- Career Advice
- Cover Letter
- Here’s how to write an effective cover letter for an internal position
Here’s how to write an effective cover letter for an internal position
Artwork by: Antonina Kasyanikova
- What to include in a cover letter for an internal job
- How to write a cover letter for an internal position
- 1. Explain your goals
- 2. Align your experience with the role
- 3. Share your achievements
- 4. Highlight your company knowledge
- 5. Provide a reference
- 6. Express gratitude
- Cover letter examples for an internal position or promotion
- Key takeaways
Do you want a new job with your current company? Or maybe you’re hoping to get a promotion? Knowing how to write a convincing cover letter for an internal position can boost your chances of landing the role.
When applying for an internal role with your current company, you might have an edge over external applicants. An impressive cover letter, however, can you set apart even more. Whether you’re looking to transfer to a new team or advance in the company, knowing how to write a cover letter for an internal position can be the key to your success.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a cover letter for an internal job or promotion. We’ll show you:
What to include in an internal cover letter
Tips for writing a great cover letter for an internal promotion
Examples you can use for guidance to write your letter
What to include in a cover letter for an internal job
A cover letter for an internal job follows the same format as a letter to a new employer. Your internal cover letter should include the following sections:
A header with your name and contact information, the date, and the recipient’s name
An introductory paragraph that states your current job title and the position you’re applying for
Body paragraphs explaining how the target job matches your skills, backed up by examples of your previous accomplishments with the company
A conclusion expressing your gratitude for being considered
How to write a cover letter for an internal position
A great cover letter for an internal job shows the hiring manager your value as an employee and your potential for success in a new role. Follow these tips for writing a cover letter for an internal position or promotion:
1. Explain your goals
For an internal cover letter, you usually don’t need to start with a formal introduction. Instead, briefly explain why you’re applying for the new position or promotion. Discuss how the target role aligns with the work you’re currently doing and your long-term career goals. Show the hiring manager how your ambition and drive make you an asset to the organization.
Expert Tip
Personalize the introduction
If you know you plan to apply for an internal role, discuss your intentions with the hiring manager. You can mention this discussion in the introduction to personalize your cover letter.
2. Align your experience with the role
In the body of your letter, discuss how your current role has equipped you with the right experience for the new job. Highlight the relevant responsibilities you’ve had or the successes you’ve achieved in your existing job. In addition, mention the transferable skills you’ve gained and explain how you plan to use them in a new role.
Tailor this part of your letter to the target role. For example, if you’re writing a cover letter for an internal promotion, you may emphasize the leadership skills you’ve developed or explain how you’ve taken on more responsibilities in your current role. If you’re applying for a job on a new team, you may focus on your adaptability or teamwork skills.
3. Share your achievements
A hiring manager wants to know how you will succeed in the new role, so share some achievements you’ve had while working for the company. Use data and numbers to support your accomplishments. Quantifiable metrics can prove the impact you’ve had as an employee and show the hiring manager what you’re capable of achieving in a new position.
When mentioning your past accomplishments, you can also include the soft skills you used to achieve them. These skills may include teamwork, attention to detail, or communication. For example, if you collaborated with cross-functional teams on a major project, highlight this achievement to show that you’re likely to work well with others in the new job.
4. Highlight your company knowledge
One of your biggest strengths as an internal applicant is that you already know a lot about the company. You’re familiar with the company’s culture, mission, and values, and you can weave those details into your cover letter to explain why you’re the right fit for the role.
Here’s an example:
In my current role, I’ve witnessed firsthand how team leads inspire others to do their best work and exceed expectations for customers, a core value of the company. I want to step into the role of a team lead to continue this commitment to excellence, using the relationship-building skills I’ve developed to motivate and lead others toward success.
Including this information in your cover letter is likely to convey a positive message to the hiring manager that you’re willing to learn and grow with the company. Your company knowledge may significantly increase your chances of landing the job.
5. Provide a reference
If there’s someone in your organization who can provide a referral for you, mention their name in the cover letter. For example, your manager may attest to your professionalism and work ethic. Their recommendation can go a long way, especially if the hiring manager is unfamiliar with your work.
A referral can also be a point of contact to confirm or corroborate some achievements you’ve mentioned in the cover letter, giving more transparency to your application. You can mention a referral in the introductory or closing paragraph of your cover letter. Include the person’s name, job title, a description of your relationship, and why they’re recommending you.
6. Express gratitude
End your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for considering you for the internal position. Briefly summarize your interest in the role, your relevant experience, and your goals. Include a call to action encouraging the hiring manager to contact you to discuss the next steps. Sign the letter with a professional salutation and your full name.
Cover letter examples for an internal position or promotion
Here are two cover letter examples you can copy and adapt for yourself when applying for an internal position or a promotion within your current company:
Elizabeth Jones 573-491-4739 [email protected]
May 1, 2024
Dear Janet,
At the advice and recommendation of Mary Woltham, I would like to apply for the role of customer support specialist at Brightmore Industries. Having worked as a sales representative at Brightmore for the past three years, my skills and interests closely align with the new job role.
While working in my sales role, I’ve deepened my relationship-building skills and become skilled in providing exceptional customer support. I have an in-depth knowledge of Brightmore’s suite of products and routinely answer questions from current and prospective customers, helping them choose the right products for their needs.
As a sales representative, I have:
Exceeded my sales quotas for eight consecutive quarters by using my communication and negotiation skills
Successfully retained 94 percent of new customers through effective support and personalized service
Been named Sales Member of the Month for my consistency and positive attitude
As Mary can attest, I have the right skills and aptitude for the job of customer support specialist. I am willing to discuss, in detail, how I can prove to be a suitable candidate for this new role with Brightmore Industries. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.
Yours truly, Elizabeth Jones
John Smith 847-147-4391 [email protected]
April 15, 2024
Dear Justine,
I would like to apply for the content manager position in the editorial department. In my current position as a copywriter, I have gained the necessary skills and expertise to succeed in this new role, and I am looking forward to a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to take my career to the next level.
During my two years of employment with Alberta Sims, I have created articles, blogs, social posts, and web content, which has helped our organization acquire more leads and improved the website’s click-through rate by 35%. I have also had the opportunity to mentor and train new team members, evaluate their work, and help them plan their workloads and priorities better.
With several ongoing, concurrent projects, I learned how to deliver quality work within tight deadlines and collaborate with subject-matter experts to create a content calendar for the company. Alberta even recently named me Copywriter of the Year, an honor I am extremely proud of earning.
I am passionate about mentoring high-performing teams and staying updated on all the latest search engine optimization rules and guidelines, which makes me an ideal candidate for the job. I look forward to discussing with you how my skills will prove useful for this job role. Thank you for considering my application.
Regards, John Smith
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Key takeaways
A cover letter for an internal position or promotion should focus on how your previous experience has prepared you for a new role.
In your cover letter, highlight your knowledge of the organization and emphasize your achievements in your current role.
Providing an internal reference can be a great way to prove your value to the organization.
Review some internal cover letter examples to get inspiration for writing your own letter.
