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

When you discover an internal position that excites you, it’s essential to approach your application with the same diligence as you would for an external opportunity. A well-crafted cover letter is crucial for this process. Understanding how to write a cover letter for an internal position or promotion can set you apart from other candidates.

In this updated article, we’ll guide you on how to write a cover letter for an internal role or promotion. We’ll provide a sample cover letter and share valuable tips to ensure your application stands out.

Key Takeaways

• Dedicate just as much effort to your cover letter for a promotion as you would for an external application—don’t assume your current status at the company guarantees you an advantage.

• Be specific about why you’re the ideal candidate for the role and articulate how your contributions would benefit the company in the new capacity.

• Your cover letter for an internal promotion should be concise, ideally one page long, focusing on essential details.

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

To create a standout cover letter, it’s vital to incorporate specific elements. These include (in order of appearance):

1. Date and Contact Information. Include your contact details, the date of submission, and the employer’s name, hiring manager, or recruiter’s information who will review your letter.

2. Opening Paragraph. Describe how your current role has prepared you for the new position. Mention the specific role and department you are applying to.

3. Body Paragraph. Provide a brief yet detailed overview of your current role, past experiences, and significant achievements within the company. Highlight both “hard skills” (technical abilities) and “soft skills” (interpersonal skills) that make you well-suited for the new role.

4. Closing Paragraph. Express gratitude for your current experiences with the company and for the opportunity to apply for this new role. Mention that the recipient can contact a trusted referral (with their prior consent) for additional insights about your candidacy.

5. Closing and Sign Off. Use a professional closing and include your signature if submitting a physical copy of the letter.

Cover Letter Example for an Internal Position or Promotion

With the guidance provided above, here’s a sample cover letter for an internal position or promotion:

Cover Letter for an Internal Position or Promotion Template

Use the following template to kickstart your cover letter. Remember to customize it to meet your specific needs before submitting it to your hiring manager or recruiter.

Tips for Writing a Promotion or Internal Cover Letter

Never take for granted that your internal experience guarantees you the position. Maintain a professional format when crafting your letter. Here are additional tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t Assume. Never expect to be chosen solely based on your internal experience. If you’re interested in a job opening, numerous other internal and external candidates may also be competing for it. Put forth your best effort with a polished application and cover letter.

• Be Truthfully Self-Promoting. A high-quality cover letter is your opportunity to convey why you’re the ideal candidate for the role without sounding boastful. Discuss your skills and accomplishments truthfully while avoiding excessive modesty.

• Don’t Take Your Cover Letter Lightly. Your cover letter, along with your resume, is crucial in determining which applicants advance to the interview stage.

• Stick to a Classic, Professional Format. Following a tried-and-true cover letter template helps create a clear and effective letter that resonates with hiring managers.

• Remember Brevity is Important. Hiring managers often juggle busy schedules and may review dozens or hundreds of applications. Aim to be concise while providing all necessary information to showcase your value. A cover letter exceeding one single-spaced page is likely too lengthy.

• Don’t Lie. Never falsify information in your cover letter or resume. This is even more crucial for internal positions, as hiring managers can easily verify your claims within the organization.

How an Internal Cover Letter Differs from a Standard Cover Letter

Drafting a cover letter for an internal position or promotion differs in several critical ways from a standard application for external candidates.

1. Cover Letter for Internal Position. When applying internally, the hiring manager likely knows your background, making it crucial to present accurate and relevant details.

2. Standard Cover Letter. For external candidates, employers typically lack familiarity with the applicant’s professional background, leading to a greater chance of exaggeration or misinformation.

Internal applicants have several advantages over external candidates, including:

• Utilizing specific contributions you’ve already made to the company.

• Including references who are trusted acquaintances of the hiring manager.

• Demonstrating an understanding of the company’s values and culture to your advantage.

These factors significantly increase the likelihood of your application being favorably reviewed and ultimately selected.

Cover Letter for Internal Position FAQ

1. Do you write a cover letter for an internal position?

   Yes, you should write a cover letter when applying for an internal position. A well-crafted cover letter sets you apart as a strong candidate for promotion and allows you to formally apply for the role.

   Your cover letter should discuss your experience, qualifications, relevant accomplishments, and interest in the new role.

2. How do I write a cover letter for a promotion?

   When writing a cover letter for a promotion, express your interest in the job and outline your qualifications. Even if your hiring manager knows your accomplishments, it’s essential to summarize them in one document to demonstrate your readiness for the new position.

   • Include your understanding of the company’s mission, needs, and the growth you’ve experienced in your current role.

     This reminds your employer of your history with the company, the contributions you’ve made, and your investment in its mission and goals.

   • Craft your cover letter for promotion as you would a regular cover letter, adding specifics to highlight the benefits of promoting an internal candidate over hiring externally.

   • The first paragraph should state your interest in the position, summarizing your career goals and any standout qualifications.

   • Your second paragraph should discuss your qualifications and experience in detail, incorporating measurable results when possible.

   • Your third paragraph should showcase your improvements in your current role since joining the company, relating them to the open position.

   • Your final paragraph should reaffirm your interest and suggest the next steps in the hiring process, concluding with gratitude before signing off professionally.

3. How do you start a promotion cover letter?

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

   Sending a cover letter internally implies you’ve discussed the position with your current or prospective hiring manager. They might expect your application, so it’s beneficial to clarify that this is your formal submission.

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

   Your cover letter should only span one page. Include only the necessary details pertinent to the position you are applying for, keeping it single-spaced.

5. Is a cover letter for a promotion necessary?

   Yes, a cover letter for a promotion is essential if the job requires one. Never assume you will receive a promotion simply for being an internal candidate. Your cover letter should maintain the same level of professionalism as if you were applying externally.

References

1. Harvard University – Resumes and Cover Letters

2. Broad Institute – Cover Letter for a Job

Author

Kate Swindlehurst

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.

Expert

Matt Warzel, CPRW, CIR

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.