If you’re looking to land a new job within your current company — whether that’s a promotion or a lateral transfer — you may have to write a cover letter for an internal position to formally apply for the role.
Skip to 2:40 in the video below to see our resident career expert Eva explain how to write an effective internal cover letter:
Now that you know the basics, keep reading to find our more about how to write a stellar internal cover letter so you can reel in that promotion you’ve been angling for.
If you’re applying for a new job in your company, you’ll probably also need a resume for an internal position.
Internal cover letter example
Here’s an example of a strong cover letter for an internal position:
Cover letter for internal position example (text version)
June 7, 2023
Jane Lasker
Senior Manager
Peabody Supplies Co.
jane.lasker@gmail.com
Dear Ms. Lasker,
As a loyal employee of Peabody, I’m excited to formally apply for the Digital Outreach Coordinator position in the Marketing Department. 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.
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.
I’ve read the requirements for the Digital Outreach Coordinator position thoroughly. Although I may have less experience than other candidates, I’m confident that the skills I’ve developed during my time at Peabody, as well as my passion for the work being done here, make me an ideal fit for the role.
I appreciate your time and consideration, and look forward to discussing this opportunity with you at your convenience. My supervisor is also happy to meet with you to elaborate on my performance in the Sales Department, and attest to my qualifications. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide, and I’d be happy to send it your way.
Sincerely,
Kevin Eskola
This sample cover letter for an internal position is effective because it’s concise, positive, and direct.
Kevin expresses gratitude for his current job, highlights his excellent performance, and then addresses how the new job plays into his career goals.
His transfer cover letter also shows management that he’s loyal, and goal-oriented enough to advocate for himself — both attributes of a strong employee.
Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.
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:
Cover letter for internal promotion example (text version)
June 7, 2023
Jane Lasker
Senior Manager
Peabody Supplies Co.
jane.lasker@gmail.com
Dear Ms. Lasker,
As a loyal employee of Peabody, I’m excited to formally apply for the Sales Manager position in the Marketing Department. 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.
During my career at Peabody as a Sales Representative, I’ve demonstrated my ability to learn quickly and surpass expectations. I’ve developed excellent sales skills, honed my interpersonal abilities, and subsequently helped my department generate a 6% increase in profits this quarter. Additionally, this year has given me the opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills, having successfully onboarded 4 new employees, and assumed management over a small direct sales team.
I’ve read the requirements for the Sales Management position thoroughly, and I’m confident that the skills I’ve gained in my time at Peabody, as well as my passion for the work being done here, make me an ideal fit.
I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity for promotion with you at your convenience. My supervisor is also happy to meet with you to elaborate on my performance in the Sales Department, and will attest to my qualifications. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide that will help you reach your final decision.
Sincerely,
Kevin Eskola
What makes Kevin’s cover letter for promotion stand out is the quick but convincing way he markets his strengths while asserting his qualifications for the target position.
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, Kevin 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.
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. Follow these five steps to show your employer you’re qualified for and deserve that role change.
1. Include all the right internal cover letter elements
If you’re going through the formality of writing a cover letter, it’s important to make sure you get the structure and formatting down to give a professional impression.
Here’s what you need on the page:
Submitting a flawless cover letter will impress your employer and show them that you’re taking the opportunity seriously.
Using a cover letter template can take away the stress of trying to format your cover letter properly and allow you to spend your time and energy on what matters most – the content.
2. Create 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. Show management that not only is hiring you easier, but also that you’d excel in the new position and are excited to grow along with the company.
Starting a cover letter the right way will catch management’s attention, and get them to start an honest conversation with you about your potential transfer or promotion.
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. Be specific
Management is already familiar with the work being done at the company. To impress 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.
Quantifying your accomplishments isn’t just important when writing your cover letter — it’s also the key to writing an outstanding resume. A good achievement-oriented resume can catch the hiring manager’s attention, and break down your skills in a more impactful way.
5. Show your gratitude
The last thing you want to do is give management the impression you’re only asking for a promotion or transfer because you want more money.
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.
This is a great opportunity to highlight how you’ve grown since starting at the company. Showcase the hard skills you’ve picked up along the way, and elaborate on 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.
Ultimately, your goal should be to show management that not only are you qualified for the new role or promotion, but you’re a loyal employee looking for opportunities to grow with the company.
However, avoid over-emphasizing your gratitude. You want to show management that you’re dedicated to the company, but still confident about your worth and qualifications.
While the two are often confused, a cover letter for an internal position differs from a letter of interest. A cover letter is prepared for a publicly advertised job opening. A letter of interest is a letter that you write for a job that isn’t being advertised or may not even exist right now.
