When you're being considered for aninternal positionor a promotion, you may need towrite a cover letterto officially apply for the new position within your company.
What should you write in a cover letter for a job at a company where you already work? What's the best way to frame your credentials to secure a promotion?
What to Include in Your Cover Letter
A job promotion cover letter should clearly explain your interest in the job and delineatehow you are qualified for the position. The letter should also recap the experience you have had, your knowledge of your employer’s current mission and needs, and the progressive growth you have enjoyed within the company.
Don't presume that the hiring manager or department manager reviewing your qualifications will know your background just because you work for the company.
Note
Sharing the specific details of your history with the organization will help earnyour resume a closer lookand ensure that your qualifications get noticed.
This is especially true when applying for a positionat a large company.Also be prepared to discuss thesequalifications during job interviews.
See below for a general cover letter for a job promotion, as well as an email cover letter written for a retail position.
Sample Cover Letter for an Internal Position or Promotion
This is a cover letter example for an internal position. Download the internal position cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
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Lewis Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
lewis.applicant@email.com
August 4, 2021
Julia Lee
Director, Communications
ACME Retail
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
Dear Ms. Lee,
I would like to formally apply for the Assistant Communications Manager position in the Corporate Communications Department. As you are aware, I have had extensive experience with Acme Retail starting when I participated in your summer editorial intern program while I was still in college.
Since then I have been advanced through progressively more responsible positions in both the Human Resources and Marketing Departments. During my tenure, I have developed exceptional writing and editing skillsand have designed and implemented highly successful communications strategies at the departmental level.
I have also demonstrated my ability to work with leaders across business units and multiple lines of business, consistently earning exemplary scores on my annual performance evaluations by my supervisors.
In addition, I have been responsible for benefits communications and employee relations, as well as liaising with the company's clients and vendors to ensure that all projects are completed by established milestones.
These are just a few examples of my accomplishments and contributions to our company. I hope that you will find that this brief view, in combination with the attached resume, describes a dedicated employee of Acme Retail with the experience and skills to meet or exceed the requirements of the position of Assistant Communications Manager.
I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity for promotion with you at your convenience. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide that will support my candidacy for this promotion.
Best regards,
Signature (hard copy letter)
Lewis Applicant
Email Job Promotion Cover Letter
Here's an example of a letter or email message used to apply for a job promotion to a management position at a retail store:
Subject:Application for Manager - Shoe Department
Dear Janice,
It was with great interest that I read that Human Resources is seeking applications for a new Manager in the Shoe Department. Please accept my resume for review and consideration for this role.
I have been with Casey's for a total of four years, two in my current position of Assistant Manager in the Children's Department, and two as a Sales Associate in the Junior Department. Before coming to Casy's, I worked for Mears as a Sales Associate in the Shoe Department as well as in the Men's Department.
With my experience in varied departments, I feel that I would be an asset as a Manager here at Casy's. In my capacity as an Assistant Manager, I successfully took on many of the managerial duties in the Children's Department last year when Suzy Smith was out on maternity leave, and I would welcome the opportunity to bring that same stability, energy, and dedication to the Shoe Department within the vacancy created by Amy Jenner's sudden departure.
I appreciate your consideration for this position. It has been a real pleasure to come to work every day since you hired me, and I thus look forward to continuing to grow in my career at Casy's.
Best regards,
Caroline Xao
Assistant Manager, Shoes
caroline.xo@caseys.com
555-555-1212
Applying for a Transfer
If you're seeking a transfer instead of a promotion, here's a transfer request letter example, a letter to use when you're relocating, and tips for requesting a transfer to a new job with your current employer.
More About Getting Promoted
When you're working on getting a promotion, it may take some effort to get noticed by management. There are ways you can enhance your promotabilityand lay a strong groundwork for a successful move up the career ladder.
Take the time to ensure you're in a perfect position to make the best impression at work and toget that promotion you're seeking.
Key Takeaways
PROVIDE DETAILS: Remind your employer of your history with their company, of your contributions to their success, and of your dedication to their corporate mission and goals.
BE GRATEFUL: Express your appreciation for the opportunities the employer has given you to grow within your current job with them. This will also serve as a reminder to them that you have taken good advantage of the training and increased responsibilities they have offered you.
ENHANCE YOUR PROMOTABILITY: From the moment you accept an entry-level position with an employer you respect, look for opportunities to gain the skills that will position you to assume promotions to roles of greater responsibility in the future.
