- What should your internal job cover letter include?
- What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
- What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an internal job vacancy?
- How to write a cover letter closing
According to a recent Forbes article, 49.5 percent of U.S. employers plan to hire from within or promote current employees to fill roles, so there are plenty of internal job opportunities out there. Whether you’re seeking career progression, a fresh challenge, or relocation via an internal transfer, you’ll need a compelling cover letter that convinces your potential new boss to give you a shot.
Your internal job cover letter accompanies your resume and explains why you’re looking toward new horizons and what you plan to achieve. This is a great opportunity to showcase the valuable skills, experiences, and strengths you can bring to the job opening, along with a sprinkle of personality.
In this cover letter guide, along with the corresponding internal job cover letter example, we’ll look at exactly how to draft a cover letter that can get you interviews, including:
What should your internal job cover letter include?
What can you write in the introduction of the cover letter
What information can you give in the body of the cover letter
How to write a cover letter closing
What should your internal job cover letter include?
Ensuring your internal job cover letter explains your objectives and showcases the transferable skills and experience you can bring is key to making a great first impression. Keep your cover letter concise, highlighting your most impressive skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the job opening.
Your cover letter should include your contact information, details of the department you are applying to, the date, and a formal greeting. Following this, you’ll need an introduction that hooks the reader to read on and learn more about you. Next comes the main body section, detailing your relevant experience, key strengths and notable achievements, followed by the closing paragraph. We’ll go over these elements in more detail in the following paragraphs.
What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
Start your cover letter with a brief introduction that states who you are, the scope and scale of your relevant background, and your passion for pursuing the job opening. This doesn’t need to be a long introduction; two sentences is perfectly fine.
Dear Natalie Herring
In pursuing a new challenge in which I can leverage my background of more than 15 years with UPS in a leadership role, I was pleased to find the opening for a Feeder On-Road Manager. Eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity, I have enclosed my resume for your review.
What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an internal job vacancy?
The body of the internal job cover letter is where you expand on your skills, expertise, and accomplishments related to the specific job opening.
An effective approach is to break the information down into it three different sections:
Why you. Provide a synopsis of your work experience as it relates to the internal role. Outline your core responsibilities in a short paragraph and four or five stand-out achievements that align with the core objectives of your internal job opening. If you’re looking to get promoted to a management role, highlight any supervisory responsibilities. Think about the transferable skills you can bring and the benefit of having a full understanding of company mission, culture, and values as an existing employee.
Why here. Communicate your passion and commitment to staying with the organization by pursuing new challenges within the company. Employers never want to lose a talented employee as your unique knowledge of the business is a true asset. Hiring internally is also less time-consuming, stressful, and cost-effective, so it’s a win-win.
Why now. Storytelling is a great way to connect on a personal level with your new boss. What has prompted you to make this change in your career? Maybe you’ve achieved your goals in your current role but are looking to lead a team. Perhaps you’ve completed additional training and are keen to benefit the business by applying this in a different role. Conveying these goals will highlight your passion and commitment.
Get more in-depth advice on our blog: Looking for a creative cover letter?
Expert Tip
Per USA Today, always communicate with your existing boss once you’ve made the decision to pursue an internal job within your company. You don’t want them to think you’re going behind their back. Be positive during the conversation and thank them for helping you to learn and grow so you’re ready to pursue a new challenge.
Presently, as a Package Dispatch Supervisor (PDS), I serve as the lead PDS for the entire facility. In this role, I oversee two part-time associate dispatch supervisors and coordinate with on-road supervisors in handling dispatching and staffing functions. Additionally, I handle trends analysis, load adjustments, and other areas for ensuring streamlined, cost-effective deliveries. In previous roles as On Road Supervisor and Full Time Driver, I gained substantial on-road experience.
Further, I would bring the following strengths to your team:
Excellent communication, relationship building, labor relations and meeting management talents, with an authoritative yet accommodating personality in problem-solving and team coordination.
A proven ability to lead a lean, cost-effective operation through continual process analysis, expenditure tracking, and adjustments to budgeting.
A deep understanding of the ground transportation landscape, including diverse equipment / vehicle knowledge, and a broad understanding of internal and external transportation nuances.
My leadership skills are evidenced by my receipt of a Leadership Excellence award in 2021, a distinction presented to only a select few within the entire organization.
How to write a cover letter closing
The closing section of your internal job cover letter needs to persuade the hiring manager why they should give you a chance above others. Delivering a strong finish to your cover letter is therefore crucial. Keep this short and sweet for maximum impact. Here’s some inspiration:
Confirm the added value you will bring to the role. In one sentence, tell the reader what unique skills and qualities you will bring to the role and company: “Currently, I’m completing a Masters in Business Administration while working full-time, which I feel will be a great asset to the ABC management team.”
Include a Call to Action. Encourage them to take your resume to the next level: “I look forward to speaking with you and discussing more about the (Position Title) position. Note that I am available for immediate relocation.”
Here’s some more inspiration for the cover letter closing: Tips and examples for how to close a cover letter
Presently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Business Management while working full-time and look forward to utilizing the additional skills I am gaining from this education toward a UPS leadership role. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss this opportunity in detail. Note that I am available to relocate for this position. Thank you for your consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Bobby Herndon
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