Cover Letter for Internal Position or Promotion – Free Sample & Template
Looking to advance your career within your current company? A cover letter for an internal position can help you highlight your achievements and secure that promotion or transfer.
Writing a cover letter for internal position is a bit different from an external cover letter. However, it is a must-have, as 60% of hiring managers demand cover letters from job applicants.
In an internal cover letter, your goal is to show your history of success with the company and highlight your willingness to grow with the company. Below, you will find tips on how to write a good cover letter for an internal position, along with examples for your inspiration. The article covers all the key points on how to choose a proper cover letter format and get a hiring manager's attention.
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What Is a Cover Letter for an Internal Position?
A cover letter for an internal position is needed when your company has a new job posting and is willing to promote employees internally. You need to write an effective cover letter with your current contributions to the company's success. It is also necessary to show your deep understanding of the roles and functions of that new position. Competing for the internal position may seem easier, but it is not so in most cases.
Why do companies prefer internal candidates?
For a new position, many hiring managers are likely to hire an internal candidate, and here's why:
- It is cost-effective. It is much faster for a company to leverage existing employees skills than to hire an external candidate. The company doesn't have to pay recruiters, post jobs, screen hundreds of applications, and conduct interviews.
- They are familiar with company culture. Someone in a current position within the organization has deep understanding of the company's goals, mission, communication style, and more. So, the risk of hiring a person who isn't culturally fit is minimized.
- Reduced training. Internal hires onboard and integrate into a new team much faster as they are familiar with the company's practices. Thus, they can start contributing to the company's success sooner.
- Better loyalty: An internal employee with a few years of relevant experience in a company values stability. Such an employee is more likely to stay with the company longer if offered challenging tasks and a decent pay.
- Potential for career growth. For candidates looking for continuous professional development, an internal promotion is a great opportunity. They will appreciate the new position and work even harder, and the company will not lose a talented employee.
Should You Write a Cover Letter for an Internal Job Posting?
If you want to apply for a new role within your company, the answer to this question is yes. There are at least three reasons to write it:
- It demonstrates your professionalism and illustrates your serious approach. Thus, your application will be taken as seriously as those of the external candidates.
- It gives you a chance to focus on your achievements within the company and confirm your readiness to continue contributing to the company. Your task is to show that you are a strong fit for the company.
- It is your opportunity to show your long-term commitment to the company. If you are looking for a new role within the organization, it means you are loyal.
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internal Position (Step-by-Step)
As you already work within the organization and know its values and processes, it might put you in a favorable position. Yet, your cover letter should prove that you qualify. Here is how to write a cover letter that appeals to a hiring manager:
Start With a Strong Introduction
In the first paragraph, mention your current position with the company and your enthusiasm to start a new position with a different department. Share your career goals that align with the requirements for your target internal position. Include 2-3 key qualifications or achievements - they will instantly capture their attention and increase your chances of landing a new position.
Highlight Your Current Role and Achievements
No cover letter is effective without achievements in your current job. In the letter body, give overview of your most notable achievements and contributions. Add figures and percentages to illustrate your impact. Show that you are willing to contribute to company's continued success in the future, and explain how your past achievements align with the new job requirements.
Explain Why You're Interested in the New Role
Do not take it for granted that HR will give you priority only because you already work for the company. In most cases, you still need to show your genuine interest in the position and give solid reasons in favor of your candidacy. You should be more suitable for the role than other external or internal candidates.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Company
Use the knowledge of company culture to distinguish yourself from external candidates. Show that you stand for the company values and know how the processes work. You may use internal jargon or mention important company milestones you contributed to. All this will encourage the hiring manager that it is easier to hire you over external applicants, thus increasing your chances for an internal job transfer.
To make your letter more compelling, consider using powerful verbs to improve your internal cover letter.
Include a Trusted Referral (If You Have One)
The best strategy is including the name of a coworker or manager who can vouch for you. You can contact someone in your target department or your current supervisor/coworker. A person who can confirm your work ethics and achievements will help prove that you are an ideal candidate. Be sure to add the person's name in the first paragraph of the letter.
End With a Strong Closing Statement
End your cover letter by expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity and a target department. Avoid criticizing or complaining about the current position or your boss. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, and tell them that you're excited about discussing a new position in detail. Like any traditional cover letter, end it with a professional sign-off, such as Kind regards.
Keep the Length Appropriate
48% of hiring managers spend 30 seconds to 2 minutes reading a cover letter. So, the ideal cover letter length is 3-5 paragraphs. By keeping the letter focused, you'll show excellent communication skills and your knowledge of the hiring process.
Internal Cover Letter Example That Got the Job
To submit a perfect cover letter for an internal position, use a professional-looking template. At ResumePerk, we offer free Google Docs cover letter templates for every industry. You can download the template, paste your cover letter text there, and apply for an internal position immediately!
All our samples have a modern, eye-catching design that draws attention. They streamline the editing and formatting process, as you don't have to pick colors, fonts, and alignment.
To get the idea about how to write a professional cover letter for an internal role, look at this sample cover letter:
Image: https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cover-letter-for-internal-position-example.jpg
Why is this a good cover letter?
Firstly, this letter draws attention instantly as it uses a professional structure and format. The first paragraph starts with a current job title and specifies the target position and the motivation to switch to a different department. Next, the letter shows how the candidate contributed to the company's success. It features generating a 6% profit increase and onboarding 4 employees. The final paragraph mentions the reference in the Sales Department, which is a great strategy for internal positions.
Cover Letter Template for Internal Promotion
If you are looking for a good template for writing your cover letter, you are welcome to use the following document. You can download and use it for free as many times as you need.
For added impact, enhance your writing with powerful resume words for internal job applications.
Download Template - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-jHLpLomtEyEzhFLx0Cwrm3l4qF1pu2fsjtwO-p3ZyA/copy
Why use a cover letter template?
- Approved by job-seekers - hundreds of job-seekers have already tried our free templates and shared positive results.
- Suitable for every industry - whether you're looking to write a traditional cover letter or a bold and trendy one, you'll surely find a suitable template in our gallery.
- Recruiter-friendly - our impressive cover letter template are ATS-compliant and beautifully designed, which helps draw attention to your skills and experience.
- Easy to use - to write a cover letter, copy any of the following cover letter template to your Google account and customize it as you like.
Special Scenarios: Internal Promotion, Department Transfer & More
Internal hires cost 1.7x less than picking an external candidate. Thus, the company would rather hire an internal applicant than someone from the outside. If you craft an effective internal job application and underline your strengths, you'll have every chance for a desired position.
Cover Letter for Internal Promotion Within Same Company
It is mostly a formal step. However, if you are working in a large company, it can be the standard procedure to consider hiring internal candidates. Moreover, you should not expect HR to know you personally or be able to immediately tell you if you are a good fit for the company. For this reason, you need to have a solid letter that clearly illustrates your motivation and current achievements.
Applying for a Different Department Internally
It is also necessary to write such a letter when you want a new role in another department. It is important to note that you do not need to wait for the new opening. You can easily apply for the job of your interest by sending an expression of interest letter to the head of the department where you want to work. Your task is to provide good reasons for your transfer.
How to Write an Expression of Interest Letter for an Internal Job
If you are aiming for an internal promotion, a well-crafted expression of interest letter is a must. You need to make a compelling case as to why you are a top candidate and what you can bring to the table. Here is how to write the best cover letter:
Start professionally
Just like in a regular internal position cover letter, use a professional salutation. Start it like any other letter for job search by adding the company name and company address. Use professional formatting, readable font, and a distinct layout to make the right impression in seconds.
Express enthusiasm and dedication
Mention your current position title and the new position you have in mind. Since this is an expression of interest letter for an internal position, showcase your enthusiasm about the promotion opportunity. Express your commitment to the company and your willingness to do even more if promoted. Make sure that you sound confident and positive - it will help distinguish your letter from other candidates.
Align it with the company's goals
Since this is not an external job application, you know the company's processes and goals well. Underline how your long-term career goals align with the company's mission and goals. Thinking strategically will help you stand out. Consider the goals and challenges your target department is facing right now, and explain how you can contribute.
Showcase achievements
For someone seeking more responsibility in internal positions, bragging current achievements is a must. Look back at your employment history and reiterate your biggest achievements with the company. Give numbers and explain how your efforts helped the company prosper. Thus, you will prove that you are equipped with the right skills for success.
Use a professional tone
To write the perfect cover letter, mind the writing style and formatting. Keep the language professional and clear. Avoid any negative information or complaints. Don't use any slang or abbreviations, as the cover letter is a formal document, so stay professional and reserved. Make sure to proofread the letter before submitting it so that it is free from any mistakes.
Use a professional format with a simple font and clear layout. Keep the font readable, and use short paragraphs and bullets. Make sure that your letter's format matches that of your resume.
Highlight your leadership abilities
If you are aiming for a team lead, department head, or similar managerial role, recall your leadership experience. For example, you can write about training and onboarding new employees or replacing your supervisor while they were away. Think about your experience in guiding, supervising, and coaching others to increase your chances for promotion.
End with a call to action
At the end of the letter, reiterate what makes you different from other internal applicants and add a call to action. Ask for an opportunity for further discussion and willingness to elaborate on your skills, qualifications, and the transition into the new role.
Make sure that your letter is professionally organized, error-free, and focused on the requirements of the role, not only on your desire of being promoted. Demonstrating company knowledge and the focus on resolving the challenges it faces are essential to stand out.
Learn how to talk about career goals when applying internally to align your ambitions with the companyâs direction.
Do I need to write a resume for an internal position?
To apply for an internal role, you will also need a resume just like if you had applied for a job with a different company. Yet, there are nuances. Here's how to customize your resume for an internal job application:
- Talk to a hiring manager. If possible, speak to the person directly to find out their exact expectations from the candidate and what tasks they will need to handle. It will help you tailor the application better.
- Focus on your most recent experience with the current employer. You can cut down the jobs you had before. Mention your current job title and previous roles with this employer. Be specific about your duties, achievements, projects, and cooperation with other departments. The latter is important to show that you are flexible and willing to collaborate.
- Include achievements. To beat the competition, you need to show that you aren't just a good employee. You need to prove that you're the ideal candidate for the role. Add your biggest achievements with the current employer, mentioning numbers, percentages, and your impact.
- Keep it short. As mentioned before, you need to emphasize the work history with the current employer. You can shorten the job descriptions of the roles you had before.
Promotion cover letter example
Here is an example cover letter for an internal promotion:
Image: https://assets.qwikresume.com/uploads/2020/08/new-1-791x1024.jpg
Why is this a good cover letter? The introduction explains how the candidate learned about the position and why they feel they might be a perfect fit for it. The candidate reiterates their tenure with the company and progressive growth of responsibility. This internal cover letter also lists measurable achievements of achieving 100% of sales target and winning loyal clients. They explain how previous positions within the company equipped them with the skills needed to excel in a target role. Moreover, the letter has an easy-to-read structure, is professionally formatted, and ends with a convincing call to action.
Use these cover letter examples for your inspiration only, as a good cover letter should focus on what makes your unique and specific achievements.
Need help perfecting your internal cover letter?
Not sure if your cover letter for an internal position is effective and can land you a job? Our experts can edit and perfect your letter to maximize your chances for success. We will strengthen the letter structure, add achievements, and customize it to the position you have in mind at a very affordable price. Plus, you can order a matching resume so that they tell a holistic career story. Chat with us to order your package with a special discount!
Frequently Asked Questions About Internal Cover Letters
Do I Need to Include a Resume for an Internal Application?
Yes. Your resume should reflect your achievements and align with the new position’s requirements.
How to write a cover letter for an internal position?
Structure your letter with a clear introduction, highlight your achievements, express your motivation, and match your skills with the new role.
Should I write a cover letter for an internal position?
Yes, even if the hiring team knows you. A well-crafted letter shows professionalism and readiness for growth.
How to write a letter of interest for an internal job?
State your interest clearly, highlight your current contributions, and explain why you’re a great fit for the new role.
How to write a cover letter for a promotion?
Mention your current role, detail accomplishments, and explain how your growth aligns with the new position's expectations.