how to write an application letter for an internal job

Internal Position cover letter examples

Are you hoping to secure a new position within your existing company?

An internal move can be the perfect solution if you love the company but you want to progress in your career or try your hand at a different department.

Either way, you need to submit a persuasive application, and we’ve created the following guide, complete with several internal position cover letter examples to help you do just that.

CV templates 

Internal Position cover letter example 1

Internal Position cover letter example 2

Internal Position cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Internal Position cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write an Internal Position cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Internal Position cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.

This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you have opened the cover letter with a warm greeting, you need to explain which role you are interested in.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant could be managing over 10 vacancies, so it’s crucial to pinpoint exactly which one you are interested in.

Highlight the department/area if possible and look for any reference numbers you can quote.

These are some examples you can add..

• I am interested in applying for the role of *Internal Position* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.

Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.

So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Internal Position cover letter

Your Internal Position cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

• Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
• Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
• The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
• Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
• Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

Internal Position cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Internal Position cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you’re well.

I am delighted to submit my application for the open position of Finance Manager. With 7 years of experience overseeing the finance strategy development as Assistant Finance Manager, combined with my recent master’s in business administration, I am confident in my ability to excel in this elevated role.

Throughout my tenure at CFT Construction, I have successfully led the financial planning and analysis for our residential development unit, demonstrating expertise in advanced financial modelling and budgeting. My implementation of a streamlined financial reporting system in 2021 improved accuracy by 20%, while a new budgeting process reduced variance by 15% within the first year. I effectively guided the multinational management team through their EOY financial analysis as well as spearheading new training initiatives which excellent results, which I would continue in this more senior role.

I am deeply committed to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the company and believe that my specialised operational knowledge would make me a great asset in this role. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

All the best,

Jordan Teller ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

I am thrilled to apply for the position of Executive Secretary. With my 15+ years of service as an Administrative Secretary within the company and my NVQ Level 4 diploma in Business and Administration, I am confident that I can continue providing excellent secretarial support in this new role.

Having provided unwavering support to management professionals in both the healthcare and marketing industries during my career, I possess a diverse skill set, including project management, diary coordination, and expert transcription and proofreading abilities. Within Lead Marketing, I have contributed significantly, streamlining client follow-up systems, resulting in a remarkable 20% improvement in response time. Additionally, my implementation of an expense tracking system for the senior management team led to a remarkable 38% reduction in overspending.

As a dedicated and detail-oriented professional, I am eager to further contribute to the success of Lead Marketing in the capacity of Executive Secretary. I would love to discuss my vision for this role further in an interview when you have availability.

Thomas Stanley ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

I am excited to submit my application for the new role of Senior Fashion Buyer at our company, where I believe my proven track record, diverse skill set, and passion for fashion will make a significant impact.

With over 16 years of experience as a Fashion Buyer in the purchasing team, I have garnered extensive expertise in conducting market research, analysing sales trends, and sourcing products from vendors across Europe and the USA. My ability to curate merchandise assortments that align with the latest fashion trends and consumer preferences has consistently driven sales and profitability, as exemplified by the 15% sales increase and 12% reduction in online markdowns achieved through data-driven product selection. Additionally, my proficiency in supplier management and negotiation has fostered strong working relationships which has been recognised by my training contract with the customer service team.

I am eager to further discuss my accomplishments and strategic vision for Marks & Spencer’s as a Senior Fashion Buyer. I am available for interview at any time.

Sunni Carter ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing that Internal Position, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

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How to Write an Effective Internal Position Cover Letter and Resume

You have probably spent years working for your organization. You deliver outstanding results, meet company goals, and now you feel it’s time to advance into a different department or ask for a promotion. But how do you go about it? It’s easy to assume that you don’t need to submit an internal position cover letter and resume because your track record already speaks volumes.

However, that isn’t always the case. Whether you’re seeking a promotion or applying for a new departmental position, you must submit a cover letter and an internal position resume. Usually, this application centers on your current role and convinces the hiring manager and managerial staff that you are ready for the position. 

Find your bootcamp match

Keep reading to learn several tips and tricks that will guide you in writing a successful internal position cover letter and resume.

Internal Position Cover Letter Guide

Writing a cover letter for an internal position shouldn’t be as challenging because you already know the company dynamics. You only need to express your interest in the job and explain how you intend to transition into the new role. You can list a few of the significant achievements you have accomplished in your current role.

Why Does Your Internal Position Cover Letter Matter?

An internal cover letter is important because it positions you as a strong candidate for the role. Not every department manager knows your achievements and skills. Writing a cover letter to accompany your resume captures the hiring manager’s attention, giving you an upper hand.

Most people who apply for internal positions are highly qualified and deserving. A cover letter allows you to vouch for yourself and explain why you are the right pick for the job. You can showcase your contribution to the company and explain how your current role shaped you for the new position.

Essential Components of Your Internal Position Cover Letter

Internal position cover letters follow the same cover letter format as universal cover letters . However, the letter’s contents will focus more on your current position and not previous job opportunities. Here are the most significant components of an internal position cover letter.

• Contact information. You will include your contact information and the company’s information. In addition, you will add the date of your application. Your information allows the recruiters to give you feedback and the date proves that you submitted your application before the deadline.
• Salutation. You will address the letter to the hiring manager using their name. Luckily, because it is an internal job posting, you can find the hiring manager’s name. Using the official name makes the letter more personable and captures attention.
• Two or three body paragraphs. Start by expressing interest in the open position and highlighting your qualifications. The next paragraph covers how your capabilities align with the job opening. Include hard data to prove your achievements at the company. Finally, explain how you have grown in your current position and how your skills will contribute to your success in the new role.
• Conclusion. This paragraph concludes the letter by expressing gratitude to the hiring manager and prompting them to consider you for the next step of the hiring process. It should be about two to three sentences in length and conclude with a handwritten signature and formal closing, such as “kind regards” or “sincerely.”

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Internal Position Cover Letter

There are hundreds of tips when it comes to writing cover letters. However, writing an internal position cover letter requires more attention and knowledge of the company culture and products. Here are the five top tips to implement in your cover letter.

• Be professional. You may be a seasoned employee, but that doesn’t mean you can rely on your relationships at the company to get ahead. Don’t randomly throw in your boss’s name unless you’re using them for a recommendation. Write a formal letter like you would for an external position.
• Use insider knowledge. As an employee, you already know about the organization. Tailor your achievements to match what the company is looking for in a candidate. Highlight specific contributions and explain why they make you the right fit for the job opening. You can use figures and measurable outcomes to emphasize your point.
• Keep it short. Cover letters should be brief and to the point. Typically, your cover letter should be around 250-350 words, which is under one page. Only focus on meaningful information to make your cover letter captivating. Your resume will contain additional information.
• Speak highly of your boss. Always show gratitude and explain that your boss played a crucial role in preparing you for the new position. Keep in mind, the chances of the hiring managers reaching out to your boss for confirmation on your work are very high.
• Proofread your work. Don’t ever submit your job application before proofreading. Proofreading helps you correct grammatical errors and edit out unnecessary information. Your hiring manager will appreciate a well-crafted cover letter.

Internal Position Cover Letter Example

Now that you’re aware of the components and tips for writing a professional cover letter, you can go ahead and draft a few examples. But if you also need a practical example, here is a sample cover letter for an internal position.

Internal Position Cover Letter Sample

123 Street St., New York, NY

(123) 456 7890

[email protected]

November 20, 2021

Madeleine Woods

XYZ Creatives

321 Manhattan, New York

Dear Ms. Woods,

I am writing to formally express my interest in the Digital Marketing Manager position in the Sales and Marketing Department. I was ecstatic to learn about the role as it allowed me to showcase my leadership skills and long-term experience in digital marketing. I am currently working in the same department as an assistant sales manager.

When I joined XYZ Creatives in 2017 as a Sales Associate, my goal was to learn and contribute to the department and organization at large. Since then, I have gained extensive experience in online sales, digital marketing, and management. I have also risen to become an assistant sales manager, working under the most supportive department head.

My digital marketing expertise led to a 32 percent client growth and improved client satisfaction ratings. In addition, I joined a digital marketing bootcamp in 2020 to learn about analytical marketing skills, digital marketing tools, improving client loyalty online and in person, and more. I can use my knowledge and experience in the sales department to ensure client satisfaction and lay a firm foundation for the long-term success of digital marketing campaigns at XYZ Creatives.

I have attached my resume, which features all my notable achievements and skills. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss further the Digital Marketing Manager position and how to move XYZ Creatives forward. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you,

Internal Position Resume Guide

Although you submitted your resume when applying for your current role, you still need to write a new one for the internal position. Remember, you have made more strides in your career path and achieved new goals along the way, so you should update your resume to reflect those accomplishments. Keep reading for tips on how to write a winning resume .

Why Does Your Internal Position Cover Letter and Resume Matter?

An internal position resume allows you to add the new achievements and skills that you developed while in your current position. For example, you may have attended a coding bootcamp or contributed severally to the success of various company initiatives. Adding these achievements to your resume makes you a strong contender for the position.

Whether you’re seeking an opportunity for a promotion or applying for a new position, hiring managers always expect a fresh resume. An official application process places you in the same position as external candidates, meaning all your application materials are necessary.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Furthermore, internal resumes allow you to use specific client names, programs, and initiatives that the hiring manager is familiar with. You can include reviews from your colleagues and department manager to prove that you are the ideal candidate. A specific and detailed resume will demonstrate how you’ve made an impact on the company since you were first hired.

Essential Components of Your Internal Position Resume

Unlike typical resumes, resumes for an internal position focus more on your career paths within the company. All you’re doing is adding to an already submitted resume while focusing on relevant achievements, skills, and goals. However, you need to write a new one and include these essential components.

• Contact information: The header features your full name and contact information. You will include your phone number, physical address, email address, and professional profile, such as LinkedIn. This section also allows you to upgrade your information if you have moved within the employment period.
• Professional summary. You must write a new professional summary to demonstrate your growth within the company. This section features your career objectives and an overview of your professional life within the organization.
• Work experience. In an internal resume, this section focuses on your duties and achievements within the company. However, if your previous experience from a different employer is relevant to the position, it is essential to add that to your resume. Alternatively, if you don’t have extensive experience working for the company, you can also rely on previous experience.
• Education. Your education history is significant because it helps the hiring manager determine whether you’re the right candidate for the role. Add relevant education history to this section.
• Skills. This section is where you get to brag a little and showcase your skills. Note down previous skills and all the skills you learned as an employee of the company. These can include technical skills and soft skills that are relevant to the position.
• Additional sections. These sections include the hobbies and interests you picked up, courses, awards, certifications, memberships, and other relevant information. These sections are not mandatory, but they can help boost your resume and place you ahead of other internal candidates.

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Internal Position Resume

Your resume can make or break your application. Generally, hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes, and many lack the patience to understand a poorly written resume. Here are five essential tips to guide you in writing your internal position resume to avoid such instances.

• Write a new resume. When writing a resume for an internal position, it is advisable to write an entirely new resume instead of editing your previous resume. You will need to add new skills, achievements, and promotions. In addition, writing a new resume shows that you are serious about the job application.
• Change your professional summary. Altering your summary is important because, over the years, your career aspirations and goals will change. You will achieve your career objectives and develop new ones, making your previous professional summary irrelevant. In addition, your professional summary must align with the target position.
• Use keywords. Hiring managers seek the services of resume scanning software to select the best resumes. These scanners detect specific keywords set by the managers and separate the resumes accordingly. To ensure your resume is prioritized, go through the job description and include relevant keywords within your application.
• Focus on your internal achievements. Demonstrate your accomplishments as a hard-working employee, team player, and leader. If the hiring manager is impressed by your hard work and commitment as a loyal employee, you will likely become the best candidate for promotion.
• Adapt the company language. As an employee, you already understand the company culture. That means you can use company language in certain sections of your resume. For example, if your employer is focused on client satisfaction and mentoring as the key company goals, ensure you strategically add these words to your resume.

Internal Position Resume Examples

If you have a hard time drafting the perfect internal position resume, you can use resume builders, which feature templates and resume samples. We have also outlined two resume examples to guide you during the writing process. One focuses on the skills section and the second one features a full resume template for internal positions.

Internal Position Resume Sample: The Skills Section

While the specific skills included in this section may vary based on the keywords mentioned in the job description, below are some of the typical qualifications professionals tend to have within their documentation.

• Data analysis, content creation, SEO, and CRM, which are requisite skills in digital marketing
• Excellent sales skills to enhance client growth and loyalty
•   Adept leadership skills demonstrated through timely deliveries in the sales department
• Interpersonal skills to maintain solid client relationships and the marketing team
• Project management skills to facilitate professional development opportunities
• Knowledge of Semrush, Google Analytics, Hubspot, WASK, and Act-On

Sample Internal Position Resume Template

Phone Number, Email Address

LinkedIn Profile

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Write a captivating summary that will capture the reader’s attention. In 2-3 sentences, express a bit of your personality, experience level, achievements within the company, and career objectives.

WORK EXPERIENCE

List your work experience using bullet points and in chronological order. Remember to include all your promotions (if any) and responsibilities. You can also list your key achievements below each role.

Company, City, State

Dates Employed

• List responsibilities

Key Achievements

• List relevant achievements

List your education starting with the highest degree. If you advanced your education after receiving employment, state that clearly in this section. You don’t have to add high school information if you have a university degree.

List all the relevant skills using bullet points. Remember to tailor these skills to match the job opening. You can refer to the section above.

CERTIFICATIONS AND AWARDS

List all your certifications and awards. You can skip this section if you don’t have any certifications or awards.

Internal Position Resume Template Resources

• Microsoft . Microsoft offers different resume templates for internal company promotions and transfers. They are downloadable word documents that you can tailor to suit your application.
• Template.net . This site features several resume templates for different career fields. You will find internal position templates for sales managers, audit directors, communication managers, and more.
• Indeed . This popular job search platform also offers resources on writing a strong resume. There are templates, tips, and examples for writing your internal position resume. 

Importance of an Internal Position Cover Letter and Resume

An internal position cover letter and resume are essential for the organization and employees. These application materials make the process more credible because all internal candidates follow the same application process. In addition, you have the opportunity to showcase your demonstratable success and contributions to the company.

Internal Position Cover Letter and Resume FAQ

Your cover letter should focus inward, highlighting your contributions to the current company. You will include measurable outcomes of your work and the relevant experience that makes you the ideal candidate for the position.

Yes. A resume is mandatory when applying for an internal promotion or transfer. Writing a fresh resume allows you to include any relevant achievements, skills, and education certificates you attained after your employment. These additions make a significant difference in your job application.

An internal position cover letter is less detailed compared to a resume. Your cover letter offers a brief introduction of your interest in the position and why you are the right candidate. It also highlights significant achievements and skills, whereas a resume gives a more detailed overview of your work experience and broader career plans.

The best way to apply for an internal position is to submit a well-crafted cover letter and resume, expressing your interest in the position. Leverage your skills, achievements, and contribution to the company to prove that you are the right fit. Once your application is submitted, you can send a follow-up a few days or weeks later, depending on the feedback timeframe.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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How To Create A Cover Letter For An Internal Position

In This Guide:

Cover letter for internal position template, setting the tone, connect your experiences and skills.

Show Gratitude (It's Not About Me, Me, Me)

You've worked hard, put your time in, but now you're looking for something more.

Your dedication and patience have paid off because now you found a new position that you know that you're qualified for.

And best of all: It's inside the company that you're working at.

After seeing how hard you work, your manager may have tapped you on the shoulder for a promotion. Your leadership skills make you the ideal candidate for a management position, and now you need your cover letter to reflect that.

Or maybe you have the drive and ambition to go further than the current position that you're in. You've seen a job opening in another department at your company, and you want to throw your hat in for the position.

Whether you're being promoted or looking for a job that better suits you, your cover letter needs to show that you will excel in the new position that you're applying for.

You have a major leg up on the rest of the competition because you already know the people, vision, and values of the company that you're applying for.

You have your foot in the door, and now all you need to do is pry it open a little more and step in.

We can help you with that.

In this article, you'll learn:

• How to set the tone for a cover letter for an internal position.
• How to connect your experiences and skills to the position that you're applying to.
• How to quantify your achievements at your current job.
• How to show gratitude to your current manager, team members, and the organization for which you work.

While I've got you here, if you're looking to create a cover letter which will wow any hiring manager, Enhancv has over 500 examples of professional cover letters to gain information from.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Dwayne J. Nicole

Marketing Analyst

312-456-5555

[email protected]

Linkedin.com/in/dwayne-nicole

Chicago, April 18, 2022

Bryanna Bartlett

Senior Marketing Director

Northern Electric, Inc.

450 Pullman Road

Chicago, Illinois

Dear Mrs. Bartlett,

As a loyal employee of Northern Electric, I am excited to be interviewing for the position of Marketing Manager in the North-east region. I have worked under Shawn Tuttle for the last few years as a marketing analyst. Shawn has mentored me in the role of customer relationship management for the last three years, and I have grown leaps and bounds in my understanding of how to properly market and sell the products of Northern Electric. I am truly grateful that Shawn has recommended me for this promotion, and I also feel confident that I can excel in this role and help to provide future growth to the company.

I have been with the company for over 10 years, starting out on the sales team. I pride myself on my ability to learn quickly, and I have developed excellent communication skills, with both customers and team members. As well, I create a great rapport with the customers with whom I spoke, making sure that their needs were covered, which can be easily seen in my customer satisfaction which is 97%.

In the last three years working under Shawn, I've gained experience overseeing sales teams, and as a result of my work I have seen my sales team produce a 5% increase in profits this quarter. In fact, under my leadership, we saw sales of our new line of PLC computers grow by almost 10%. Throughout this time, one of the things that differentiated me from other marketing analyst team leaders was that I promoted a holistic view of customer relationships, utilizing Customer Relationship Management software. I gained a special understanding of how to turn inbound leads into clients, all the while prioritizing the needs of the clients.

I've read the job description for the marketing manager of the North-eastern region, and I believe I will excel in the position because I have already performed many of the requirements found within. I have filled leadership positions, and I excelled because I chose a servant leadership model, one in which I chose to lead from the front and take into consideration the needs of other team members.

Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my application. My supervisor will be happy to meet with you to shed light on any of the items that I mentioned in this cover letter. Please reach out to me if you need more information about my work experience and technical skills. I would be happy to help with anything that you need.

Dwayne Nicole

Writing a cover letter for an internal position is like reuniting with an old friend.

You are a known entity within your organization .

Good for you! That first step of networking is already out of the way!

It may be even better if you are applying for a new position within your organization which is overseen by your current manager.

And even if you don't have a relationship with your hiring manager, you will have made a name for yourself within the organization. They will know of you, even before you apply for the job.

But before you jump into writing your cover letter, the tone that you use for your letter is incredibly important. Check out the tips below to help craft a cover letter which hits the mark:

Keep The Tone Professional

One of the most important things to keep in mind when writing a cover letter is that it is a formal letter.

An article in the Atlantic states that a cover letter's main purpose, from when it was first introduced in the US in the 1930's, was "to paint a picture that might not easily emerge from the denser material that was, well, under cover."

What a cover letter does is show the hiring manager that you are the most capable, dependable person for the position.

If you want to show that you are the most capable person for the position, keep the tone fairly professional by using these methods:

Properly Format Your Cover Letter Header

By including a properly formatted cover letter header, you show you view this document as a formal, professional letter. Even if you are simply dropping the letter off in your manager's office, be sure to include information like:

• Personal information: your name, your email address, phone number,
• The date you are writing
• The hiring managers information: their name, position in the company, and the address of your company.

If you'd like to see more examples of how to format your cover letter header, check out this article on Enhancv which provides examples and solutions to create a properly formatted cover letter header.

Keep The Body of The Letter Professional

Remember, a cover letter is a document that is addressed to a specific person, usually the hiring manager. Even if you know the hiring manager from your current position, try to keep informalities out of the writing.

Also, try to avoid negative comments about your current manager.

Use Your Cover Letter To Tell a Story

The dominant tone of your cover letter should be geared towards an exploration of your story , with an emphasis on what makes you exceptional, and the ideal candidate to fill this position.

It's hard to sell ourselves. Even those whose current role is in the sales and marketing field may have a difficult time with sharing about what makes us unique.

Many of us have been told from when we were little we shouldn't brag about ourselves.

But I'll tell you that when writing a cover letter, the most important thing you can do is share about your accomplishments, how you've grown as a leader and gained technical skills and abilities.

It's not bragging to explain where you excelled in your position.

Soft Skills Vs. Hard Skills

Soft skills.

Soft skills involve people skills, like communication, leadership, and any habits which make you work better in a team. When you are applying for a promotion, highlight the soft skills that you've gained through your current position, especially those that involve leadership.

Soft skills to promote in your cover letter include:

• Your ability to collaborate within teams
• Your public speaking ability
• Your ability to problem solve
• How you manage your time
• Leadership skills
• Your ability to adapt

Check out this article if you’d like find descriptive words to describe yourself:

The Best Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Hard Skills

Alternatively, hard skills are technical skills which you gain through years of experience working in your field, as well as skills that you've gained through school or other courses. If you're considering transferring to another department, highlight relevant technical skills which would make you the perfect fit for that department.

Although hard skills completely depend on the field within which you work, let's look at one example which can help you understand which hard skills to promote. If you are an IT security manager, some hard skills that you could promote include:

• Your knowledge of cloud computing
• How you visualize and create virtual images or maps
• Your experience with IT Security management software
• Your understanding of enterprise architecture management

Highlight Soft Skills For A Promotion

When you write a cover letter for a promotion, you should highlight your experience in a leadership role. Provide examples from your current job of when you've managed teams of colleagues.

Point to quantitative results that you've shown as a leader of a team. If you’ve seen a major sales profits increase while you were the team leader, mention that you were the one leading, encouraging, and facilitating the growth of your team members throughout the process.

Here are some examples which you can use for your cover letter:

• If you were the team lead for a sales team and you saw sales increase in one quarter 6%, highlight those results in your cover letter.
• If you introduced new software which allowed your team to better collaborate on projects, as well as introducing everyone to that software, mention the percentage of people that adopted the software into their regular, everyday work.

Promote Hard Skills for a Transfer

When you're moving laterally within a company, moving from one department to another, you should consider highlighting hard skills that you've learned in your current position, which are transferable to another department.

Transferring is typical within the IT industry, and many of the skills you gain in one position can be transferred to another department.

For example, if you were working in the IT field and you wanted to get to the cyber security field, there are a lot of skills that you may have gained along the way which could be promoted in a cover letter:

• Mention any courses that you've taken throughout your time working in the IT field. Specifically, if you've learned specialized cyber security software, mention the software by name.
• Highlight the role that you may have played in addressing the company's need for greater security of cloud computing programs.

Show Gratitude (It's Not About Me, Me, Me)

In your cover letter, try to give credit to where credit is due. If you're mentioning your current supervisor, highlight the ways in which they have played a major role in making you into the person you are today.

Every single person on this earth can owe their success to a select number of people in their life.

Show gratitude to those that have helped you.

Also, a cover letter is written to a specific person, and therefore, shows some gratitude to the person who is reading the cover letter. Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to read through your cover letter. Ask them if they need any more information from you.

If you're interested in learning more about how to end your cover letter, check out this article on how to end your cover letter .

• Keep the tone of your cover letter professional by including a properly formatted cover letter header.
• When transferring to a new position in your company, use hard technical skills that you've learned to prove your competency.
• When writing a cover letter for promotion, highlight the soft skills that you've learned, like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Show gratitude to your current manager as well as the hiring manager whose reading the document.

Creating a cover letter from scratch isn’t easy. We totally get it! So why not let us help you? At Enhancv, we have a custom Cover Letter Builder which you can use to create the perfect cover letter for an internal position.

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• Internal Position

Internal Position cover letter example

Cover letter header

Cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter middle part (body), how to close a copywriter cover letter (conclusion and sign-off).

When you are applying for an internal position, you might not think that you need a cover letter as everyone knows you, but as you will likely be going up against external applicants it is useful to submit a comparable cover letter and resume. Your internal position cover letter may blow the others out of the water, but you still need to make your case.

This cover letter example and guide will look at the essential aspects of writing an internal position cover letter. What should you emphasize when you are up against both internal and external applicants? Write it as if you would for any other job, but with enough insider advantages to give you the edge. Here is what we will cover:

• How to structure the internal position cover letter – what to include
• How to weave your story in the intro, middle part and conclusion
• Common mistakes to make – don’t fall into these traps

Resume.io shares over 180 cover letter examples and professional guides that offer tips and advice for job seekers. Our examples are relevant to any internal position in any industry. Just make it hyper company specific and the hiring manager will stick closer to home.

Best format for an internal position cover letter

The format of an internal position cover letter should not differ from a normal cover letter. You are not asking for special privileges because you are an internal applicant – you simply want to prove that you are the best person for the job. Therefore, the playing field should be level. The typical format should include:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (the body)
• The final paragraph of your cover letter

You should not only tell your current employment stories in your cover letter – there may well be previous experiences that could be useful for your new internal job. Mix it up. Your employers will know about your current accomplishments, but it may well be that your previous achievements add to your application more than you might think. You are applying for a new role, after all, so you need to think about all the new requirements.

Look at our comprehensive cover letter guide for more general advice on writing the cover letter – pick some of the functions that are closest to what you do.

The internal position cover letter samples below may offer some ideas.

The header of an internal position cover letter should be practical with a basic design. You do not need to impress your employer with formatting and visual tricks – they know you. You do, however, still need to include your full name, personal (not work) email address and your personal (not work) mobile number. It is important to ensure equality for all job applicants, so any attempt at currying favor should be avoided. You are just another applicant, but an applicant with an insane amount of relevant experience. See the cover letter header on our internal position cover letter example for more ideas.

Goal of the cover letter header: Include your contact details in the cover letter header as well as the resume. Keep work contact details off your internal position cover letter.

There is no chance that you can get this section wrong. Some applicants may not know the identity of the hiring manager and wonder what they should write in the cover letter greeting, but for an internal position it is clear. Always stick with the more formal “Dear” rather than addressing the hiring manager by their first name, though. Your cover letter is still a formal employment document, so it should retain a certain sense of distance and respect. Check out the greeting from our cover letter example below.

Goal of letter greeting: Get the spelling right and use their surname rather than first name. The interview might be informal, but your internal position cover letter should not be.

Dear Ms. Tilling,

The introduction should hit hard at the value that you will bring to your new role. Justify the move with your previous successes, but you will also likely have a host of new responsibilities so show that you possess other skills from previous roles and projects to ensure success. It is good if you can surprise the hiring manager: “Oh, I didn’t know that they had done that?!” Sharing your motivation for the move is an important consideration as starting a new position will not be easy and require significant efforts. See the introduction from our cover letter example below.

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Share why you fit the role, be hyper-specific if possible, and consider any core motivations for the new move.

I would like to apply for an internal position as department manager in Home Galore’s new Long Island location. I have been working at the Powlson store for the past five years (with two as homewares department manager) and would be interested in the new store as it is 50 minutes closer to my home.

The middle part, or body, of an internal position cover letter is where you need to share your most relevant examples. It doesn’t matter if they are from your current employer or a previous role – you simply need to prove that you are the best applicant. It does help to hint that you have insider knowledge and the associated benefits, but do not solely rely on this.

Share some personality with a hiring manager that might not know you so well and make sure that you drop a name or two in terms of people who know you well and can give a good character reference. Minimizing risk is important in recruitment, so if a hiring manager can have a chat about you to someone who knows you well, it will improve your chances. Below you’ll find the middle part of our cover letter sample.

Goal of the cover letter middle part: Show just how seamlessly you would fit in, share some previous experiences that might be unknown and offer a hint of personality.

I would enjoy the opportunity of working on a new store start-up and know a few of the new management team. Peter Harrison has told me to write a letter to signal my interest in the internal move and I also have the approval of my current boss Heather Witt. I have a track record in developing and training employees across all departments and realize that with 75 percent new employees, this would be an essential activity. Having a core of department managers with company experience is critical for success. Taking on an internal position as department manager would also facilitate cooperation across local stores. I know the regional management teams well and would feel comfortable in leveraging diverse expertise from across the company. There are various merchandising challenges that need to be considered in such a big store and as the seasonal category comes under homewares, I have specific ideas of how we might run promotions. My summer seasonal sales were the best out of the entire company last year.

The close of a cover letter would normally be a call to action for an interview, but as an internal position applicant you know that this is guaranteed. It would therefore seem strange to say that you hope to get an interview, but not that you are looking forward to finding out more. The close of a cover letter is also a great chance to drop one more name who is sure to give you a glowing reference. You’ll find the conclusion of our cover letter sample below.

Goal of the conclusion: Close on a positive note and say that you are looking forward to the next steps. Ask your referee before you mention their name in the cover letter.

I would welcome the chance to meet the new management team and I understand that Heather Witt has already composed a letter of recommendation. Sincerely, Taylor Bartley

Mistakes to Avoid in an Internal Position Cover Letter

While the content of your internal position cover letter might make it clear that you are the right person for the role, there are a few mistakes that could crop up to derail your application. They are all quite basic, but don’t relax. Check and double check for accuracy.

• Grammatical and spelling errors: Typos and grammar errors are easily avoided by using an online checker such as Grammarly. Lack of attention to detail is a bad sign in most roles, so don’t rush the application assuming that the job is yours anyway.
• Use company where possible: While you might write other cover letters in a certain tone, adopt the language and tone that you would use in all internal correspondence. You don’t need to “seem” like one of the family, you are one of the family.
• Keep it formal: While most internal email correspondence may verge on the informal side, the application could be viewed by any number of senior management, so keep the register formal. Your language will always be compared to external applicants.

An attractive and well-organized cover letter helps the hiring manager see you as the most promising choice. If you don’t have time to fuss with the formatting, consider using a professionally-designed cover letter template.

Key takeaways

• Apply to an internal position like you would any other role
• Follow the job description carefully – include information from past roles
• Speak the language of your company, but keep it on the formal side
• Drop names of internal people who are happy to put in a good word for you

Check out our other related cover letter examples for even more writing and formatting tips:

• Career change cover letter example
• Volunteer cover letter sample

Free professionally designed templates

How to write a cover letter for internal position

Cover letter for internal position.

Writing a cover letter for an internal position is slightly different from a traditional cover letter for an external job application, as you already work within the company. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective cover letter for an internal position:

Cover letter Format for internal position

Please note that you should customize this template to match your specific situation, the internal position you’re applying for, and your own experiences and qualifications. Be sure to emphasize how your current role has prepared you for the new position and how you can contribute to the company’s continued success.

Sample Cover Letter Templates

Cover letter for promotion

Promotion cover letter examples, seeking a promotion within the same department.

Seeking a Cross-Departmental Promotion

Click Here for Cover letter templates

Seeking an Executive-Level Promotion

Remember to customize these templates to your specific situation, ensuring that you highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications for the promotion you are seeking.

In conclusion, a cover letter for a promotion should be a concise yet compelling document that showcases your accomplishments, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the new role. By addressing the above key points, you can present a strong case for why you are the ideal candidate for the promotion and leave a positive impression on your employer. Remember to customize your letter to your specific situation and the position you are seeking.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internal Position and Examples

Whether it’s for a role in a department you’ve been hoping to join, or another role within your team, an internal...

Whether it’s for a role in a department you’ve been hoping to join, or another role within your team, an internal job application should emphasize why you’re the best fit for the role. To do this, you need to make the most of your cover letter. 

Being a part of the company doesn’t necessarily place you above external applicants. While you have valuable company knowledge, you still need to put as much effort into your application as you would when applying for a job externally.

So yes, you do need to include a cover letter for your internal job application. In fact, 47% of recruiters consider cover letters essential for internal roles. And as many as 45% of hiring managers read the cover letter before the resume. So it’s your chance to make a strong first impression.

“The key to standing out is not to assume that your work speaks for itself. In addition to performance metrics, showcase your softer skills like effective communication, leadership, and adaptability. 

“Draw attention to instances where you've proactively solved problems or helped to streamline processes. 

“Your cover letter and interview should together paint a picture not just of a competent employee, but of a forward-thinking, proactive leader,” says Danilo Godoy , Founder, Wahojobs .

In this article, you’ll learn how to write the perfect cover letter to help you land that internal role, and review examples from our cover letter generator that’ll save you time spent writing a cover letter from scratch. Let’s get to it. 

Our Top Tips for Writing an Internal Cover Letter

You’re looking to position yourself as a strong candidate with a thorough understanding of the organization and requirements of the role. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when crafting your internal cover letter to help you stand out from the competition.

Step 1: Apply for the role like you would any other

You might be applying for an internal role, but that doesn’t mean you should be lax with your application. You need a memorable cover letter that includes all the key points you’d outline in an external job application, such as:

• Why you’re interested in the role
• Any notable achievements and career successes
• Your personality traits that make you a good fit for the team

Step 2: Start on a strong note

Avoid saving the best for last when writing a cover letter . Hiring managers are pressed for time, so pay special attention to your introduction. This is where you’ll catch their attention. Here are some tips for making a great first impression in your cover letter intro : 

• Introduce yourself with your current job title and state the role you’re applying for.
• Share your career goals and passions that align with the requirements of the role you are applying for.
• Mention any relevant qualifications and achievements.

Step 3: State your transferable skills and knowledge

State the skills you’ll bring from your current role that can be applied to the new position, and the relevant knowledge you possess that makes you a great candidate. Showcase your value and highlight your commitment to growth, both for your role and for the company at large.  

If you can show them that you have skills and knowledge that can be used to fulfill the new role quickly and efficiently. This puts you ahead of the competition. 

Step 4: Use your company knowledge to your advantage

You already know how your employer operates, and likely have insights into how this role fits into the broader business. Use this knowledge to your advantage by stating how your skills can solve specific pain points and achieve core business goals. 

By explaining your familiarity with company processes, you’ll demonstrate how much easier it will be for them to onboard you into the new role.  

Hiring managers often favor internal candidates for new positions . Here’s why:

• If you already know how the company processes work, onboarding and training times are shorter. 
• Internal hires are more cost-effective (costing as much as 1.7x less than external candidates) and come with a reduced time-to-hire. That’s because of the time and money it takes to advertise new roles and conduct background checks and any other vetting procedures. 
• Your track record is already easily accessible, and you have already integrated into the company culture.

Step 5: State the name of a colleague who is willing to vouch for you

Another great tip is to include a colleague as a reference to vouch for your work ethic and impact. This could be your manager or co-worker. Hiring managers often need to contact suitable references when vetting candidates. What’s better than someone already working for the company? 

Important note: Speak to your manager about your intention to apply for the new position. This shows integrity and maintains honesty and professionalism throughout the hiring process. Once your manager or supervisor is on board with your decision, they will be an invaluable reference and can support you throughout the application process. 

Cover Letter for an Internal Position Example 

Here’s a professional cover letter example you can adopt to speed up your application process.

Why Does This Cover Letter Work?

The cover letter example provided above creates a solid backbone for an application.  

• It starts with an exciting introduction showcasing the eagerness of the applicant to apply for the new role. 
• It states key and quantifiable achievements in the applicant’s current role to highlight the value they bring to the table. 
• It states the applicant's specific transferable skills that make them fit for the new role.
• It states how the applicant is upskilling to prepare for the new role. 
• It states a key organizational goal and how the applicant’s skills can be useful. This is a great example of how to use your knowledge of the company to your advantage. 
• It includes the name of an insider who can vouch for the applicant, serving as a vote of confidence. 

With our AI cover letter builder and wide range of ready-made, easily customizable templates, applying for that internal role is much easier.

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

Internal cover letters differ slightly from those written for external roles but still follow many of the same principles. 

1. Follow the Best Practices for a Standard Cover Letter Format

A standard cover letter format includes six core elements: the header, salutation, opening statement, main body, closing statement, and an official sign-off. 

The job post should explain whether to include your cover letter as an attachment or as a document. You will usually be guided on file format, but if there is no information provided in the job ad, a PDF is usually best.

• Spacing : Leave a paragraph space under the heading, intro paragraph, main body text, and conclusion. 
• Font : Ensure that your cover letter and resume use the same type of font and size. Your cover letter needs to be easily readable and meet the requirements for applicant tracking systems (ATSs). In most cases, this will be point 12 font size, and a standard font such as Calibri or Times New Roman.
• Length : Cover letters should never be longer than one page. Your letter should fall somewhere between 250–400 words, broken up into paragraphs for easier reading.

Don’t forget to proofread your letter thoroughly. Spelling and grammatical errors make you look unprofessional.  

2. Start With a Compelling Opening Statement

Your cover letter introduction or opening statement should capture the hiring manager’s attention. 

Since this is an internal position cover letter, begin by expressing how excited you are to apply for the new role. Explain how you’ve been preparing for a career pivot while working in your current position. 

Experts advise you to: 

“Show how your current role has prepared you for this new job, or what extra insights or skills you bring to the table as an internal applicant that give you an advantage over any external hires they’re considering. It can also be valuable to show ways that you’ve made an impact on the company in your current role, or highlight some key accomplishments that demonstrate your value and past successes as an employee.” — Matt Erhard , Managing Partner at Summit Search Group

Your opening statement can also begin with highlighting a specific pain point the organization hopes to solve through the new role and how your skills position you as the best person to solve the problem. 

“I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Full Stack Developer position at Sparkles Limited. As a current Full Stack Engineer at Sparkles Limited, I have had the opportunity to work on various projects and contribute to the company’s success. I am excited about the possibility of taking on a more senior role and continuing to make a significant impact on the development of innovative software solutions.”

3. Highlight the Impact You’ve Made 

Emphasize your value and the difference you’ve made in the organization. This will help you stand out as a candidate. Talk about what you’ve achieved in your current role and how that makes you a great choice for this new position. 

To start, explain the skills, methods, and tools you used to get the required results. Wherever possible, quantify your results with data to make a strong case for how your work contributes to overall business goals. 

“During my time at Sparkles Limited, I have been involved in the development of APIs in .NET Core, impacting thousands of students and internal users. I have also implemented software principles such as SOLID and Clean Code, which have been adopted by the entire team.” 

Add Some Real-Life Results

To emphasize the impact of your abilities, ensure you add real-life results and data. This could demonstrate how you helped exceed a set target in your current role or how you helped save costs and get even better results than planned. 

By stating real-life results and outlining how they impacted the business bottom line, the hiring manager can see how much value you already bring to the table. It also encourages them to think about how much more the business can benefit from your involvement in the new role. 

“Additionally, I have contributed to the development of mobile applications using React-Native and C# and have provided documentation and support to facilitate the work of my colleagues.”

Experts agree. Matt Erhard , Managing Partner at Summit Search Group , had this to say:

“Provide specific, measurable proof of your impact as an employee thus far. The more tangible data that you can point to showing the value you bring to the company, the more you’ll stand out as a candidate.”

4. Expand on How Your Work Experience at the Company has Prepared You for This Role

To make for a strong case on why you’re a perfect fit, indicate how your current position relates to the new role you’re applying for. 

To start, state your transferable skills, both hard skills and soft skills. You can also note any specific responsibilities you carry out in your current position that will be needed in the new role. Make sure you’ve cross-checked these against the job description.

In addition, list examples of collaborative projects you worked on that are related to the new position and how they have prepared you for the role.

“Beyond my technical skills, I am a strong communicator and collaborator. I have experience working in cross-functional teams and understand the importance of effective communication and teamwork to deliver successful projects. I am also a web content writer for dev.to and Bit News, where I have written articles on emerging technologies and technology news, reaching a wide audience and demonstrating my ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.”

Share the Qualifications You’ve Gained Over the Period

To strengthen your cover letter, add any relevant training you have under your belt, certifications acquired, and personal projects where you gained additional experience. This demonstrates your commitment to growth.

“Over the past few years, I have honed my skills as a full-stack developer, working with various technologies, including Vue, React, React Native, .NET Core, and SQL (PostgreSQL). I have also gained experience in Agile methodologies, design patterns (TDD, DDD, SOLID), and web design principles (Adobe XD, UX/UI).”

And if you’re applying for a promotion, include details on any leadership experience or skills. 

“If you have taken on any leadership roles in your current position that is a great thing to include. This doesn’t need to be a formal leadership position. Demonstrating how you’ve served as an informal leader within your team can also show that you’re ready to take on this responsibility in a more formal capacity.” — Matt Erhard , Managing Partner at Summit Search Group

5. Include an Internal Referral 

Including the name of an internal referral who will vouch for you is another crucial part of nailing an internal cover letter. This could be your manager, a colleague, or even an individual in the department you are looking to move into. An internal referral positions you as a reliable and trustworthy candidate who is fully immersed in the organization. 

Experts like Matt Erhard , Managing Partner at Summit Search Group , agree this is a winning strategy: 

“Another thing you can do to stand out is include a reference from someone in leadership within the company. Having a trusted individual who can vouch for and verify your capability can make a major difference when hiring teams are choosing which candidates to move forward through the process.”

6. Thank the Manager for Their Time

End the letter by thanking the manager for the time they took to review your application. You should also express gratitude for the growth opportunities the company provides. 

“Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of continuing my professional growth at Sparkles Limited and would love the opportunity to continue to contribute to the company’s growth and success.”

Ready to Apply for a Promotion? Use our Cover Letter Template

Now that you’ve settled the basics, it’s time to send in your application for that internal promotion. However, you don’t need to write your cover letter from scratch, especially when you are pressed for time with other work commitments. This is where our cover letter templates come in.  

With our ready-to-use cover letter templates, applying for a new role is quick and easy. With just a few tweaks, you can tailor your Rezi cover letter to meet the requirements of any internal role. 

Expand Your Knowledge with Our Cover Letter Resources

Knowledge is power, and with expert cover letter knowledge, you can take your career to new heights. 

On our blog, you can gain in-depth knowledge on how to write a cover letter, know what a good cover letter includes , and get access to a wide range of diverse and comprehensive cover letter examples . 

And once you’re ready to get started on the perfect cover letter, you can try Rezi for free today .

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

2 Examples – How to Write a Perfect Cover Letter for Internal Position

By Status.net Editorial Team on October 17, 2023 — 13 minutes to read

• Understanding the Basics of an Internal Cover Letter Part 1
• Example of a Successful Cover Letter for Internal Position Part 2
• How to Write a Perfect Cover Letter for Internal Position Part 3
• How to Highlight Your Skills and Achievements Part 4
• Aligning Your Goals with the Company’s Vision Part 5
• How to Close Your Cover Letter Part 6

Part 1 Understanding the Basics of an Internal Cover Letter

When crafting an internal cover letter, your main goal is to showcase your skills, work experience, and achievements in a way that demonstrates your value within your current organization. Since you’re already part of the company, you have the advantage of being familiar with its culture, goals, and priorities.

• Start by addressing your internal cover letter to the hiring manager or the person responsible for the internal job posting. Be sure to include the specific job title you’re applying for, mentioning the internal job posting number if applicable, to ensure clarity.
• In the opening paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the new opportunity and briefly mention your current role in the company. Highlight your understanding of the job requirements and explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Share your achievements and the impact you’ve had in your current role, using specific examples such as project successes or increased team productivity.
• In the middle paragraphs, delve into your accomplishments and skills that are relevant to the desired role. Discuss your proficiency in specific software, tools, or processes that are essential for the new position. Show the connections between your current skills and the new role requirements, demonstrating your ability to adapt and contribute to the company’s success.
• Don’t forget to mention any relevant professional development or training you’ve completed, showcasing your commitment to personal growth within the organization. Also, share any instances where you’ve worked closely with the team or department you’re applying to join, further proving your ability to collaborate and work well within that particular group.
• As you wrap up your letter, reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the role, expressing your gratitude for being considered. Make sure to include your contact information, inviting the hiring manager to reach out with any questions or to schedule an interview. Remember to proofread your cover letter before submitting it to ensure it is error-free and professionally presented.

Part 2 Example of a Successful Cover Letter for Internal Position

Dear [Name],

I was excited to read about the [Job Title] position within our company. With my extensive experience in [Department] and proven record of [Accomplishment], I believe I’m a strong fit for the role.

In my current position as a [Your Current Job Title], I have achieved [Provide Examples of Successes]. I also recognize the importance of [Skills or Qualifications Required for the New Role] and have honed my skills in these areas through [Courses, Certifications, or Workplace Experience]. I’m eager to apply my expertise to this new challenge and make an even greater impact on our team.

I appreciate your consideration for this internal opportunity and look forward to the chance to discuss my candidacy further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to express my keen interest in the [Specific Job Title] position, as advertised internally under [Job Posting Number]. Having been a dedicated member of the [Company Name] team, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to [Department or Team Name].

In my current role as [Your Current Position], I’ve had the privilege of collaborating closely with the [Department or Team Name] team on projects such as [mention a specific project]. This experience has allowed me to understand the team’s dynamics and the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals.

One of my notable achievements during my tenure here has been [mention a specific achievement], where I [briefly explain the achievement and its impact]. This accomplishment reflects my ability to meet challenges head-on and drive tangible results.

I believe my proficiency in [mention relevant skills or tools] and my understanding of [mention industry-specific knowledge] align well with the requirements of the [Specific Job Title] role. Additionally, my commitment to continuous improvement is evident through my participation in [mention relevant professional development or training].

I value the relationships I’ve built within the [Department or Team Name] team and look forward to strengthening these bonds as we work together towards achieving our shared objectives.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my potential contribution to the [Department or Team Name] team further. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to arrange a conversation at your convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue my journey with [Company Name] in this new capacity.

[Your Name]

Part 3 How to Write a Perfect Cover Letter for Internal Position

Starting your cover letter on the right note sets the tone for the rest of its content. Begin by addressing the hiring manager or your direct supervisor if you know their name. If you’re unsure of the name, you can use a professional-sounding, generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To the [Department] Team” .

Next, express your excitement for the opportunity to apply for the internal position. Share something positive about the company that has inspired you during your time there:

“Since joining the team two years ago, I have been consistently impressed by [Company]’s dedication to innovation and our clients’ success. I am excited about the prospect of continuing to contribute to these values in the [Position Title] role.”

Briefly introduce the purpose of your cover letter in a clear and succinct way:

“I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Title] role that was recently posted on the company’s internal job board. With my experience in [relevant skills/department], I believe I can make a significant impact in this new position.”

In the following paragraphs, make sure to convey how your background and experience align with the job requirements. Focus on highlighting your accomplishments and transferable skills, which will demonstrate your competence for the role. For example:

“During my two years in the [your current department], I have successfully managed and completed [achieved goal/project], resulting in a [measurable outcome, e.g., 15% increase in productivity]. I have also taken on additional responsibilities, such as [extra work/tasks], showcasing my adaptability and commitment to [Company].”

Emphasize your eagerness to discuss the opportunity further in an interview. Mention your availability to meet and provide additional details about your qualifications:

“I am enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing my expertise and passion to the [Position Title] role and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further. Please let me know when we can arrange a meeting to discuss how my skills can help [Company] reach its goals.”

Remember to maintain a friendly yet professional tone throughout your cover letter, and focus on showcasing the value you bring to the company and the position. Keep it concise and engaging, and you’ll be one step closer to securing that internal opportunity.

Part 4 How to Highlight Your Skills and Achievements

Emphasize how your current skills and experiences are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Here are some tips for effectively highlighting your skills and achievements:

1. Focus on relevant skills and experiences : Make sure to include the key skills and experiences that are specifically required for the position. Think about your current responsibilities, any projects you’ve successfully completed, and any experience in the department you are applying to.

2. Quantify your achievements : Whenever possible, provide specific numbers or metrics to demonstrate how your accomplishments positively impacted the company. For example, mention the percentage increase in efficiency in a process you improved, or the amount you saved by implementing a new strategy.

“As the Marketing Coordinator for the past two years, I have successfully managed multiple campaigns, increasing our brand visibility by 30% and achieving 20% growth in online sales.”

3. Try to use action verbs : Begin your sentences with strong action verbs such as developed, implemented, or managed. This not only makes your cover letter more engaging but also emphasizes the impact of your achievements.

Example : “ In my current role, I successfully managed a team of 12 and implemented a new workflow process, which increased department efficiency by 18%. This experience has provided me with valuable insights on managing diverse teams and delivering projects within tight deadlines.”

“In my role as Customer Service Representative, I successfully implemented a new system for handling customer inquiries, resulting in a 25% increase in efficiency.”

“I have become well-versed in working with cross-functional teams, and my strong communication skills have allowed me to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization. These experiences will serve me well in the Project Manager position, where teamwork and communication are crucial for success.” “Through regular collaboration with the marketing team, I have developed strong interpersonal and project management skills that will be valuable in my potential role as Marketing Coordinator.” Finally, make a connection between your current role and the internal position you are applying for. Explain how your experiences and strengths make you an ideal candidate for the new opportunity. For example: “With my extensive experience in customer service, I have a deep understanding of our client base. This knowledge, combined with my marketing skills, will help me excel in the Marketing Coordinator position and drive the success of our campaigns.” Do not be afraid to show some personality while maintaining a professional tone. This will give your cover letter a unique touch and help you stand out from other applicants. Consider sharing relevant connections to the new role or any special interests that make you a great fit for the position: “Outside of work, I am an active member of our local environmental group, which has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field. This passion will enable me to drive positive change in our projects and create even more impactful solutions for our customers.

4. Show enthusiasm for the internal position : Express your excitement about the opportunity to grow and contribute within the company. Mention any specific aspects of the position that inspire you, such as the potential for leadership or the opportunity to learn new skills.

Example : “ Having spent three years in our company’s marketing department, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply for the Senior Marketing Analyst role. I’m excited to leverage my experience in data analysis and strategic planning to contribute to our company’s growth in this leadership role.”

“I am passionate about our company’s goal to provide innovative, eco-friendly products to consumers worldwide. Through my marketing efforts, I have helped establish our brand as a leader in the industry, and I am excited to bring that same dedication to the Project Manager role.”

Use these tips to create a compelling cover letter that highlights your skills and achievements, and leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Part 5 Aligning Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

You’re already familiar with the organization’s values and objectives since you currently work there. Emphasize on how the new role will allow you to contribute even more towards the company’s growth and success.

As a dedicated employee at (…) Inc., I have always been inspired by our mission to provide sustainable solutions for our clients. Pursuing the Project Manager role will enable me to contribute more effectively to this mission by managing resources and leading teams efficiently.

Highlighting your relevant achievements within the company is another way to align your goals with the organization’s vision. Mention any significant accomplishments and how they have positively impacted the business. For example:

In my current role as a Marketing Coordinator, I successfully launched our new product line, resulting in a 20% increase in sales. I am confident that my skills and experience in marketing will transfer seamlessly to the Project Manager role, allowing me to make an even greater impact on our company’s success.

To showcase the longevity of your commitment to the organization, discuss your long-term goals within the company and in the new position. Here’s a possible way to do this:

I see the Project Manager role as an opportunity not only to contribute more to XYZ Inc. but also to grow and develop professionally. In the future, I hope to further expand my skills, take on more complex projects, and continue to support the company’s mission.

Using these strategies in your cover letter will help demonstrate the synergies between your personal goals and the company’s vision.

Part 6 How to Close Your Cover Letter

Ending your cover letter on a strong note is essential. The closing paragraph should leave a lasting impression on the reader, expressing gratitude and excitement about the opportunity. Here’s how you can close your cover letter effectively:

1. Reiterate your interest and qualifications : Briefly summarize your key skills, highlighting how you are a great fit for the internal position. This will help the reader to remember your strengths and achievements by the time they finish reading your letter.

Example: “I am confident that my background in marketing, combined with my innovative mindset and passion for the brand, make me an ideal candidate for the Marketing Manager role.”

2. Mention your desire to contribute : Internal positions offer you a chance to grow and benefit the company. Communicate that you’re excited to use your skills to provide value and that you’re eager to make a positive impact.

Example: “ Given my in-depth knowledge of our company’s goals, I look forward to leveraging my experience in driving successful marketing initiatives and contributing to our team’s overall success.”

3. Show gratitude : Appreciate the opportunity to be considered for this position and thank the reader for their time and consideration. This shows your professional attitude and acknowledges the effort made by the hiring team.

Example: “Thank you for considering me for the Marketing Manager position. I appreciate the opportunity to further discuss how my experience and skills can support the team’s objectives.”

4. Close with a call-to-action : Encourage the reader to take the next step and let them know you’re excited to continue the conversation. Prompt them to reach out to you, and provide the best way they can contact you.

Example: “I am eager to discuss my potential contributions and would be happy to answer any questions or provide further information. Please feel free to contact me at [email address] or [phone number] at your convenience.”

To end your cover letter formally, use a closing salutation such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the key elements to include in a cover letter for an internal position.

A well-written cover letter for an internal position should include:

• A specific mention of the job you’re applying for.
• A clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience.
• Examples of your accomplishments within the company.
• An expression of your enthusiasm for the new role.
• A mention of how your familiarity with the company adds value.

2. How should I tailor my cover letter when applying for a promotion within my current company?

To tailor your cover letter for an internal promotion, be sure to:

• Emphasize your achievements within the company.
• Address any new skills or qualifications required for the position.
• Reference specific projects or initiatives you’ve contributed to.
• Explain how your knowledge of the company culture can benefit the new role.
• Show that you’re familiar with the responsibilities and expectations of the position.

4. What tips can you offer on showcasing my achievements in my internal cover letter?

To showcase your achievements in your internal cover letter:

• Quantify your accomplishments using numbers or percentages.
• Highlight how your achievements have benefitted the company or team.
• Discuss specific projects or initiatives you’ve contributed to.
• Use strong and confident language when describing your successes.
• Provide context by tying your achievements to the required skills or qualifications of the new role.

5. How can I address my familiarity with the company culture in my cover letter for an internal position?

To address your familiarity with the company culture, you can:

• Mention how your understanding of the company’s values and goals allows you to contribute effectively.
• Discuss experiences working with diverse teams or cross-department collaborations.
• Explain how your knowledge of company procedures helps you navigate day-to-day responsibilities.
• Share examples of how you’ve fostered a positive work environment or supported company initiatives.
• Indicate that your existing relationships with colleagues can facilitate a smoother transition into the new role.
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Top Well-Performed Cover Letter for Internal Positions

A cover letter is crucial if your goal is to convince the employer that you are the right person deserving of a promotion. It is the first thing that attracts management attention. This article will give you the answers to every concerning question:

• What is a Cover Letter for Internal Positions?
• How to compose a decent cover letter?
• Which types of cover letters for internal positions prevail today?
• Potent examples of the best cover letters
• Instruction on writing a cover letter for an internal position recommendations

If you don’t wish to risk your job progress, it is recommended to have your cover letter composed by an expert for the best results. With our assistance, your cover letter will be written diligently and skillfully.

What is a Cover Letter for Internal Positions

A cover letter for internal positions is a document in the form of a letter that is sent along with your resume in response to a job offer. When we talk about promotions within a particular company, an employee will be requested to compose a personal cover letter for an internal position. Indeed, today most companies require writing a cover letter when applying for a higher position. Providing cover letter for internal position is optional, but the manager will be pleasantly surprised by your initiative.

Whether your aim is a vertical shift or a lateral transfer, do not neglect to create an internal job cover letter. It helps to stand out among other candidates and interests the recruiter. Telling in detail about all your achievements in the current company, explaining the motivation to work further - all these are necessary to prove you are a person who deserves better.

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Why are Internal Cover Letters a Step Towards a Dream Job?

Sooner or later an employee can face the problem of stagnation and express an interest in the new role, a more decent one. Even though a strong desire is a good driver of motivation, it is not enough to get a promotion.

A cover letter for an internal position is crucial for describing a candidate’s qualifications in a proper way. It usually turns out to be even more important than the resume as it is a concise announcement of your main document.

The Structure of a Cover Letter for an Internal Job

An appropriate cover letter format must include the following blocks:

It is desirable to address the letter to a specific person.

2. The body of a letter

This part of an internal position cover letter consists of two integral elements. The first is a short explanation of your motivation. The second is a statement relating to your personal qualities.

3. Contact information

4. Signature

Do not forget that a cover letter is only an introductory document to the resume. Thus, it should be a concise statement substantiating your professional and personal qualities for the position for which you are applying.

There is nothing worse than a long, novel-like cover letter that makes the HR manager feel tired at the sight of it. An ideal cover letter length is 250-350 words, which is a one-page maximum. Note, that it is recommended that the text is formatted in 12-point font.

Engaging Introduction to a Cover Letter

Your cover letter for an internal job posting should have an interesting beginning. It is crucial to encourage a company manager to read it to the end. There is nothing more boring than using common phrases and patterns found on the internet. This demonstrates an indifferent attitude to the requirements of the employer. Be yourself, try to catch the attention of a person who will consider your position. Show that it is composed specifically for the company in which you see yourself.

Composing a Cover Letter for Promotion

A cover letter is not a universal document, suitable for any situation. For example, a cover letter for internal promotion stands out for its significance as it must include more compelling statements.  Composing  a cover letter for promotion - describe what new skills you are competent in. Prove you are a reliable person, ready to take up more difficult responsibilities.

Creating a Cover Letter for an Internal Job Transfer

If your goal is creating a cover letter for an internal job transfer within the same company, consider the following recommendations. First, emphasize your gratitude for being a part of the team. Second, indicate how passionate you are about promoting your company in the market. And most importantly - describe your technical skills enabling you to work even better after an internal transfer.

Advertise Yourself: Describing Personal Qualifications and Skills

A professional cover letter does not copy your resume at all! The resume contains information about your skills and experience. In turn, an internal applicant cover letter should describe how you can use them to the company’s advantage.

Do not write too much about your character traits. Anyone can write that he is a hardworking, responsible and inventive laborer. It is better to include a list of courses and programs you’ve completed or objectives you’ve managed to meet. A hiring manager will consider your applicable talents first of all.

Signify Your Achievements in the Current Position

Include only the information that is relevant to your desired position. The employer will definitely assess your contributions if you manage to stand out from the crowd.

Note that the information in this part depends on the overall aim of your internal job posting cover letter. For example, if you want to get a promotion, focus on those results that prove you can be a leader and guide the team. If your desire is a lateral transfer, you should emphasize the progress the company achieved due to your technical capabilities.

Express Gratefulness for Considering Your Candidacy

To correctly conclude your cover letter for internal job transfer, think about expressing gratitude in a polite way. As well as at the beginning of your document, it is essential to include a personalized and thoughtful appeal in the final part. Thank the recruiter for accepting your request and reading the cover letter.

The final paragraph should not exceed one or two sentences. Still, it is recommended to include the wishes to land the interview and express readiness to come to the discussion or provide further information.

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Common Types of Cover Letters for an Internal Position

There exist several types of cover letters for internal positions. Let us consider the most common ones:

• Promotional cover letter. In this document, an employee must prove in detail to the employer that he is ready for a higher position.
• Letter of interest for internal position. This document includes information relating to the working background within a large company and motivation to get a transfer.

This list is non-exhaustive as some other types can also be included: a cover letter of gratitude; an inquiry; confirmation; or description.

Sample Cover Letter for Promotion

While using ready-made templates for composing a personal promotional cover letter is sometimes risky, it is better to acquaint yourself with some cover letters for internal promotion examples:

Look at cover letter examples by industry you can find at https://skillhub.com/cover-letter-examples

Email Cover Letter for Internal Position Example

Read a sample cover letter for an internal position and learn how to write a cover letter for an internal position properly.

Recommendations for the Cover Letter for Internal Position Improvement

To create a perfect cover letter for promotion and increase your chances, follow some cover letter tips which have already helped many people get their dream job:

• Do not write about personal qualities that are not related to the job.
• Focus on specifics.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of business etiquette.
• Add emotion and personalize your message.
• Write about responsibility and readiness to learn.
• Strive for brevity.
• Use bulleted lists.
• Be careful with spelling and punctuation.
• Do not ask about work schedule, salary, conditions.

Cover Letter Template for Internal Position

To make the hiring process easy for yourself, make sure your cover letter is composed impeccably. For this purpose, analyze applying for an internal position cover letter sample:

Your Contact Information

The Name of a Hiring Manager

The Name of a Company

1. First paragraph:

A specific statement about the position you apply for and a few key benefits that demonstrate suitability for the position.

2. Second paragraph:

Examples of accomplished and achieved results.

3. Third paragraph:

How you can contribute to the business's mission.

4. Conclusion:

Requesting a meeting and expressing gratitude.

5. Your Signature.

Application of Knowledge in Practice

There is no doubt that reading this article has increased your chances of getting hired. Having all the answers in hand you can start moving forward to creating your perfect cover letter. But how not to forget all the essential information and structure it in the head? Here is a digest of all tips as to what makes a good cover letter:

• An attractive and well-planned cover letter will help you stand out and land an interview.
• The cover letter should show the employer what the company will get from you.
• It is crucial to be attentive to the format of your cover letter, avoid large volumes and be careful with the style.
• Use sample cover letters for internal positions to make sure your document does not contain any errors.

After reading, you are still not sure how to write a cover letter for internal positions and maybe you need a professional content writer help? Try our Skillhub's cover letter writing service . You'll get an adjusted cover letter for your potential job position. In case you a need a perfect resume to stand over other candidates, our executive resume writing service is over there. Our professional experts are always happy to have your back and consult you about career writing !

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10 Cover Letter Examples for Internal Positions: Get Ahead in Your Career

Are you looking to move up the corporate ladder or make a career change within your current company? Writing a compelling cover letter for an internal position is essential. It’s important to showcase your qualifications and highlight your achievements to your current employer. Fortunately, you don’t have to start from scratch every time. You can find cover letter examples for internal positions that can help you craft your own personalized letter. These examples can guide you and be edited to match your specific skills and experiences. So, why not take advantage of these examples and set yourself apart from other internal candidates? Let’s dive into how you can make the best use of these cover letter examples for internal positions.

The Best Structure for Cover Letter Examples for Internal Position

Hey there! Are you considering applying for an internal position in your company? If so, congratulations! Internal promotions not only offer great opportunities for career advancement, but also give you the chance to continue building upon your existing relationships and knowledge within the organization.

Now, when it comes to crafting a cover letter for an internal position, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while you may already be familiar with your organization, it’s essential to treat the cover letter with the same level of professionalism and attention to detail as you would for a new job application. To help you out, here’s a recommended structure for your cover letter:

1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin by mentioning your current position and how long you’ve been with the organization. This helps establish your credibility and experience within the company. Then, state the position you’re applying for and convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

2. Highlight your accomplishments: Since you’re an internal candidate, the hiring manager likely already knows about your role and responsibilities. Instead of rehashing that information, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the new position. Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to quantify the impact of your work.

3. Emphasize your knowledge of the company: One key advantage you have as an internal candidate is your familiarity with the company culture and values. Use this knowledge to your advantage by discussing how you fit within the company’s mission and how the new position aligns with your personal and professional goals.

4. Address any potential concerns: If you’re applying for a position that’s a stretch from your current role, acknowledge any potential gaps in your experience. However, emphasize your transferable skills and how you’re already familiar with the organization’s operations, making you a low-risk hire.

5. Close with a call to action: End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that invites the hiring manager to discuss your qualifications further. Again, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and emphasize your commitment to the organization.

In summary, the best structure for a cover letter for an internal position includes a strong introduction, highlights of your accomplishments, emphasis on your company knowledge, addressing potential concerns, and a concluding call to action. Good luck with your application!

7 Sample Cover Letter Examples for Internal Position

Sample 1: applying for managerial position.

I am excited to apply for the managerial position available at our organization. I have been working for the company as a sales representative for four years, and I believe my experience has equipped me with the necessary skills to take on the new responsibility.

As a sales representative, I have been consistently meeting my targets and even exceeding them. I have also been taking on additional tasks beyond my job description, such as training new hires and leading sales team meetings. I am confident that with my dedication, attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of the company and its customers, I can excel as a manager.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Seeking Promotion to Senior Developer

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the senior developer position that has become available. Over the past five years, I have worked for the company as a software developer, contributing to many successful projects that have helped grow the business.

Throughout my tenure, I have consistently demonstrated my technical skills, consistently providing high-quality work that has earned recognition from my colleagues and superiors. I have also promoted collaboration among team members, leading to increased efficiency and a positive working environment.

With my experience and expertise, I believe I am well-suited for the senior developer role. I am confident that I can use my skills to help the company meet its evolving business needs and address the challenges that come with it.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my experience and knowledge in serving the company in a more elevated role.

Sample 3: Application for Executive Assistant Position

I am writing to apply for the executive assistant position currently available in the company. I am currently working as an administrative assistant, where I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department.

My experience as an administrative assistant has given me the skills necessary to succeed as an executive assistant. I am well-versed in organizing and prioritizing the workload, handling sensitive and confidential information, managing calendars and meetings, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders effectively. I am also experienced in using productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and project management tools.

I look forward to discussing my qualifications and experience further with you. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 4: Request for Part-Time Schedule

I am writing to request a part-time schedule for personal reasons. As a loyal employee of the company for over seven years, I have consistently met and exceeded my targets, effectively contributing to the growth of the business.

Due to recent developments in my personal life, I would like to request a part-time schedule that allows me to maintain my work commitments while attending to my personal responsibilities. I am willing to work flexible hours or remotely if necessary to ensure that my work obligations continue to be fulfilled.

I appreciate the company’s support in ensuring a healthy work-life balance for its employees and request that you consider my request as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sample 5: Seeking Transfer to Another Department

I am writing to request a transfer to another department within the company. I have been working for the company as a customer service representative for four years, and I am interested in exploring new opportunities that will challenge me and allow me to grow professionally.

I would like to request a transfer to the marketing department, where I believe I have the skills and experience to contribute meaningfully. I have always had a passion for marketing and have been taking courses and attending industry conferences to improve my knowledge and understanding of the field. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to use my marketing skills and apply them in a more elevated capacity.

Thank you for considering my request.

Sample 6: Application for Human Resource Manager Position

I am writing to apply for the human resource manager position that has become available within the company. I have been working in the human resource department of the company for the past seven years, where I have gained valuable experience in handling recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and performance management.

As a human resource manager, I believe my skills and experience can benefit the company significantly. I understand that the success of an organization lies in its people, and my goal as a human resource manager will be to ensure that the company attracts, retains, and develops the best talents in the industry.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further with you.

Sample 7: Seeking Job Sharing Arrangement

I am writing to request a job-sharing arrangement to enable me to meet the commitments of family while maintaining my career. As a dedicated employee of the company for the past six years, I have contributed significantly to the growth of the business through my contributions as a sales representative.

Due to the recent addition of a new family member, I am interested in exploring flexible work arrangements that will allow me to focus on family responsibilities while also contributing to the company’s success. I am confident that a job-sharing arrangement will enable me to meet these needs without affecting my work commitments or productivity.

Thank you for your understanding and support. I look forward to discussing the potential for a job-sharing arrangement further.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for an Internal Position

If you are interested in applying for an internal job position, it’s important to write a cover letter that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications. Here are some tips to help you create a compelling cover letter:

1. Address the Letter to the Hiring Manager

It’s always a good idea to address your cover letter to the hiring manager or the person who is responsible for filling the position. This shows that you have taken the time to research the company and the position, and that you are serious about your application.

2. Highlight Your Accomplishments

Your cover letter should focus on your accomplishments and the contribution that you have made to the company. Highlight specific examples of how you have added value to your current role, such as increasing sales, improving customer satisfaction, or developing new processes or procedures.

3. Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Company Culture

Show that you understand the company’s values, mission, and goals, and that you share these values. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company culture, and how you have contributed to it in your current role.

4. Emphasize Your Transferable Skills

Highlight your transferable skills that you have gained in your current role, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Show how these skills are relevant to the new job position.

5. Express Your Enthusiasm and Motivation

In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm and motivation for the new job position. Explain why you are interested in the role, what you hope to achieve, and how you see yourself contributing to the company’s success.

6. Customize Your Cover Letter

Customize your cover letter to the job position and the company. This shows that you have taken the time to research the company and the position, and that you have a genuine interest in both.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications for an internal job position.

Cover Letter Examples for Internal Positions: FAQs

What is a cover letter for an internal position?

A cover letter for an internal position is a formal document that goes along with your job application. It mentions your interest in the open position in your current company and how your qualifications, experiences, and accomplishments make you the right candidate for the job.

What should be the length of a cover letter for an internal position?

A cover letter for an internal position should be concise and to the point, and ideally be one page. It should not exceed more than 500 words, as you don’t want to bore your reader with lengthy paragraphs.

What are some best practices for writing a cover letter for an internal position?

Some best practices for writing a cover letter for an internal position includes assessing the job description, showcasing your professional and personal growth within the company, highlighting your achievements and job responsibilities, mentioning relevant skills and experience applicable to the job, and expressing your enthusiasm and passion for the opportunity.

Can I reuse a cover letter I have used for an external job application?

No, you should avoid reusing cover letters used for external job applications. Instead, tailor the letter to the internal position you are applying for by focusing on the company culture, specific accomplishments, and skills you have gained while being employed there.

Should I mention salary expectation in my cover letter for an internal position?

No, it’s not necessary to mention salary expectation in your cover letter for an internal position. As you are already an employee of the company, the hiring manager will likely know your current salary, and the hiring process will include negotiations with HR or your supervisor.

How long does it take to write a cover letter for an internal position?

The duration of writing a cover letter for an internal position depends on how well you research the position, company culture, and company goals. Plan to spend about 3-4 hours crafting your cover letter, including reading the job description, reflecting on your experiences, and writing, editing and proofreading the letter.

Is it okay to ask for feedback on my cover letter if I don’t get the job?

Yes, it’s a good practice to ask for feedback on your cover letter even if you don’t get the job. It will help you self-evaluate your portfolio and enhance your chances of landing the next opportunity.

Wrapping it up

Cover letters can play a crucial role in helping you land an internal position within your organization. With these examples, you can craft a compelling letter that showcases your skills and experience, and highlights your passion for the job. We hope these examples have provided you with the inspiration and guidance you need to write an excellent cover letter. Thanks for reading, and be sure to bookmark our page for more useful career tips and tools. Good luck!

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Job Application Letter Examples and Templates 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

• July 19, 2024

In 2024, the job market continues to evolve, and so do the expectations of employers. Crafting an impressive job application letter is more critical than ever to stand out in a competitive landscape. This comprehensive guide provides you with the latest examples and templates for job application letters, ensuring you have the tools you need to make a lasting impression.

Introduction

A job application letter, or cover letter, is a personalized document that accompanies your resume. Its purpose is to introduce you to potential employers, highlight your qualifications, and express your interest in a specific position. This guide will walk you through modern examples and templates to help you create effective job application letters in 2024.

Why a Job Application Letter Is Important

A well-crafted job application letter can set you apart from other candidates by:

• Showcasing your communication skills
• Providing a personal touch to your application
• Highlighting your most relevant experiences
• Demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position

How to Structure a Job Application Letter

Include your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information.

2. Salutation

Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible.

3. Introduction

Begin with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention. Mention the job you are applying for and where you found the job posting.

Highlight Your Qualifications

Provide specific examples of your skills and experiences that make you a suitable candidate.

Align with the Company’s Needs

Show that you understand the company’s goals and explain how you can help achieve them.

End with a strong closing statement that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and invites further discussion.

Job Application Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

Example 1: entry-level job application letter, example 2: experienced professional job application letter, template 1: standard job application letter template, template 2: career change job application letter template.

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Mastering the Art of Writing a Job Application Letter: Your Complete Guide 2024

Creating an effective job application letter is essential for making a strong impression on potential employers. By following the examples and templates provided in this guide, you can craft personalized and compelling letters that showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Remember, a well-written job application letter can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview and securing your desired job.

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How to Apply for a Job Online: 10 Tips to Stand Out and Land an Interview

Applying for jobs online has become the norm. Generally, it's a win-win situation for both sides involved: Job seekers have a broad range of opportunities and the convenience of applying for multiple jobs from home, while employers can leverage automated systems to select the best candidates. However, the online application process can be daunting.

With numerous platforms to register, different requirements and application processes, and applicant tracking systems (ATSs) to dribble, many candidates experience a feeling described as job-hunting fatigue .

The bad news is that there's no way around it—online job applications have come to stay. The good news is that with a little strategy and organization, you can successfully navigate this process and stand out from the crowd of applicants.

In this article, we will teach you how to apply for a job online with 10 tips that not only will help you land an interview but also hopefully make your job hunting journey less stressful.

Looking for that perfect role? One of these open jobs on The Muse might just be the one »

How to apply for a job online: before, during, and after

From the start, applying for a job online requires four basic elements: a digitized version of your resume and cover letter , a professional email address, a good internet connection, and a handful of patience. Below we lay out essential tips for each step of the application process.

1. Write an ATS-friendly resume

Most companies use applicant tracking systems to filter candidates from online applications. This type of software quickly sorts and scans resumes to find the best “match” to a predetermined role. That's why writing an ATS-friendly resume is the first step in applying for jobs online—if your resume is not a match, it might not get selected. But how do you do it?

Simply put, your resume should be tailored to the specific role you're applying for and have keywords from the job description. Keywords in job descriptions include skills, experience, certifications, and education. For instance, “time management,” “HTML, C, and Java,” and “B.S in Computer Science” are often key requirements and terms used in software development job postings. (Here's how to read a job description the right way .)

Unless the employer asks for a creative resume, always use a simple and minimalist resume template with one column, standard fonts, and font sizes (for example, Arial 11), and no graph elements to make it easier to be scanned.

2. Have two versions of your resume

If you have a diverse professional background and are applying for different types of positions, you should have two versions of your resume, properly formatted for each role. This makes the online application process faster and easier, as you won't have to redo the whole thing at every new submission, only minor adjustments.

3. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated

Hiring managers often search for candidates on LinkedIn. Thus, your profile should always be updated with all the relevant experience, certifications, education, and skills for the job you intend to land. If you have a portfolio (and it's requested in your field) add the link to the “site” section.

Like your resume, your LinkedIn profile should also include some relevant keywords to make it easily found. For instance, if you're a data analyst experienced with sales, and that's exactly what you'd like to do in your next role, you could add “Data analyst | Sales chain expert” to your title.

Don't forget to update your picture and your header, if needed. The more clean and professional, the better. Remember that your profile is going to be the first impression the recruiter will have of you—and you want to make sure that is a good impression.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile with our 31 Best LinkedIn Profile Tips for Job Seekers

4. Have a basic cover letter draft ready

Some companies ask for cover letters, others don't. To save time, always have a basic cover letter drafted and update it to match the jobs you're applying for. As with resumes, if you're applying for two (or more) different roles, consider having two cover letter versions ready to go. (Take a look at these four cover letter examples in case you need some help.)

5. Use search engines to find open jobs

Most, if not all, companies post open positions on search engine websites—which include traditional job listing platforms and LinkedIn. You can leverage this by searching for specific keywords related to the job you want and selecting companies to submit an application.

On The Muse , you can filter more than 10,000 open positions by experience level, job category, company industry, location, and benefits. Similarly, LinkedIn allows you to filter job openings by date, company, level of experience, and work system (remote or on-site).

When you find the ideal opportunity and decide to apply, two things can happen: 1) You'll be redirected to the company's website to fill out your application there. 2) You'll be able to fill up your application on that same page. On LinkedIn, for example, companies can opt for a simplified application, in which you upload your resume on LinkedIn, answer a couple of questions, and send it.

6. Create accounts on job listing websites

Speaking of job listing websites, creating an account for the ones most popular or commonly used by companies can significantly speed up your application process. Keep in mind that sooner or later you'll have to do it, so you might anticipate the task.

Usually, those websites have a profile page—similar to LinkedIn—that you have to fill up with the following information:

• Certifications
• Awards and recognitions

Some will allow you to register with LinkedIn and autofill the information, which facilitates the process. (Remember to check if the data exportation was successful and every box is filled correctly). However, others don't have this option and you’ll have to do it manually. To avoid spelling and grammar mistakes or missing information, consider taking a day when you have free time to focus instead of rushing to finish your registration.

7. Use the career section of companies sites

Company websites are also places to find and apply for jobs online. If there is any specific company that you'd really like to work for, check their website and search for a “Careers” page. If you find one, it's likely that you have two options: 1) Submitting your resume to their tablet database or 2) Apply for a specific job if there are any openings.

In both cases, you'll either have to fill up your work history, education, and personal information manually or use the autofill through LinkedIn or your resume file. Keep in mind that every company site is different, so these options may not always be available in all the sites you visit.

In case you have to manually add your information, a trick that can speed up the process is copying and pasting from your resume. Just remember to make the necessary changes and adapt to each specific job position.

8. Be prepared to do employment tests

Online applications in job listing sites often come with employment tests, also known as talent assessment tests, that you have to complete as part of your candidacy. Not doing the tests, when they're mandatory, will automatically disqualify you.

Usually, these tests assess your personality and skills. Some will also evaluate emotional intelligence, cognition, and work style—it really depends on your industry, field, and role. Needless to say, scoring high on employment tests is crucial to be considered by the hiring manager—so you want to take them seriously and complete them calmly.

Although this seems a daunting task to do, there's a plus side: some companies use the same or similar tests, which allows you to repurpose one that's already saved on the platform or know exactly what kind of answers you'll have to respond.

9. Have an application email script drafted

Some companies, especially small ones, don't have built-in software to handle online job applications and would rather have candidates send their resumes via email. For this reason, consider having an email script drafted to send along with your resume and cover letter, if requested.

Your message should be professional, and straight to the point. A brief salutation, a sentence expressing your interest in the role, one to two sentences about your resume (and cover letter), a closing sentence, and your signature is enough. For instance, you could say something along the lines of:

Dear [Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I'm excited to apply for the Software Developer position listed on LinkedIn.

As requested, I've attached my resume and cover letter . Please let me know if I can provide any extra information.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[email protected]

555 123 4567

linkedin.com/in/name

10. Track your applications and follow up

While it’s not mandatory, ideally you should track and follow up with your applications. Generally, one to two weeks is considered a reasonable time to reach out to check the status of your application.

Keeping track of your applications also prevents you from applying for the same company multiple times (don’t even bother—it won't get you the job) and also helps you remember which job a recruiter is referring to when they reach out to you. (Here's how to follow up on a job application .)

Your tracking system can be as simple as a notebook with detailed notes, or as formatted as a spreadsheet tracking the job opportunity, hiring manager’s contact info, dates you sent the resume and followed up, and any response you’ve received so far.

Extra advice on online applications

Applying for a job online is as formal as handing your resume in person. Thus, you should take every detail of this process seriously, including the following:

• Email address : Use a professional email address, both to register on job listing sites and to send emails to recruiters. Avoid playful or overly informal usernames and opt for a version with your name and last name.
• Resume file format : Generally, it's best to submit your resume as .doc or .docx, however, some employers may ask for a PDF file. You can have both versions saved, for convenience, or convert the file format when necessary.
• Your resume file name : Always save your resume file with your name and last name. For instance, annajonesresume.doc. This makes it easier to locate, both for you and the hiring manager. Avoid generic names such as “resume” or random numbers.
• Follow the employer's directions : If the job posting requires specific information or documents (for instance, a portfolio or a cover letter), give what is requested. If they don't, then don't. Following the recruiter's instructions is crucial to successfully applying for jobs online—everything they want from you is going to be written in the posting.

Bottom line

Online job applications can be confusing at first, but they tend to be simpler than most people expect. You need a tailored and ATS-friendly resume, a cover letter draft in case the employer asks for one, and a dose of patience to fill up your personal information, education, and work history on job listing sites.

Paying close attention to the job description is crucial to know exactly what the employer is looking for and what steps should be taken to successfully submit your application. If you feel like you need extra help, even after reading our tips, consider working with a career coach .

How To Write a Sample Email to Send a Resume to a Recruiter

3 key takeaways

• The best way to write an effective job application email to a recruiter is to get straight to the point.
• Lead with the outcomes you’ve achieved and how you align with the role in an application email.
• Teal’s Job Application Tracker includes email templates for every stage of your job search.

HR professionals and recruiters don’t actually like sorting through resumes. They can see hundreds in a single day, even if they’re using an ATS.

To get through them, they’ve created procedures to prioritize the best-fit candidates. 

That’s why, if you’re going to email your resume directly to a recruiter, that email has to catch their eye. It has to be appealing enough to get them to willingly review yet another resume.

In this article, you’ll learn how to craft the perfect sample resume to send to a recruiter. You can also speed up the process and keep track of the jobs you’ve already applied for using Teal’s Job Tracker and Email Templates .

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

How to write an email with your resume to a recruiter

In most cases, if you’re sending your resume to a recruiter it’s because:

• They’ve reached out to you, either on LinkedIn or through email, to express interest in your background and your fit for the role. 
• They list their email in the job posting, asking for resumes in their inbox rather than in an application.
• You’ve discussed work with someone on social media, in-person, or another medium and they’ve asked you to send your resume.

In the first case, recruiters are sending out dozens of canned messages to all candidates within their database, or within a LinkedIn search. They often have a list of criteria they’re using to run this search, and you just happen to fit within that data set.

They know the more emails they send out, the more likely they are to get a response and, hopefully, find the right candidate within those responses. 

In both the first and second scenarios, recruiters are seeing a lot of emails from a lot of people. That is why you shouldn’t send your resume to a recruiter until you are sure it’s a decent match for your skills, work history, and interests for your next role.

Learn as much about the role as you can first. When you feel secure enough to send your resume, you can send it with confidence.

Once you’re ready, here’s how to email a resume to a recruiter:

Step 1: The subject line for a resume email

Your subject line is your first impression, and if it’s too generic, it’ll be completely ignored. An anonymous recruiter on a hiring forum made this clear, stating: 

“As someone who has seen a ton of these, I 100 percent do not suggest something generic. It's quite obvious from some people that they sent the same email to several people. These emails get ignored 90 percent of the time unless the hiring manager is desperate. As for the title, I suggest [you] to be very clear in what you are looking for, even if it's a little long. Example: "Expression of interest for XX-0X Position - [group name, ex: Policy Division] - Seeking Deployment Opportunity."

That’s why your email subject line needs to be a clear indicator of these few things:

• Who you are (name)
• The role you’re applying for
• Your qualifications, if applicable (MBA, CP, Ph.D…)

Email subject lines are rather short, even on a desktop (60 characters at most), but they’re even shorter in mobile inboxes. 

You need to be clear not only about why you’re reaching out, but also put the most important words at the beginning to ensure they’re seen. 

Sample subject line in an email to send to a recruiter

If you’re referred to by someone, that’s what you should include first. The subject line, in that case, might look something like this:

If you weren’t referred, here are a few other examples of email subject lines to a recruiter:

• Notice of Interest - [Job title you seek]
• Applying for [Position] – [Name] Resume
• “[Job title][Your name],[Your qualification or job title]

Step 2: Greeting

Keep your greeting simple and professional with a “Hello” or “Dear” followed by their first name. 

Just be sure to spell it correctly. They won’t take kindly to being called something other than their name, especially when you can generally just look at their email to ensure correct spelling. Check their LinkedIn profile if you are unsure.

Step 3: Introduction

The introduction of your email is the first line after your greeting, and it’s really more of a courtesy than anything else.

You don’t need to draw it out. One or two sentences explaining why you’re reaching out and how you found out about the opportunity is adequate, especially if you were referred to the role. If you were, be sure to name drop.

If you really want to stand out from the standard email though, get straight to your message and express your enthusiasm for the position with something that stands out. 

Sample intro in an email to send to a recruiter

Step 4: Qualifications and value proposition in your email body

Don’t just list your qualifications in your email as if it’s a resume. Instead, share the biggest highlights of your career in a conversational tone.

The best way to do this is to think through the outcomes you’ve produced in your position. If the role you’re applying for, or the roles you’ve had in the past, are not outcome based, consider how your work contributed to business goals. 

Maybe you’ve led a team that completed a detrimental project for the company. Maybe you’ve saved the company money somehow or increased the efficiency of an internal process. 

If former or current employers have benefited from your work in any way, share that. Then, of course, also share any certifications or earned titles, such as Ph.D.

Sample qualifications in an email to send to a recruiter

This works because it’s straightforward. Instead of oversharing, it dives right into the  results of past work. It wastes no time delivering the essential details that’ll help the recruiter make a decision.

Pro tip: Teal’s Job Tracker includes job application email templates tailored to your resume and cover letter.

Step 5: Call to Action

Point the reader in the direction you want them to take with confidence. Don’t leave it open-ended. 

For example, “please let me know if I’m a good fit” is too passive.

Instead, you want to be more assertive to earn the hiring manager's attention, urging them into action without coming across as entitled or pushy.

Sample call to action in an email to send to a recruiter

“Please see my resume attached to the link in my portfolio [URL] to check my samples and testimonials. My resume is also attached to this email. If I look like a fit, I'd love the opportunity to speak with you further on how I can apply my skills to [outcome] for [Company]. I'm available all Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Would you be up for a chat?”

Step 6: Best resume email closings and sign-offs

After asking for a meeting or closing with another call to action, thank the recruiter for their time and consideration. 

Sign off your email with a professional closing, such as "Best regards," "Sincerely," or "Thank you."

Include your full name, contact information, and any relevant links (such as your LinkedIn profile) in your email signature.

There are a few websites that make it easy to create a professional email signature . 

Sample signature in an email to send to a recruiter

You simply have to go into your email settings, to your signature, and paste your professional email signature there. From then on, every email you create will automatically include your signature. 

Step 7: Attaching your resume to a recruiter email

A lot of job applicants question whether or not they should email their resume as a word doc or a PDF file . 

A PDF has long been thought of as the clean and professional standard. They also have the advantage of maintaining your formatting, so recruiters will always see your resume as intended. 

But recently Word docs have been making a come back due to fears that ATS software isn’t able to read PDFs. 

However, as long as the text in the PDF isn't rasterized or cluttered with images and icons, an ATS should be able to read it. 

Annette Marie, a job seeker, shared this word of caution about using PDF resumes for job applications:

“The entire top portion of my PDF resume did not appear in the finished ATS scan, but everything appeared when I scanned my Word document (.docx). However, it’s worth mentioning that the top portion of my resume is within a text box, which may explain the issue. Just be cautious with shapes and objects, as they don’t seem to be compatible when using a PDF format. Nonetheless, the PDF still presents well for in-person interviews.”

Recruiters may sometimes favor Word doc resumes due to their ability to make changes, either to the formatting, or to remove certain items that might lead to unconscious bias (such as a picture).

Some recruiters might also need to remove contact information in order to protect your details and keep their clients from contacting you directly. 

But you’d have to be willing to have a recruiter alter your resume, potentially without consulting you. 

Unless they’re a career coach, a trusted friend, or a resume writing service, no one should be editing your resume. 

Step 8: Follow up on your recruiter email

There are several ways to follow up on a job application email, because, no, you don’t necessarily have to follow up via email.

• Email: It’s rare for recruiters to get through all of their emails in one sitting, so it might take a few days to get to yours. But, if you haven’t heard back in a couple of days, it’s safe to send an email reasserting your interest in the position.

Aside from re-expressing your interest, you might also want to ask when you’ll be able to connect with a hiring manager. You can also reattach your resume and cover letter. 

Sample follow up job application email template

Subject line: [Your Name] - Job Application Follow-up for [Position] at [Company] Hello [Hiring Manager's Name], A few weeks ago, I applied for the [Position Title with Hyperlink to the Application] role at [Company Name]. I'm very excited about this opportunity, so I wanted to reach out, introduce myself, and see if you have any details from the hiring manger about the decision timeline. I'm a [Your Current Job Title] at [Your Current Company Name] who's [insert relevant qualifications and/or accomplishments] over the last [X] years. In particular, I'm interested in [Company Name] because [mention specific reasons why you're interested and why you’re a good fit]. Please let me know if you have any questions about my application or require further information from me. I look forward to hearing from you soon and learning more about the timeline. I can't wait to share some of my ideas on [insert challenge or goal related to your desired new job title]. [Best/Kind regards/Thank you], [Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your LinkedIn]

• Phone: Resort to a phone call only after you haven’t heard back on your follow-up email. 
• LinkedIn: Try to avoid reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn unless that was their initial method of contacting you. The reason? It’s far more informal and some recruiters only use their LinkedIn for personal use, or may not check it regularly. 

Here’s a simple follow-up LinkedIn message template : 

Dear [Contact Name], I recently submitted my application for the [Position] at [Company], and I wanted to follow up to express my continued interest in the opportunity and inquire about the status of my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining the team at [Company], and I believe my skills and experience make me a strong fit for the [Position]. I am confident that my [mention of relevant skills, qualifications or experiences] would contribute to the success of the team and the company. If there are any additional materials or information I can provide to support my application, please let me know. I am eager to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to the success of [Company]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]

Note: Within Teal’s Job Application Tracker, you’ll find job application email templates to get your started in crafting a personalized email to a recruiter.

Common mistakes to avoid when sending your resume via email

Most emails sent to a recruiter are canned—a template or exact copy of an email sent again and again with little to no alterations. And recruiters are sick of it. 

Jules Lalo, a recruiter , echoes this when with this statement:

“One of my pet peeves is a CV with no context [in the email] intro [so] I have to decipher what group level they are substantively. This has a huge impact on filtering later on.”

In other words, recruiters aren’t just asking for more details and personalization from you because they don’t like it. They simply need more details to help place you in a role or ensure you’re a right fit (and they want to be able to find your email later).

But a lack of context isn’t the only mistake many job seekers make when sending a job application email. Here are a few common mistakes recruiters see: 

Using an unprofessional email address

Elby James , a former HR associate and resume consultant, finds it shocking how often people send emails from unprofessional email addresses. 

“The email address should be a professional email address. I don't mind Gmail or AOL but really, how much does it cost to buy a domain name today? Especially when it is for something as important as your career.

I remember seeing email addresses such as [email protected] . [email protected] . [email protected] . ”

Spelling errors on your resume or in the email 

Spelling mistakes won’t be a make or break for all recruiters, but it can be a put off for many, especially in a short email. With tools like Grammarly available today, most recruiters don’t take kindly to spelling mistakes. 

Elby shares his thoughts on this as well:

“I abhor typos. Maybe this is the graduate English major inside of me acting out but really, there is no need for typos; there are two reasons I say this: The first reason is spell check… it’s free! The second reason is [that] a resume is an important document, you should check it as many times as possible.”

Try to avoid buzzwords

You might be keyword stuffing your resume to get into the candidate pool, but you shouldn’t apply that same logic to a recruiter email. And really, you should try to avoid overstuffing your resume as well. 

Recruiters will often use keyword stuffing as a mental filter. They’ll automatically toss any resume or email that overly-uses buzzwords.

They need to be able to tell what you do in the simplest of terms and with a quick glance. But if you’re using phrases like—“transformed big-thinking into actionable steps, aligning with business goals and channel objectives”—no one will understand you. 

Pro tip: Teal’s free Chrome Extension shares the top five keywords in a job posting for free, and Matching Mode helps you optimize your resume accordingly (meaning you only need to use the most important words).

Lack of personalization

It doesn’t take a lot to personalize an email to a recruiter. 

You’ll keep most of the details the same, like your qualifications and your call to action. But you’ll alter the company’s name, the recruiter’s name, and details about how you found out about the role. 

You’ll also want to alter anything pertinent to the role itself, such as how your experience applies. This isn’t the same for every role, and it’s very easy to tell if you aren’t paying attention to those differences. 

Recruiters want to know exactly how you fit that role, without digging. 

Start with a sample email to send a resume to a recruiter

As you may have caught on, recruiters see hundreds of resumes. They’re unsurprised by most stylings or attempts to be unique. But they’re far more numb to the generic resume emails they see all day.

So while it’s important to add personalization, get straight to your point, and include only the most compelling details in your email, you still need an email template to get started.

While recruiters may see a lot of emails, there’s truth to the job search being a numbers game. The longer you spend on one email, the longer you might be searching for a role. You might even miss out on some opportunities because you’re spending too much time on emailing a recruiter that will spend only seconds determining whether or not to put you in a candidate pool.

Using a sample resume email for recruiters as a template, you can speed up the process while adding some personalization. 

To find simple, but effective job application email templates, try Teal’s Resume Builder. Teal’s Job Application Tracker includes email templates to send your email to recruiters and hiring managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you write in an email when sending a resume to a recruiter.

When sending a resume to a recruiter, keep your email concise and professional. Start with a clear subject line, greet the recruiter by name, briefly introduce yourself, highlight key achievements, include a call to action, and close with a professional sign-off.

What should you write when sending a CV via email?

When sending a CV via email, include a personalized greeting, a short introduction stating why you’re reaching out, and a summary of your qualifications and accomplishments. Add a clear call to action, thank the recruiter for their time, and attach your CV in a preferred format.

What should you write in an email subject line when sending a resume?

Your email subject line should clearly indicate who you are, the role you’re applying for, and any relevant qualifications. Examples include "Notice of Interest - [Job Title]", "Applying for [Position] – [Your Name]", or "[Job Title] - [Your Name], [Qualification]".

Sarah Colley

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How to write a rejection letter to an internal candidate

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While getting rejected from a job at another company is one thing, getting passed over for an internal role can be even worse. After all, internal candidates still have to go to work every day at the same company that turned them down. This can make it difficult to maintain a positive atmosphere and keep a talented team member. However, you can communicate using approaches that encourage and support employees, even after the sting of rejection. This guide shows you how to write a rejection letter for an internal candidate and break the news tactfully.

Best practices for rejecting an internal candidate

There are definite  benefits to promoting from within a company , but like any hiring process, you're going to have to reject some candidates. Once you've gone through the selection process, the challenge is choosing one candidate over another. The way hiring managers approach this can  influence employees' decision to stay  with the company. It's a tricky process that depends entirely on how you communicate with candidates and provide support for ongoing development.

Luckily, there are some best practices that can help you gracefully and respectfully reject an internal candidate and avoid leaving a bad aftertaste. Here are some of the best ways to tell an internal candidate they were passed over and help keep them engaged and excited for future opportunities.

Do it in person

The best way to share the news with the candidate is in person, if possible. In the case of remote work, schedule a face-to-face meeting. Have the discussion away from other teammates and in a private space. You can use an internal rejection letter alongside your meeting for documentation.

Be clear and offer a reason

Be upfront and let the candidate know immediately what the decision is. Explain what ultimately led to the decision, including insights into preferred qualifications, talents, and skills. This can help the candidate better understand what they'll need to improve to qualify for future roles.

Offer guidance and support

Provide guidance and support to candidates to help them improve on the qualities that prevented them from landing the new role. For example, if one candidate was passed over in favor of another teammate with more advanced technical skills, offer ways to continue learning and developing in these areas. Candidates will be more likely to stick around post-rejection if they know their employers are actively supporting their professional goals and advancement, even if they don't get the present role.

Check in with them post-rejection

Rejection stings no matter how you look at it, but you can help the feelings fade and ensure employees are cared for even after passing them over for an internal role. Check in weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly with internal candidates, and ensure they have the tools and resources to continue performing their current job and to  support upskilling  and additional development.

"An internal candidate who's passed over for a position is twice as likely to quit post-rejection. However, when offered additional development opportunities to boost their likelihood of internal advancement in the future, this percentage drops."

How to write a rejection letter for an internal candidate

While it's better to communicate in person if you can, sending a letter turning down an internal employee can give you a way to share more insight into development and future advancement opportunities. Here are a few steps to help you write an internal rejection letter.

Personalize it

Don't send a generic message. Personalize every part of your letter to the candidate, including key skills and qualifications that made them a likely choice for the job. State the name of the position they applied to and relate it to the candidate's current position and how they might apply similar skills to upcoming internal roles.

Share feedback from the process

Let the candidate know the reasons behind the hiring decision. Maybe it's something related to higher skill requirements, certain credentials, or other aptitudes that the company was looking for. Having this information can help internal candidates understand their strengths and weaknesses and improve on these areas for future jobs your company may open.

Provide more details or routes to advancement

If you know that additional roles are going to open up in the near future, share this information with the candidate if they have the qualifications.  Provide skill development and training  so candidates can build on the expertise they have in their current role and apply it to future positions.

What to include in an internal rejection letter

An internal rejection letter will differ between employers and job positions, so what you include will depend on your company's unique situation during the hiring process. Even so, here are several elements you'll want to cover in your letter:

• The job they applied to:  State the position the candidate applied to within the first sentence or paragraph of your letter.
• Genuine appreciation for applying:  Be sincere and specific with your appreciation. Let the candidate know you value their time during the hiring process and acknowledge their present contributions.
• The candidate's skills and qualifications:  Reiterate the key skills and qualifications that made the candidate a top contender and encourage further growth in these areas.
• Reasons for being passed over:  Be direct and explain what the main factors were for the decision so candidates can use this insight to grow professionally.
• Additional information and support:  An internal candidate who's passed over for a position is  twice as likely to quit  post-rejection. However, when offered additional development opportunities to boost their likelihood of internal advancement in the future, this percentage drops.

Sample rejection letter for an internal candidate

Use the following template and sample for an internal rejection letter:

Letter template

[Greeting],

[Be direct and offer a clear statement and explanation of your hiring decision. Limit it to two or three sentences and include the job title of the role the employee applied for.]

[Offer genuine appreciation for their time and contributions to your team and company. Highlight the qualifications that stood out and how the employee can leverage these skills in the future. Offer additional development opportunities and professional support.]

[Closing statement],

Sample letter

I'm reaching out to let you know that we've decided to move forward with another candidate for the senior developer role. I truly appreciate your time and patience during this decision.

Everyone on the team agrees that your contributions, skills, and experience are exceptional, and this decision is not a reflection of your qualifications. Our selection was based on the assessment of every candidate's expertise and how well we feel they would fulfill the specialized needs of the role.

We are deeply grateful for your willingness and desire to take the initiative in advancing within the company. Your technical aptitude, successful product delivery, and continuing motivation to contribute high-quality work are essential to the team.

In the future, we may have a need to open up a senior team lead role, and based on your talents, we'd encourage you to apply for the position. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback.

Joseph Jones

Using the right approaches to turn down an internal candidate helps soften the bad news and encourages employees to continue developing in the company. Be sincere when communicating with candidates and make the effort to continue to support their professional growth.

More resources on internal hiring:

Not sure where to start with an internal role? Find out  how internal recruiting works  and what makes it so beneficial.

Learn  the art of rejecting candidates  to improve your communication and support team relationships.

Even after getting turned down for an internal position,  employees' well-being at work  should remain a top priority.

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• How to Pass a Pre-Employment...

How to Pass a Pre-Employment Personality Test

8 min read · Updated on October 12, 2022

Get an “A” for personality.

You've carefully crafted the perfect resume . Now what? It may be tempting during the job search to sit back, relax, and wait for that anticipated phone call inviting you for an interview, but really, sitting and waiting never helped anyone. It's time to take an active role in preparing for your future. Let's face the facts: With each passing year, it becomes harder and harder to get a job — companies are inundated with thousands of candidates for one open position. In response to the overwhelming increase in potential candidates, employers have added an extra step in the recruitment process: pre-employment personality testing.

According to a survey from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) , one-third of HR professionals are using personality assessment tests and pre-employment testing during the hiring and interview process for executive roles.

So, what is a pre-employment personality test? 

Good question. A personality test is an assessment used by employers to help find a candidate whose character traits are best suited and a good fit for a specific position. A pre-employment assessment test is designed to reveal particular aspects of a candidate's personality and estimate the likelihood that they will excel in such a position.

Why has pre-employment testing become so popular? 

Research shows that if an employee is placed in a position that doesn't match their personality traits, it often leads to lower engagement. Low employee engagement results in 21 percent lower productivity and about 45 percent higher turnover, and replacing employees is expensive.

Just think of the time and money put towards interviewing a new hire, processing them in the system, training them, and then having to repeat it all for each candidate. In today's metric-based work culture, employers and hiring managers are searching for a recruitment tool with a predictive index that gives them quantifiable measures on which to base decisions. Pre-employment job personality tests are now delivered online, where they are processed instantaneously. Test results are then verified and normed against thousands of other candidates, speeding up the hiring process and ensuring that the candidates who move forward are compatible with the company.

Now that you know how popular these career personality assessments are becoming and why, how about how to handle them? Here are some common versions of these tests and some tips on how to crack them:

1. The Caliper Profile

The Caliper Profile measures how an individual's personality traits correlate to their job performance. The test is made up of a few different types of sample questions. The most common type presents you with a series of statements, and your task is to decide which statement best aligns with your viewpoint and character traits.

Conversely, there are also questions that require you to identify the statements that least reflect your point of view. You may also encounter true/false questions and multiple-choice questions to answer using a “degree of agreement” scale, ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” The Caliper Profile differs from other personality tests in that it examines both positive and negative qualities, thus providing the full picture of a candidate.

Insider Tip : An employer can create a customized selection tool that will allow them to customize the assessment to target critical behaviors. This will help them receive data on job-fit matches or information about a candidate's potential success in a specific role.

2. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

One of the most well-known tools for mapping employee personalities is the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). According to CPI , the test's publisher, 89 of the Fortune 100 companies use the MBTI before hiring a new employee.

The MBTI identifies if an employee's personality leans toward one of two tendencies in the following groupings: “Extraversion vs. Introversion,” “Intuition vs. Sensing,” “Thinking vs. Feeling,” and “Judging vs. Perceiving.” As a result, an individual can fall into one of 16 personality types. The Myers-Brigg Type Indicator is often used by employers to decide if a candidate would be a good cultural fit for a company and if they could subsequently transition into working with the team nicely. The MBTI is comprised of 93 questions. When answering each question, you are given two choices of statements — either A or B — which determines which tendencies you lean toward.

Insider Tip : The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is not a normalized exam, nor are the questions scaled. This is one of the most difficult pre-employment personality tests to prepare for, primarily because it has not been proven valid for recruitment use. In fact, CPI put out a statement asserting that it is not considered ethical to use the MBTI for hiring or deciding job assignments. The test is more appropriate for understanding how a person may work in a group, but not for determining if a candidate is well-suited for a certain position. Another downside is that your score cannot be easily compared to a different candidate applying for the same position.

3. The SHL Occupational Personality Questionnaire

The SHL Occupational Personality Questionnaire , or OPQ32, is designed to give companies a picture of how certain behaviors influence a candidate's work performance. The test is made up of 104 questions that measure 32 different characteristics. Candidates and potential employees are evaluated in three main domains: “Relationship with People,” “Thinking Style and Feelings,” and “Emotions.” On the test, candidates are presented with four statements and they must choose which statement best describes them and which statement least describes them. The OPQ32 was specifically developed to guarantee that its scales are relevant and suitable for the workplace.

Insider Tip: The OPQ32 provides a company and employer with a custom report of normed scores, describing both strengths and weaknesses in detail. These reports provide an easy-to-read graphical summary of performance, directly comparable to the other test takers you are competing against.

4. The Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI)

The Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI) was developed in the 1980s and was originally used in a socio-analytic context, but it's now used to predict job performance. It has been normed on more than 500,000 candidates worldwide and validated on more than 200 occupations, proving that it is a consistent and reliable tool used to evaluate an individual's temperament and how it matches the demands of a given role. The HPI is based on the Five-Factor Model. It consists of 206 true/false questions that must be completed in around 15 to 20 minutes. The HPI evaluates seven primary scales and six occupational scales (“Service Orientation,” “Stress Tolerance,” “Reliability,” “Clerical Potential,” “Sales Potential” and “Managerial Potential”) in addition to possessing 42 subscales. It is administered online with an instantaneous score report.

Insider Tip : The score report from this assessment identifies how a candidate is likely to act in specific circumstances. It also evaluates your interview style and classifies candidates according to fit.

5. The DiSC Behavior Inventory

The DiSC Behavior Inventory (DiSC) measures a candidate's primary traits based on four personality types. This four-style behavior model is the oldest style of personality test; it has been around since the time of Hippocrates, around 400 B.C. The DiSC personality profile comes in many versions, each of which includes a variation of the four basic DiSC factors: “Dominant (D),” “Influential (I),” “Steady (S),” and “Compliant (C).” Companies use the DiSC as a tool to help understand an employee's professional behavior style and their ability to work as part of a team. The DiSC is an extremely user-friendly test, and it is significantly shorter than other tests, ranging from 12 to 30 questions. Candidates are provided with adjectives or phrases and asked to choose which they feel applies to them the most and the least.

Insider Tip : Even though the DiSC is a popular career personality test used by many companies, the DiSC is considered a temperament assessment, not a pre-employment assessment. It is an ipsative test, meaning scores are not normalized against other candidates. The results of the test only show the relative strengths of a single candidate, which means employers cannot directly compare the scores of two potential candidates. The DiSC is also not considered a valid predictor of job success.

What do these job personality tests mean for me as a candidate?

Whether it's due to convenience or general acceptance by employers, no matter how you cut it, pre-employment testing is here to stay. A recent study from the University of South Carolina found that the top reason executives fail in both internal and external hires is behavioral compatibility, so it is clear that the use of personality testing is beneficial for employers.

Does your resume reflect your professional personality? Get a free resume critique to find out.

Recommended Reading:

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Microsoft DEI Lead Blasts Company in Internal Email After Team Is Reportedly Laid Off

"true systems change work...[is] no longer business critical.".

Microsoft is reportedly shuttering one of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) teams, according to an internal email sent by the team's leader to a significant number of Microsoft staff last week, in which the lead also accuses the company's executive leadership of "investigated and evidenced discrimination, harassment, and toxicity."

The email, first reported by Business Insider and corroborated by IGN, was sent by the former lead of one of Microsoft's key DEI teams. In it, they state that their "role and team were eliminated due to 'changing business needs' as of July 1st, 2024." IGN understands that the individual and a second person on their team were both laid off, but was not able to reach the sender for comment.

The email goes on to assert that DEI programs are in danger not just at Microsoft, but across all businesses:

"Unofficially in my opinion, not specific to Microsoft alone, but [ conservative policy plan ] Project 2025 looms and true systems change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020. Hence the purposeful and strategic 3-5 year shelf life of many company's inclusion commitments post the murder of George Floyd are being reevaluated," the email reads. "And the way I see it, the timing was impeccable so businesses everywhere could reevaluate the path forward should their U.S. federal contracts be at risk if the work continues on its face."

The email goes on to praise the work of DEI teams at Microsoft, saying that "impossible mountains were moved" during their tenure and celebrating the "brilliant, ethical, and world class strategists at the company, helping to make the world a better place." However, they also accused executive leadership of "investigated and evidenced discrimination, harassment, and toxicity" directed toward them during their time at the company.

In a statement shared with Business Wire and since shared with IGN, spokesperson Jeff Jones said: "Our D&I commitments remain unchanged. Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering and we are holding firm on our expectations, prioritizing accountability, and continuing to focus on this work."

Microsoft is just one of numerous tech and gaming companies that made major commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the last four years, particularly in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the summer of Black Lives Matter protests that followed. Microsoft in particular unveiled a "racial equality initiative" , pledging to increase representation, invest an additional $150 million in diversity and inclusion, and double the number of Black and African American leaders in its US divisions by 2025.

However, in the years since, a number of tech companies such as Google and Meta have begun to make significant cuts to the DEI programs they launched in 2020.

Earlier this year, Microsoft laid off 1900 staff from its video game divisions , and closed both Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin . Last year, the wider company laid off over 10,000 individuals .

IGN has reached out to both the email sender and Microsoft for comment, but did not hear back in time for publication.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to [email protected].

This story was amended after publication to include a statement provided to Business Insider, as well as additional context around the layoffs.

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