly formatted cover letter header.
• When transferring to a new position in your company, use hard technical skills that you've learned to prove your competency.
• When writing a cover letter for promotion, highlight the soft skills that you've learned, like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Show gratitude to your current manager as well as the hiring manager whose reading the document.

Creating a cover letter from scratch isn’t easy. We totally get it! So why not let us help you? At Enhancv, we have a custom Cover Letter Builder which you can use to create the perfect cover letter for an internal position.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internal Position and Examples

Whether it’s for a role in a department you’ve been hoping to join, or another role within your team, an internal...

Whether it’s for a role in a department you’ve been hoping to join, or another role within your team, an internal job application should emphasize why you’re the best fit for the role. To do this, you need to make the most of your cover letter. 

Being a part of the company doesn’t necessarily place you above external applicants. While you have valuable company knowledge, you still need to put as much effort into your application as you would when applying for a job externally.

So yes, you do need to include a cover letter for your internal job application. In fact, 47% of recruiters consider cover letters essential for internal roles. And as many as 45% of hiring managers read the cover letter before the resume. So it’s your chance to make a strong first impression.

“The key to standing out is not to assume that your work speaks for itself. In addition to performance metrics, showcase your softer skills like effective communication, leadership, and adaptability. 

“Draw attention to instances where you've proactively solved problems or helped to streamline processes. 

“Your cover letter and interview should together paint a picture not just of a competent employee, but of a forward-thinking, proactive leader,” says Danilo Godoy , Founder, Wahojobs .

In this article, you’ll learn how to write the perfect cover letter to help you land that internal role, and review examples from our cover letter generator that’ll save you time spent writing a cover letter from scratch. Let’s get to it. 

Our Top Tips for Writing an Internal Cover Letter

You’re looking to position yourself as a strong candidate with a thorough understanding of the organization and requirements of the role. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when crafting your internal cover letter to help you stand out from the competition.

Step 1: Apply for the role like you would any other

You might be applying for an internal role, but that doesn’t mean you should be lax with your application. You need a memorable cover letter that includes all the key points you’d outline in an external job application, such as:

• Why you’re interested in the role
• Any notable achievements and career successes
• Your personality traits that make you a good fit for the team

Step 2: Start on a strong note

Avoid saving the best for last when writing a cover letter . Hiring managers are pressed for time, so pay special attention to your introduction. This is where you’ll catch their attention. Here are some tips for making a great first impression in your cover letter intro : 

• Introduce yourself with your current job title and state the role you’re applying for.
• Share your career goals and passions that align with the requirements of the role you are applying for.
• Mention any relevant qualifications and achievements.

Step 3: State your transferable skills and knowledge

State the skills you’ll bring from your current role that can be applied to the new position, and the relevant knowledge you possess that makes you a great candidate. Showcase your value and highlight your commitment to growth, both for your role and for the company at large.  

If you can show them that you have skills and knowledge that can be used to fulfill the new role quickly and efficiently. This puts you ahead of the competition. 

Step 4: Use your company knowledge to your advantage

You already know how your employer operates, and likely have insights into how this role fits into the broader business. Use this knowledge to your advantage by stating how your skills can solve specific pain points and achieve core business goals. 

By explaining your familiarity with company processes, you’ll demonstrate how much easier it will be for them to onboard you into the new role.  

Hiring managers often favor internal candidates for new positions . Here’s why:

• If you already know how the company processes work, onboarding and training times are shorter. 
• Internal hires are more cost-effective (costing as much as 1.7x less than external candidates) and come with a reduced time-to-hire. That’s because of the time and money it takes to advertise new roles and conduct background checks and any other vetting procedures. 
• Your track record is already easily accessible, and you have already integrated into the company culture.

Step 5: State the name of a colleague who is willing to vouch for you

Another great tip is to include a colleague as a reference to vouch for your work ethic and impact. This could be your manager or co-worker. Hiring managers often need to contact suitable references when vetting candidates. What’s better than someone already working for the company? 

Important note: Speak to your manager about your intention to apply for the new position. This shows integrity and maintains honesty and professionalism throughout the hiring process. Once your manager or supervisor is on board with your decision, they will be an invaluable reference and can support you throughout the application process. 

Cover Letter for an Internal Position Example 

Here’s a professional cover letter example you can adopt to speed up your application process.

Why Does This Cover Letter Work?

The cover letter example provided above creates a solid backbone for an application.  

• It starts with an exciting introduction showcasing the eagerness of the applicant to apply for the new role. 
• It states key and quantifiable achievements in the applicant’s current role to highlight the value they bring to the table. 
• It states the applicant's specific transferable skills that make them fit for the new role.
• It states how the applicant is upskilling to prepare for the new role. 
• It states a key organizational goal and how the applicant’s skills can be useful. This is a great example of how to use your knowledge of the company to your advantage. 
• It includes the name of an insider who can vouch for the applicant, serving as a vote of confidence. 

With our AI cover letter builder and wide range of ready-made, easily customizable templates, applying for that internal role is much easier.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internal Position or a Promotion

Internal cover letters differ slightly from those written for external roles but still follow many of the same principles. 

1. Follow the Best Practices for a Standard Cover Letter Format

A standard cover letter format includes six core elements: the header, salutation, opening statement, main body, closing statement, and an official sign-off. 

The job post should explain whether to include your cover letter as an attachment or as a document. You will usually be guided on file format, but if there is no information provided in the job ad, a PDF is usually best.

• Spacing : Leave a paragraph space under the heading, intro paragraph, main body text, and conclusion. 
• Font : Ensure that your cover letter and resume use the same type of font and size. Your cover letter needs to be easily readable and meet the requirements for applicant tracking systems (ATSs). In most cases, this will be point 12 font size, and a standard font such as Calibri or Times New Roman.
• Length : Cover letters should never be longer than one page. Your letter should fall somewhere between 250–400 words, broken up into paragraphs for easier reading.

Don’t forget to proofread your letter thoroughly. Spelling and grammatical errors make you look unprofessional.  

2. Start With a Compelling Opening Statement

Your cover letter introduction or opening statement should capture the hiring manager’s attention. 

Since this is an internal position cover letter, begin by expressing how excited you are to apply for the new role. Explain how you’ve been preparing for a career pivot while working in your current position. 

Experts advise you to: 

“Show how your current role has prepared you for this new job, or what extra insights or skills you bring to the table as an internal applicant that give you an advantage over any external hires they’re considering. It can also be valuable to show ways that you’ve made an impact on the company in your current role, or highlight some key accomplishments that demonstrate your value and past successes as an employee.” — Matt Erhard , Managing Partner at Summit Search Group

Your opening statement can also begin with highlighting a specific pain point the organization hopes to solve through the new role and how your skills position you as the best person to solve the problem. 

“I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Full Stack Developer position at Sparkles Limited. As a current Full Stack Engineer at Sparkles Limited, I have had the opportunity to work on various projects and contribute to the company’s success. I am excited about the possibility of taking on a more senior role and continuing to make a significant impact on the development of innovative software solutions.”

3. Highlight the Impact You’ve Made 

Emphasize your value and the difference you’ve made in the organization. This will help you stand out as a candidate. Talk about what you’ve achieved in your current role and how that makes you a great choice for this new position. 

To start, explain the skills, methods, and tools you used to get the required results. Wherever possible, quantify your results with data to make a strong case for how your work contributes to overall business goals. 

“During my time at Sparkles Limited, I have been involved in the development of APIs in .NET Core, impacting thousands of students and internal users. I have also implemented software principles such as SOLID and Clean Code, which have been adopted by the entire team.” 

Add Some Real-Life Results

To emphasize the impact of your abilities, ensure you add real-life results and data. This could demonstrate how you helped exceed a set target in your current role or how you helped save costs and get even better results than planned. 

By stating real-life results and outlining how they impacted the business bottom line, the hiring manager can see how much value you already bring to the table. It also encourages them to think about how much more the business can benefit from your involvement in the new role. 

“Additionally, I have contributed to the development of mobile applications using React-Native and C# and have provided documentation and support to facilitate the work of my colleagues.”

Experts agree. Matt Erhard , Managing Partner at Summit Search Group , had this to say:

“Provide specific, measurable proof of your impact as an employee thus far. The more tangible data that you can point to showing the value you bring to the company, the more you’ll stand out as a candidate.”

4. Expand on How Your Work Experience at the Company has Prepared You for This Role

To make for a strong case on why you’re a perfect fit, indicate how your current position relates to the new role you’re applying for. 

To start, state your transferable skills, both hard skills and soft skills. You can also note any specific responsibilities you carry out in your current position that will be needed in the new role. Make sure you’ve cross-checked these against the job description.

In addition, list examples of collaborative projects you worked on that are related to the new position and how they have prepared you for the role.

“Beyond my technical skills, I am a strong communicator and collaborator. I have experience working in cross-functional teams and understand the importance of effective communication and teamwork to deliver successful projects. I am also a web content writer for dev.to and Bit News, where I have written articles on emerging technologies and technology news, reaching a wide audience and demonstrating my ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.”

Share the Qualifications You’ve Gained Over the Period

To strengthen your cover letter, add any relevant training you have under your belt, certifications acquired, and personal projects where you gained additional experience. This demonstrates your commitment to growth.

“Over the past few years, I have honed my skills as a full-stack developer, working with various technologies, including Vue, React, React Native, .NET Core, and SQL (PostgreSQL). I have also gained experience in Agile methodologies, design patterns (TDD, DDD, SOLID), and web design principles (Adobe XD, UX/UI).”

And if you’re applying for a promotion, include details on any leadership experience or skills. 

“If you have taken on any leadership roles in your current position that is a great thing to include. This doesn’t need to be a formal leadership position. Demonstrating how you’ve served as an informal leader within your team can also show that you’re ready to take on this responsibility in a more formal capacity.” — Matt Erhard , Managing Partner at Summit Search Group

5. Include an Internal Referral 

Including the name of an internal referral who will vouch for you is another crucial part of nailing an internal cover letter. This could be your manager, a colleague, or even an individual in the department you are looking to move into. An internal referral positions you as a reliable and trustworthy candidate who is fully immersed in the organization. 

Experts like Matt Erhard , Managing Partner at Summit Search Group , agree this is a winning strategy: 

“Another thing you can do to stand out is include a reference from someone in leadership within the company. Having a trusted individual who can vouch for and verify your capability can make a major difference when hiring teams are choosing which candidates to move forward through the process.”

6. Thank the Manager for Their Time

End the letter by thanking the manager for the time they took to review your application. You should also express gratitude for the growth opportunities the company provides. 

“Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of continuing my professional growth at Sparkles Limited and would love the opportunity to continue to contribute to the company’s growth and success.”

Ready to Apply for a Promotion? Use our Cover Letter Template

Now that you’ve settled the basics, it’s time to send in your application for that internal promotion. However, you don’t need to write your cover letter from scratch, especially when you are pressed for time with other work commitments. This is where our cover letter templates come in.  

With our ready-to-use cover letter templates, applying for a new role is quick and easy. With just a few tweaks, you can tailor your Rezi cover letter to meet the requirements of any internal role. 

Expand Your Knowledge with Our Cover Letter Resources

Knowledge is power, and with expert cover letter knowledge, you can take your career to new heights. 

On our blog, you can gain in-depth knowledge on how to write a cover letter, know what a good cover letter includes , and get access to a wide range of diverse and comprehensive cover letter examples . 

And once you’re ready to get started on the perfect cover letter, you can try Rezi for free today .

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

Top Well-Performed Cover Letter for Internal Positions

A cover letter is crucial if your goal is to convince the employer that you are the right person deserving of a promotion. It is the first thing that attracts management attention. This article will give you the answers to every concerning question:

• What is a Cover Letter for Internal Positions?
• How to compose a decent cover letter?
• Which types of cover letters for internal positions prevail today?
• Potent examples of the best cover letters
• Instruction on writing a cover letter for an internal position recommendations

If you don’t wish to risk your job progress, it is recommended to have your cover letter composed by an expert for the best results. With our assistance, your cover letter will be written diligently and skillfully.

What is a Cover Letter for Internal Positions

A cover letter for internal positions is a document in the form of a letter that is sent along with your resume in response to a job offer. When we talk about promotions within a particular company, an employee will be requested to compose a personal cover letter for an internal position. Indeed, today most companies require writing a cover letter when applying for a higher position. Providing cover letter for internal position is optional, but the manager will be pleasantly surprised by your initiative.

Whether your aim is a vertical shift or a lateral transfer, do not neglect to create an internal job cover letter. It helps to stand out among other candidates and interests the recruiter. Telling in detail about all your achievements in the current company, explaining the motivation to work further - all these are necessary to prove you are a person who deserves better.

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Why are Internal Cover Letters a Step Towards a Dream Job?

Sooner or later an employee can face the problem of stagnation and express an interest in the new role, a more decent one. Even though a strong desire is a good driver of motivation, it is not enough to get a promotion.

A cover letter for an internal position is crucial for describing a candidate’s qualifications in a proper way. It usually turns out to be even more important than the resume as it is a concise announcement of your main document.

The Structure of a Cover Letter for an Internal Job

An appropriate cover letter format must include the following blocks:

It is desirable to address the letter to a specific person.

2. The body of a letter

This part of an internal position cover letter consists of two integral elements. The first is a short explanation of your motivation. The second is a statement relating to your personal qualities.

3. Contact information

4. Signature

Do not forget that a cover letter is only an introductory document to the resume. Thus, it should be a concise statement substantiating your professional and personal qualities for the position for which you are applying.

There is nothing worse than a long, novel-like cover letter that makes the HR manager feel tired at the sight of it. An ideal cover letter length is 250-350 words, which is a one-page maximum. Note, that it is recommended that the text is formatted in 12-point font.

Engaging Introduction to a Cover Letter

Your cover letter for an internal job posting should have an interesting beginning. It is crucial to encourage a company manager to read it to the end. There is nothing more boring than using common phrases and patterns found on the internet. This demonstrates an indifferent attitude to the requirements of the employer. Be yourself, try to catch the attention of a person who will consider your position. Show that it is composed specifically for the company in which you see yourself.

Composing a Cover Letter for Promotion

A cover letter is not a universal document, suitable for any situation. For example, a cover letter for internal promotion stands out for its significance as it must include more compelling statements.  Composing  a cover letter for promotion - describe what new skills you are competent in. Prove you are a reliable person, ready to take up more difficult responsibilities.

Creating a Cover Letter for an Internal Job Transfer

If your goal is creating a cover letter for an internal job transfer within the same company, consider the following recommendations. First, emphasize your gratitude for being a part of the team. Second, indicate how passionate you are about promoting your company in the market. And most importantly - describe your technical skills enabling you to work even better after an internal transfer.

Advertise Yourself: Describing Personal Qualifications and Skills

A professional cover letter does not copy your resume at all! The resume contains information about your skills and experience. In turn, an internal applicant cover letter should describe how you can use them to the company’s advantage.

Do not write too much about your character traits. Anyone can write that he is a hardworking, responsible and inventive laborer. It is better to include a list of courses and programs you’ve completed or objectives you’ve managed to meet. A hiring manager will consider your applicable talents first of all.

Signify Your Achievements in the Current Position

Include only the information that is relevant to your desired position. The employer will definitely assess your contributions if you manage to stand out from the crowd.

Note that the information in this part depends on the overall aim of your internal job posting cover letter. For example, if you want to get a promotion, focus on those results that prove you can be a leader and guide the team. If your desire is a lateral transfer, you should emphasize the progress the company achieved due to your technical capabilities.

Express Gratefulness for Considering Your Candidacy

To correctly conclude your cover letter for internal job transfer, think about expressing gratitude in a polite way. As well as at the beginning of your document, it is essential to include a personalized and thoughtful appeal in the final part. Thank the recruiter for accepting your request and reading the cover letter.

The final paragraph should not exceed one or two sentences. Still, it is recommended to include the wishes to land the interview and express readiness to come to the discussion or provide further information.

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Common Types of Cover Letters for an Internal Position

There exist several types of cover letters for internal positions. Let us consider the most common ones:

• Promotional cover letter. In this document, an employee must prove in detail to the employer that he is ready for a higher position.
• Letter of interest for internal position. This document includes information relating to the working background within a large company and motivation to get a transfer.

This list is non-exhaustive as some other types can also be included: a cover letter of gratitude; an inquiry; confirmation; or description.

Sample Cover Letter for Promotion

While using ready-made templates for composing a personal promotional cover letter is sometimes risky, it is better to acquaint yourself with some cover letters for internal promotion examples:

Look at cover letter examples by industry you can find at https://skillhub.com/cover-letter-examples

Email Cover Letter for Internal Position Example

Read a sample cover letter for an internal position and learn how to write a cover letter for an internal position properly.

Recommendations for the Cover Letter for Internal Position Improvement

To create a perfect cover letter for promotion and increase your chances, follow some cover letter tips which have already helped many people get their dream job:

• Do not write about personal qualities that are not related to the job.
• Focus on specifics.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of business etiquette.
• Add emotion and personalize your message.
• Write about responsibility and readiness to learn.
• Strive for brevity.
• Use bulleted lists.
• Be careful with spelling and punctuation.
• Do not ask about work schedule, salary, conditions.

Cover Letter Template for Internal Position

To make the hiring process easy for yourself, make sure your cover letter is composed impeccably. For this purpose, analyze applying for an internal position cover letter sample:

Your Contact Information

The Name of a Hiring Manager

The Name of a Company

1. First paragraph:

A specific statement about the position you apply for and a few key benefits that demonstrate suitability for the position.

2. Second paragraph:

Examples of accomplished and achieved results.

3. Third paragraph:

How you can contribute to the business's mission.

4. Conclusion:

Requesting a meeting and expressing gratitude.

5. Your Signature.

Application of Knowledge in Practice

There is no doubt that reading this article has increased your chances of getting hired. Having all the answers in hand you can start moving forward to creating your perfect cover letter. But how not to forget all the essential information and structure it in the head? Here is a digest of all tips as to what makes a good cover letter:

• An attractive and well-planned cover letter will help you stand out and land an interview.
• The cover letter should show the employer what the company will get from you.
• It is crucial to be attentive to the format of your cover letter, avoid large volumes and be careful with the style.
• Use sample cover letters for internal positions to make sure your document does not contain any errors.

After reading, you are still not sure how to write a cover letter for internal positions and maybe you need a professional content writer help? Try our Skillhub's cover letter writing service . You'll get an adjusted cover letter for your potential job position. In case you a need a perfect resume to stand over other candidates, our executive resume writing service is over there. Our professional experts are always happy to have your back and consult you about career writing !

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