Cover Letter for Internal Position or Promotion

When you’re looking to apply for an open position within your current company — whether that’s a promotion or a lateral transfer — you may have to write a cover letter to formally apply for the role.

The format of a cover letter for an internal position is the same as other cover letters, so if you already know how to write a cover letter, you’re already one step ahead.

However, the contents of a cover letter for an internal position can differ in some key ways. Here’s how to write one:

• Because you’re already known at your company, skip your personal introduction
• Describe your professional development since you entered the company, instead of describing your whole career
• Emphasize any times you’ve collaborated with your target department in the past
• Show you’re grateful for the opportunities you’ve gotten in your current role

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Now that you know the basics, let’s look at an example of an effective internal cover letter below.

Internal cover letter example

Here’s an example of a strong cover letter for an internal position:

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Besides being concise, positive, and direct, this sample cover letter for an internal position is effective because it:

• expresses gratitude for the applicant’s current job
• describes his professional development and excellent performance within the current company
• gives an example of previous collaboration with the target department
• expresses a strong desire to accept the challenge of the new position
• Includes an (indirect) referral from his supervisor

This transfer cover letter also shows the management that the candidate is loyal, and goal-oriented enough to advocate for himself, both attributes of a strong employee.

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Cover letter for promotion example

Although similar to a general cover letter for an internal position, a promotion cover letter differs in two key ways.

First, a cover letter for a promotion specifically emphasizes your higher-level experience. For instance, if you’re looking to land a managerial role, provide examples of management experience you’ve acquired as an employee. If you’re aiming for a senior-level title, illustrate why you deserve it in your cover letter.

It also must prove you’re prepared to handle more responsibilities in the company.

If you’re only transferring positions, you want to showcase your transferable skills and willingness to learn new things. If you’re going for a promotion, you need to emphasize your readiness for the role, because companies don’t give out better titles and/or money without justification.

Here’s an example cover letter for an internal promotion:

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Note that in the cover letter introduction, he immediately emphasizes his gratitude for the opportunities he’s been given, and quickly addresses his overall performance on the job.

Then, he details specific successes, skills, and relevant management experience he’s developed.

These crucial details demonstrate to management that he has the experience necessary to keep up with the demands a promotion would bring, and that he has the drive to excel in the new position.

What makes this cover letter similar to a general cover letter is the quick but convincing way he markets his strengths while asserting his qualifications for the target position.

How to write a cover letter

Dread writing cover letters? Read our guide to learn how to write a great cover letter that convinces hiring managers you’re the ideal person for the job.

Read Our Guide

How to write a cover letter for an internal position

Now that you’ve seen a few samples, let’s dive into what makes a compelling internal cover letter. Here’s a short video that explains the basics:

@resumegenius Are you interested in an open position at your current company? 💼 Make sure to apply the right way by following these tips and steps. 🔸 For more tips on how to apply for an internal position and a cover letter example, check out our article and in-depth YouTube video here: resumegeniusDOTme/application-for-internal-position #careeradvice #jobsearchtips #jobsearching #internalposition #interviewtips #coverletter ♬ original sound – Resume Genius | Career Advice

To write your own, follow these five steps and show your employer you’re qualified for your target role.

1. Correctly structure your letter

When writing a cover letter for an internal position, it’s important to use a polished structure and formatting to give the hiring manager a professional impression.

Here’s what you need on the page:

1. Header: Your header should include your name and contact info
2. Salutation: The typical salutation for a cover letter is “Dear” + “Mr.”/”Mrs.”/”Ms.” + hiring manager’s last name.
3. Opening paragraph: Describe your interest in the open position and describe your progress within the company
4. Body paragraphs: Explain the skills you’ve acquired and the achievements you’ve made that contributed to the success of your company, as well as any times you’ve collaborated with your target department
5. Closing paragraph: Invite the hiring manager to contact you back regarding your application for the role, and mention any supervisors or managers who are willing to act as a reference on your behalf (if applicable)
6. Sign-off: The standard closing for a cover letter is “Sincerely,” and then your full name

2. Present a convincing narrative

Your managers are already familiar with you, so skip the introductions and formalities expected in a general cover letter.

Instead, use your internal cover letter as an opportunity to craft a narrative about your experience at the company, your commitment to your job, and how your target position fits into your long-term career goals.

Companies want to keep and reward their existing talent. Your cover letter should show the management hiring you is easier than recruiting externally, and that you’d excel in the new position and are excited to grow along with the company.

In the cover letter above, Kevin crafts a convincing narrative of how he started at the company and where he believes he’s headed with these paragraphs:

Since starting as a Sales Representative at Peabody two years ago, I’ve quickly mastered the requisite skills for the role, and helped our department exceed annual sales goals. While I’m happy with my current position, working as a Digital Outreach Coordinator is more in line with my long-term career goals, and I feel that I would be an immediate asset to the team.

During my career at Peabody as a Sales Representative, I’ve demonstrated my ability to learn quickly and surpass expectations. I’ve developed an excellent talent for sales, honed my communication skills working closely with a diverse range of customers, and subsequently helped my department generate a 6% increase in profits this quarter.

Here, he describes starting out at the company two years ago and quickly mastering skills to contribute to sales goals, presenting demonstrable achievements.

Then, he presents evidence that he’s ready to work in the marketing department:

Additionally, this year I collaborated extensively with the Marketing Department to roll out a new line of kitchen products, giving me relevant hands-on experience with day-to-day marketing operations.

This paragraph describes his experience collaborating with his target department successfully, which shows hiring managers that he’d be quickly able to adapt to the new position.

3. Tie in your previous experience

Your goal is to convince an employer that you have the right qualifications to not only get the job done, but also exceed expectations.

To show employers your full value, showcase specific successes you’ve contributed to while on the job, the soft skills and hard skills you’ve learned, and how you’ve adapted over time.

This can mean slightly different things depending on whether you’re writing a cover letter for an internal job transfer, or an internal promotion cover letter.

Additionally, note any unique skills required of people in your desired position, and emphasize your competency in those areas.

4. Quantify your achievements at the company

Your managers and supervisors are already familiar with the work being done at the company. To make a cover letter that impresses them, be specific about your accomplishments.

To communicate your experience to management effectively, highlight your key relevant achievements, and back them up with hard numbers. Your goal is to quantify the contributions you’ve made to the company and its overall success.

Here’s how our sample applicant showcases their role in boosting sales:

During my career at Peabody as a Sales Representative, I’ve demonstrated my ability to learn quickly and surpass expectations. I’ve developed an excellent talent for sales, honed my communication skills working closely with a diverse range of customers, and subsequently helped my department generate a 6% increase in profits this quarter.

Quantifying your achievements is one of the best ways to demonstrate your qualifications in a digestible, interesting way, while also highlighting the role you played in the success of a given task.

5. Show your gratitude

When writing a cover letter for an internal position, you must make it clear that while you feel you’re suited to the new position, you’re also grateful for the opportunities you’ve had in your current role.

Do this by highlighting how you’ve grown since starting at the company. Showcase the hard skills you’ve picked up along the way, and be specific about how your current job has complemented your long-term career goals.

Here’s an example:

I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to lead new inter-departmental projects in my current role. As a result, I’ve grown tremendously as a marketer. The skills I’ve acquired align with the requirements for the Marketing Manager role and make me a qualified candidate. My dedication and well-rounded experience make me a perfect fit for this role, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the company’s continued success.

The employee in this example expresses gratitude for the opportunities they’ve had in their current role without over-emphasizing their gratitude (which may backfire and come off as weak or lacking confidence).

The example accomplishes the goal of showing the hiring manager that not only are they qualified for the new role or promotion, but they’re a loyal employee looking for opportunities to grow with the company.