short cover letter for internal promotion

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Cover Letter for Internal Position or Promotion Examples

You come first, leave last. You put in the effort, the hours, the sweat. You’re a big fish in a small pond. Let’s make a splash.

Advancing within your current company not only demonstrates your loyalty but also your ambition to grow alongside the organization.

Crafting a thoughtful cover letter for an internal position allows you to showcase your achievements and readiness for new challenges. This guide will help you position yourself as the ideal candidate for that next step.

In this guide:

• Two cover letter examples: a sample cover letter for internal position, and a cover letter for promotion.
• How to not trip up on the basics: the cover letter format.
• A quick and ready template to start from in minutes.

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this.  Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from  18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

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Looking for different cover letter examples and guides? See:

• Cover Letter for Internship Position Examples
• Cover Letter with No Experience Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• General Cover Letter Examples
• Librarian Cover Letter Examples
• LPN Cover Letter Examples
• Manager Cover Letter Examples

After analyzing data from over 500,000 documents generated in our product, we found that*:

-  The most often chosen cover letter templates among our users are Cascade, Cubic, Primo, and Classic. -  Each user typically creates an average of 2.36 documents in our document builder. - Administrative assistans, customer service representatives, registered nurses and servers are professions for which our users most likely create cover letters.    * The data comes from the last 12 months (August 2023-August 2024)

Depending on whether you’re applying to a new internal position, or you’re asking for a promotion, you must adapt your approach. See how these two examples differ.

1. Cover Letter for Internal Position Examples

Our sample cover letter for internal position applications comes from Maria, who in her job as a warehouse manager revolutionized her site and made huge profitability gains, and is now looking to progress to an operations manager position.

Let’s see how she spins her yarn to display just how much she has done for the company.

#1: Cover Letter for Internal Position Example

Maria C. Dixon

Warehouse Manager

3016 Fulton Street

New Martinsville, WV 26155

304-390-6463

[email protected]

New Martinsville, Feb 25, 2020

Richard Hawkes

HW Operations

7 Industrial Road

Austin, TX 73301

Dear Richard,

I would like to implore you to consider me for the position of Operations Manager you have advertised externally. I have been with HW for 3+ years now as a warehouse manager, and in this time, achieved huge profitability gains each consecutive year.

I believe I have what it takes to perform as an Operations Manager for HW. As a Warehouse Manager at New Martinsville, I turned around the site which was losing $140k p.a. into one that closed the last year with $280k profit. Additionally, we closed this January with a $35k profit, our record month since the creation of the warehouse. I did this by rearranging the warehouse setup into thematic zones that have items that are most often bought together close to each other. This allowed us to reduce the average daily distance walked by a picker from 7.6 miles to just 4.3 (making employees happier, too!), and reduce average parcel completion time from 14.2 to just 8.1 minutes. These improvements allowed us to not have to use seasonal part-time workers, and even sustain record profits with just 31 employees, instead of 37 full-time and 20 seasonal workers.

I believe that the aptitude and effort I demonstrated, especially the savings increases and costs reductions I have made in my warehouse, could be scaled to the wider company, and I believe it to be necessary, at a time when 25% of our locations are operating under the red line. 

When could we meet to tell you about how we could roll-out these improvements to even our most remote locations in record time?

Best Regards,

What if you’re after a promotion that hasn’t been advertised as an open position? We got you.

Our cover letter for promotion comes from Alejandro, a junior developer in a software house, looking to progress to a normal developer position with more pay and perks.

Example #2: Cover Letter for Promotion

Alejandro S. White

4917 Yorkshire Circle

Seattle, WA 98101

423-512-2311

[email protected]

linkedin.com/alejwhitendro

github.com/alejo99

Seattle, Jan 9, 2020

Jane Employer

Head of Development

Easy Software

1 Tech Avenue

I am writing to you to update you on my progress and contribution as a junior developer in the past 12 months I have been at Easy Software, and to implore you to consider promoting me to a developer position.

As a junior developer, my responsibilities revolve around supporting the senior members of the Dev Team—being delegated the easier, partial tasks, testing, debugging, brainstorming, as well as working on software documentation, internal and external. In the past 12 months, I have been the most effective debugger out of our 6 junior developers, fixing 1228 bugs across 21 applications. During brainstorming sessions, I often contribute to the discussion with senior devs with meaningful ideas, such as the addition of the public tracking functionality to the Seattle Transport Authority project, which reinvigorated public transport use in Seattle, and increased it by 5% in the first month, and another 12% in the second since implementation. Very often, while testing, I am able to independently fix some of the more serious issues that occur, whereas most of my colleagues refer them to the senior devs. I believe I have shown enough maturity, drive, and skill to make the move to a full developer position. 

I am currently making a bigger-than-junior impact in my junior developer position. I am a firm believer that in a developer position, I will be able to make an even bigger impact, and allow Easy Software to grow and produce even more interesting and innovative products.

When could we meet for me to tell you about how I fixed the CoffeeMate bug that had the whole team baffled for 2 days?

Kind Regards,

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our good cover letter examples.

2. How to Make Your Cover Letter For Promotion Blow Them Away

1. format your cover letter for internal position neatly.

They know you. They think they do. They know you as much as you can get to know someone during idle chat at lunch, after 2 drinks too many at the sushi spot during the Christmas Party. That’s a great place to start. Don’t mess it up by busting out the Comic Sans like it’s 2002.

Here are the rules to ace the cover letter format :

• Align text to the left without justification. 
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Your cover letter font should be the same as your resume font —use a classic like Bell MT, Arial or Garamond.
• Use 1.15 line spacing. Drop a line between each section, and between paragraphs.
• The best length for your cover letter is one page.

So, what to include in your cover letter for internal positions?

2. Make a Header With Your Contact Information

This may be a formality, but do not omit anything. Make sure the header matches your resume header , if you are sending a resume that is. The rest shouldn’t be a problem, find out who’s going to be dealing with the application and put down their details.

Cover Letter For Internal Position: Header 

[ Your Full Name]

[ Your Job Title ] (Optional)

[ Address ]

[ Phone Number ]

[ Email Address ]

[ LinkedIn Profile ] (Optional)

[ City and Date ]

[ Hiring Manager’s Full Name ]

[ Hiring Manager’s Position ]

[ Company Name ]

[ Company Street Address ]

[ City and Zip Code ]

Expert Hint: Remember, whatever you do: Do not be smarter than your boss .

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

3. Introduce The Position You’re Applying For

Get right to business. Address your cover letter by first name. Start off your cover letter by identifying the position you are seeking, and justify it with a relevant factor of your performance in your current role. 

Fill these [blanks]:

Cover Letter For Internal Position: Introduction

Dear  [Hiring manager’s Name] ,

When I heard of the new  [target position name]  position being created, I immediately saw the parallels from my current position that make me the right fit. Having worked the last  [number of years]+   years as a  [previous position title] , I have spent a lot of time honing  [a parallel skill or responsibility]   skills, resulting in  [metric/improvement/achievement] , and leading me to believe I am ready to progress to this position with more responsibility.

Expert Hint: Do not be callous, even if the hiring manager is your best buddy. Do not write that ‘they have to look no further’, or that ‘you decided to save them money on recruitment’. Always treat as if a stranger will read it, because they very well might. Worse, someone you know might read it, you might not get the position, and it will sting. Explain how you understand the company culture and will be a smoother transition to promote you than someone from the outside, but do not big yourself up needlessly.

4. Make a Case For Why They Should Promote You

Take a piece of paper and split it into two columns. On the left, write out your every responsibility, duty, the things you do at work. Even if you did them once. Think, “If I was trying to tell someone how good I am at it, what would I say?”. Think numbers, achievements from your resume .

Fill that page. When you’re done, walk away, come back in a few hours, and write down the things you’ve suddenly remembered. Now, take the description of the new position, of its duties and responsibilities, and highlight the things that match with your list. 

Here are the components of your promotion cover letter’s second paragraph. Remember to back it up with the evidence. Bonus points if you can compare yourself to the ‘company average’ or even better—your past self. They may not know about your improvement, so let them know. 

Start with this:

Cover Letter for Internal Position Sample: Second Paragraph

In my  [X]+   years as a  [your position name] , I have excelled at  [matching responsibility/duty 1] , on occasion even managing to  [achievement/metric 1]   for our company. While  [matching responsibility/duty 2] , I have been able to  [achievement/metric 2] , contributing to  [a company metric, perhaps the company made record profits that year] . While at the start of my spell with  [company name]  I have only been able to  [underperforming metric 1] , however, after  [remedial steps/training you took]   I am proud to say that I have  [talk about your improvement and what it means for the company] . I am keen to keep developing further at maximum pace, and this opportunity is the right move for both I and  [company name]  to grow.

Expert Hint: We as humans are prone to believing people are watching and judging us all the time. Nothing could be further from the truth. Before you put yourself in the spotlight, make sure there is nothing that will ruin your chances accidentally, on social media for example.

5. Make The Final Interview

Companies always want to grow. They want to make more. However, companies cannot grow if the people don’t grow—or the number of them. Surely, it is better to have the more experienced with the company culture rising, instead of keeping them down and plugging strangers in higher up. 

The costs of training a new person are higher, their adaptation time is longer—it is not certain that they will ever fit into the company culture. These are all valid arguments, but not to make in this form. Do not ever try to uplift yourself by putting down other candidates. 

Explain simply how promoting you would be more cost-effective, have a higher chance of success—not how hiring your competitors would be disastrous.

Fill in the [blanks]:

Cover Letter for Internal Position Sample: Third Paragraph

The culture of  [company name]   is something I am intertwined in. I am asking you to allow me to grow, which I will return in kind. It is more beneficial to the smooth running of the company to allow the people with the know-how and understanding of the business to rise and take more responsibility. I understand the business, how it operates and its goals. The company is aiming to  [describe the goals here] , but the company cannot grow if the people do not grow.

6. Close the Deal

Normally at ResumeLab, here’s where we advise people to ask for the interview. However, unless the position is in another division, country, etc., you can wager going for a ‘I’m looking forward to’. Usually, this can be seen as arrogant or even callous, but you ought not to worry.

A lot of people use that expression freely in their applications, and here it’s valid, and less-committing than usual—you can simply say you look forward to catching up with them about it, which could mean an interview, or could mean catching them in a hall. 

Cover Letter for Internal Position Sample: Sign Off & Call to Action

I’ll look forward to catching up with you about this opportunity. I am eager to tell you more about how  [something you did]   and managed to  [achievement] .

[Digital copy of your handwritten signature]

[Your Full Name]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

As you write a cover letter for internal positions and promotions, remember to:

• Get the formatting and header absolutely right—or it looks foolish.
• State what position you’re applying to, and introduce yourself with a relevant achievement from your resume in this capacity, or parallel role.
• In the second paragraph, draw on your experience in your position, and how much, and how well you do the things that your new job focuses on.
• Describe your drive, passion, and commitment in the third paragraph.
• Request an interview/call and sign formally. 

Do you have any more questions about writing a cover letter for internal positions? Did you find our cover letter for internal promotion example helpful? Leave us a comment, I’ll be more than happy to hear from you!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Dave is a career expert delivering a wide range of well-researched advice regarding the job hunting and application process. At ResumeLab, his data-driven resume and cover letter guides help readers capitalize on their potential.

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Cover Letters for a Promotion or Internal Position

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

• Sample Cover Letter for Promotion
• Email Job Promotion Letter

Applying for a Transfer

More about getting promoted.

When you're being considered for an internal position or a promotion, you may need to write a cover letter to 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?

Here's everything you need to know about crafting the perfect cover letter for an internal role, along with sample letters and writing tips.

A job promotion cover letter should clearly explain your interest in the job and delineate  how you are qualified for the position . The letter should also recap your experience and knowledge of your employer’s current mission and needs, as well as the progressive growth you have enjoyed within the company.

Don't presume the hiring manager or department manager reviewing your qualifications will know your background just because you work for the company.

Sharing the specific details of your history with the organization will help ensure  your resume gets a closer look  and that your qualifications get noticed.

This is especially true when applying for a position at a large company. Also, be prepared to discuss these  qualifications 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 a Promotion or Internal Position

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.

Lewis Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 lewis.applicant@email.com

June 4, 2024

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 skills and have designed and implemented highly successful communication 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 all projects are completed by established milestones.

These are just a few examples of my accomplishments and contributions to our company. I hope 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 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.

Caroline Xao Assistant Manager, Shoes caroline.xo@caseys.com 555-555-1212

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.

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 promotability and 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 to  get that promotion you're seeking .

Key Takeaways

Provide details. Remind your employer of your history with their company, contributions to their success, and 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. 

My Resume Star

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.