If you’ve been chosen to switch positions at the company you’re currently working for, you will likely need to write a cover letter for an internal position.
A cover letter can help enhance your position change application. It gives you a chance to reaffirm your accomplishments and show that you’re the most competent choice for the position.
The main issue with writing a cover letter for an internal position is that it significantly differs from a regular cover letter, so keep reading to learn how to differentiate between the two and how to write the latter properly.
Key Takeaways
- A regular cover letter is different from a cover letter for an internal position, primarily because a regular one is used as an elaboration of your skills and accomplishments, whereas the latter is a reaffirmation of the same.
- The standard format for an internal position cover letter is header, greetings, introduction, body, and conclusion.
- To write a cover letter for an internal position, you should focus on highlighting the experience you’ve gained while working for the company. Make sure to always show gratitude at the end of your letter as well.
- Always make sure to proofread your cover letter before sending it, as a letter with any spelling or grammar mistakes would seem unprofessional.
Is Cover Letter For an Internal Position Different From a “Regular” Cover Letter?
Yes, a cover letter for an internal position is different from a “regular” cover letter, primarily because a cover letter for an internal position serves as a reminder of your qualifications, whereas a regular cover letter is used as an introduction.
Since you’ll be using the internal position cover letter in an attempt to change your position in the same company, you will only need to focus on your acquired and honed skills and greatest accomplishments.
The company already knows who you are and what you do, so the internal position cover letter should only remind them of that.
How to Format a Cover Letter For an Internal Position
A great internal position cover letter should exude professionalism, and a crucial component of that is formatting it properly.
A standard cover letter format dictates the following:
- Header. The header should include your name, current position, and contact information, along with the name, contact information, and title of the person who is supposed to read it.
- Greetings. Choose an appropriate cover letter greeting, such as: Esteemed or Dear.
- Introduction. Since the introduction is the first paragraph of your cover letter, use it to show your interest in the position. Back this up by mentioning your qualifications next.
- Body. Use the body section of your cover letter to talk about what you’ve learned since you started working for the company. Explain how you can use the learned skills in the new position.
- Conclusion. Lastly, conclude your internal position cover letter by mentioning your interest in the position once again. Express your gratitude in the last line, and end your cover letter with a formal closing and your name.
How to Write a Cover Letter For an Internal Position
Follow these steps to write a cover letter for an internal position:
#1. Set the Right Tone
Even though you are familiar with the people in the company and they are familiar with you, you should always strive to demonstrate professionalism. This shows that you respect them and would like to discuss the internal position application formally, even if you often speak to them casually.
Set the right tone for your internal position cover letter so that you show you’re competent and confident.
This can look like:
I am currently writing to you to formally show my interest in the open Senior Content Writer position. I was delighted to hear about this opening, as I am more than ready to demonstrate the skills I’ve acquired and honed so far as a content writer at this company.
#2. Showcase Your Experience
Since you’ve already worked for the company, you’ve gathered some knowledge that can help you land the new position. Mention what skills you’ve learned while working for them and show how this knowledge can help you do well in the new role.
You can say:
Ever since I joined FlorwPt Inc. five years ago as a Web Designer, I’ve developed my skills both in web and UX/UI design, as well as in some other creative areas. The major design I came up with for the Zapoom website turned out to be quite intuitive and easy to use, and it attracted an increasing number of visitors. My redesign helped raise the number of clicks on the website from 10 per day to 150 per day.
#3. Demonstrate Your Achievements
Next, focus on demonstrating your achievements that have benefited the company instead of just listing the projects you’ve completed so far. Mention a specific example that has helped the company reach a goal.
For example:
As the main sales representative for your company, I’ve raised sales in my department by 7.5% in a matter of two months. I believe that the managerial and leadership skills that I’ve developed in this position can be a great asset if I take on the project management role.
#4. Utilize Insider Information
Since you already know the people and the company you’re working for, you can utilize this knowledge to your advantage. Ask your managers or a coworker to refer you, as working alongside you allows them to vouch for your accomplishment claims.
Add this referral at the beginning of the cover letter, and you should have something like:
My name is Danielle Marshall, and I would like to apply for the position of Senior Sales Representative. I’d like to add that Danielle Marshall, the HR representative at our company, recommended me for this role.
I have had the opportunity to work on a project under Mrs. Marshall’s guidance for three years. She has been my pillar and main support throughout my career, and I’m delighted that she referred me to this position.
#5. Express Gratitude
Lastly, always make sure to leave some space for expressing gratitude. This includes showcasing your appreciation for their time as well as the things they’ve taught you so far.
When including this section in your cover letter, try saying something like:
I want to thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to getting on the phone with you so we can continue to discuss the matter.
Cover Letter for an Internal Position Examples
The way you go about writing the internal position cover letter solely depends on whether it is written for a promotion or a role change.
When it comes to a promotion cover letter, the text needs to specify that you possess enough skills to advance in your career. In a role change cover letter, it’s important to mention the skills that align with the new role.
Based on whether you’re looking for a promotion or a complete role change, here are two sample cover letters for an internal position that you can follow:
#1. Cover Letter for an Internal Position: Promotion
Joshua Hong
873-2341-84243
[email protected]
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 15th, 2023
James Choi
HR Recruiter
Ataca Inc.
Esteemed James,
I am writing to you to formally express my interest in the recent opening for the Senior Graphic Designer position. I am eager to show what I’ve learned so far through working for the company and apply this knowledge to the next position.
As a graphic designer who has been working for your establishment for over six years now, I am ready to advance further in my career. I believe that I’ve perfected my UX/UI design skills and mastered the Adobe Suite in my time here.
Throughout the last six years, I’ve developed my soft skills as well as my problem-solving skills. I truly believe that these two skill sets, along with the skills I’ve previously acquired through my past work experiences, will be extremely beneficial for your company.
I am very interested in continuing my journey as a Senior Graphic Designer and I’m eager to discuss the opportunity with you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Joshua Hong
Why this example works: This example follows the steps we’ve discussed in the article. It has the correct format, which is the header, greeting, introduction, body, and lastly, the conclusion. Besides that, it focuses on demonstrating how the skills acquired through working for the company for a specific amount of time can be applied in the new position.
#2. Cover Letter For a Different Role
Christopher Chan
939-2843-48473
[email protected]
Los Angeles, California
March 23rd, 2023
Jeanna Miyawaki
Team Manager
StarRocket Ent.
Dear Christopher,
As a licensed nurse who has been working under your leadership for the past eight years, I would like to express my interest in the Head Nurse position. I have worked as an RN (Registered Nurse) for the past 18 years, and I feel I am more than ready to take the next step in my career.
The work I’ve done over the past 18 years has helped me develop the right skill set needed for a wholesome medical worker. This experience has helped me develop my communication skills as well as advance my medical knowledge.
I believe that my extensive experience and knowledge, my interpersonal skills, as well as the nature of my relationships with my colleagues and patients, make me a great fit for a management role like this.
While I was quite happy as an RD for the past 18 years, the recent inflation has made me reconsider my role and prompted me to look for possible career advancements.
I am highly interested in the position and would love to set up a meeting whenever you have the time to get in touch with me.
I sincerely appreciate and express my full gratitude for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing the matter with you in more detail.
Best regards,
Jeanna Miyawaki
Why this example works: If you’re considering a role change, it’s important to clarify why you’re making this decision. This example shows that, although you’ve appreciated the experience and are grateful for the new things you’ve learned, you’re ready to take on bigger responsibilities and challenges at work.
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter For an Internal Position
Now that you know the ins and outs of an internal position cover letter, here are some mistakes you should avoid while writing it:
- Not addressing the right person. Find out who is currently recruiting for the position. This way, you’ll avoid sending the letter to the CEO instead of HR, for example. It’s important that you address the right person so you can avoid seeming unprofessional.
- Not double-checking and proofreading. Before sending your cover letter, make sure to reread it multiple times. This way, you’ll avoid sending a letter plagued with spelling or grammar mistakes, which can make you seem unprofessional.
- Being either too formal or too informal. Find the perfect middle ground. As mentioned above, although you’ve known the employer for a while, it’s still important to show professionalism. However, if the work environment is casual, you can afford to be a bit more informal as well.
- Making the cover letter too long. Your internal position cover letter should not be longer than 250–300 words.
Final Thoughts
When applying for an internal position in your current company, the most crucial thing is to format it correctly and send it to the right person.
Make sure that your internal position cover letter application demonstrates your skills and accomplishments and explains why you’d be a better fit in a different position. Don’t make the cover letter too long, and check for mistakes before sending it.
With that out of the way, we wish you good luck with the new position you’re applying for!
