How to Apply for an Internal Role: Cover Letter Examples for an Internal Position.

Whether you’re applying for a new role or a promotion in your current company, a cover letter can give you that crucial edge over your competition.

If your competitors are external candidates, a cover letter gives you an opportunity to show the hiring manager that you know the systems and ways of working – giving you a nice advantage. Or if you’re running mates are also internal, the right cover letter can leave a lasting impression, put you ahead of others, and allow you to get your foot further in the door.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of writing a cover letter for internal positions and give you some tips on how you can stand out from the crowd.

Do I need to include a cover letter when applying for an internal position?

If you’re applying for an internal position, you might not be required to include a cover letter with your CV. However, just because you’re not required to, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Instead, you can think of a cover letter as a way of supporting your position as a contender.

If you choose to include an internal cover letter, use it as a tool to demonstrate the skills and experience you’ve acquired in your time at the company. That way, you’ve covered all bases.

What to include in an internal cover letter.

When you’re writing a cover letter for an internal position, there are some key components you’ll want to include:

• Your name and contact information – It’s crucial that you’re reachable. So even if they already have your information on file, mention them to be on the safe side.
• An introduction – This should outline your current role and the internal position you are applying for.
• Relevant experience – This is where you show you’re the right person for the job. Talk about your accomplishments, how you’ve progressed in your current role, and how you want to develop. You can also use it as an opportunity to mention relevant experience from previous jobs they might not know about or remember.
• Closing remarks – As with every cover letter, you’ll need an appropriate ending. Reiterate your interest in the role, your availability to speak, and how you look forward to hearing from the interviewer.

How to write a cover letter for an internal position.

We’ve explored some of the key components of an effective cover letter, but when writing your own you’ll need to make sure you’re hitting all the key points.

1. Open with a compelling statement.

A strong hook will capture your reader’s attention and encourage them to keep reading. A compelling statement can also lay the foundations for your letter - first impressions are important for both writing and in-person meetings. Ultimately, you want to stand out from the crowd and doing it as soon as possible can be an effective way of achieving that.

2. Outline the value you’ve brought in your current role.

Even if the person reading your cover letter knows you well or has worked with you in the past, it’s never a bad thing to talk about the value you’ve brought to your current role. Showing your capability and your willingness to go above and beyond will paint you in a good light, and it infers that you will bring the same approach if you’re promoted or given a new position.

3. Include relevant experience and qualifications.

Depending on the internal role you’re applying for, your current position might not cover all the relevant experiences and qualifications needed. For example, in your working career you may have accumulated a wide range of experiences that would be relevant to the new role that your interviewer may not know about. Likewise, it’s important that the interviewer can quickly see a summary of your experiences should they need it.

4. Add an internal reference.

Chances are you’ve already made a good impression with your colleagues and the managerial team. Having a senior person within the company, even if they’re from another department, support you and your application can put you ahead of those who don’t have any support. Including a reference is a quick and easy way to show the interviewer just how impressive you are. On a side note, don’t forget to ask for permission before you put someone down as an internal reference.

5. Conclude with a thank you.

Manners cost nothing and can take you a long way. If you’ve already spoken to the interviewer, you may already have shared your gratitude for the opportunity, but it’s always nice to include a thanks in your cover letter.

Cover letter example for an internal position.

Below you can find an example of an internal cover letter.

Dear Hiring Manager,

In my three years as an operations manager, I’ve carefully built a thriving team that hits yearly targets year on year. However, I’m now eager to apply my skills, experience and dedication to a new challenge.

I’m writing to you to express my interest in the open position of Head of Operations. In my current role I’ve overseen large scale projects, worked with teams both in and outside the business and developed new processes that have been adopted by multiple departments in the company.

I feel I owe a lot of my success to my qualifications and my continuous approach to development. These experiences allowed me to build a strong foundation and approach challenges with a deeper understanding.

I’m excited about the opportunity to further my career with Sheds ‘R’ Us, and I am confident that my familiarity with our internal operations, coupled with my dedication and skillset, would make me a strong asset for this position.

If you’d like to speak with my current manager about my recent successes, you can reach them here: email@email.com

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Thomas Knight

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Good to know.

Do you need a cover letter for an internal promotion?

A cover letter isn’t always mandatory, especially for an internal promotion. However, a well-written, professional cover letter can show you’re willing to go the extra mile. Because of this, it can be an easy way to ensure you stand out from the crowd and can put you in a good light.

Will my manager know if I apply for a job internally?

Typically, it depends on your situation. If the company is small, it may be unavoidable that your manager finds out. Even if you work for a large company, it’s likely your manager will be asked to provide a reference. Generally, it’s better to be upfront with your manager and let them know you’re applying for another internal role.

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