Many job seekers applying for a new position inside the company think that their reputation is all that matters. Sure, feedback from your current supervisor is important, and it’ll definitely affect your prospects. But so is your job application, including your resume and especially your cover letter. So here are a few tips that’ll help you write a top-notch internal job cover letter
#1 Communicate Your Commitment to the Company
One of the reasons why companies often start with internal hiring is that they’re looking for a person who is well-familiar with the organization and has a nice track record within it. That’s why it’s critical that a professional cover letter for internal position clearly communicates your commitment to continuing to grow with the company.
When a hiring manager or prospective boss is reading applications for internal job opportunities, they want to see what you’ve already achieved while working at the company as well as what you’re hoping to achieve going forward. So your most important tasks are to highlight your accomplishments and express genuine dedication to the employer.
Don’t go overboard, though. Job seekers who claim that they’d like to stay with the company “for the rest of their professional life” when applying for a job risk coming across as insincere. It’s better to leave one’s long-term goals for the interview. For now, simply make sure that the recruiter or the person in charge of hiring decisions knows you’re not looking for a temporary job. A place you can also try is advertising resume writers from resumeperk
#2 Tell Why You’re Interested in the Position
But it’s not enough to show your commitment. If you want to land an interview and hopefully get hired, include why exactly you’re interested in the position you’re applying for. Be honest, but not too honest. If the number one reason is money, don’t mention it in your cover letter. The Human Resources Team won’t appreciate it.
Instead, focus on the responsibilities the new position implies and the opportunities for professional growth it opens. Perhaps, it’s something that you’ve had a chance to try in your current role and really enjoyed (say, mentoring or assisting in talent acquisition). Then, you can write that you’ve realized you’re good at it and would like to do it more.
Alternatively, a time-tested and believable response to the question of why you’d like to change your job is that you’ve reached the ceiling in your current position. It’s not uncommon for candidates with years of work experience to feel like there’s no more room for them to grow. It’s okay to admit this.
#3 Make Sure to Explain What You Bring to the Table
Next, any internal job cover letter (or any cover letter, for that matter) should include the reasons why a candidate thinks they’re a good fit for the position. All employers are looking for competence and an impressive qualification. As an applicant, you’re supposed to assure them that you have a lot to offer.
Dedicate a paragraph or two to addressing the job requirements of the position you’re applying for and how you’re capable of meeting them. Show that you’ve read the job description thoroughly and understand how the department you’d like to work in operates. Then write about how your education and current job have prepared you for what’s (hopefully) to come.
#4 If You Think It’s Appropriate, Add a Couple of Positive Changes You’d Implement If Hired
Specificity is what a lot of cover letters lack. So if you want to impress the recruiter or even your future supervisor, make yours as specific as possible. A good way to do so is to write a paragraph or two about what you’ll do in the new role if hired. For example, if you’re applying for a position of an onboarding specialist, here are a few things you might propose in the cover letter:
- Beginning the onboarding process in advance by sending study materials to the new hires.
- Pairing every new employee with an experienced mentor for at least two weeks.
- Organizing informal events to organically familiarize new employees with the company culture.
- Involving new employees in brainstorming from the first day to make them feel welcomed and valued.
#5 Don’t Think the Job Is Yours to Lose Just Because It’s an Internal Promotion
Finally, no matter how outstanding of a track record you have within the company, don’t think that you’re guaranteed the job just because they’re looking for an internal candidate. First, you never know—a colleague of yours might submit a much stronger job application. Second, your prospective boss might be looking for a specific person, and your work experience might not be as relevant as you think.
Remember that the quality of the job application, including the cover letter, matters a lot. If you feel like you lack the writing skills to compose a winning cover letter, it might be the right step to get professional help here top resume writing service. After all, your goal is to get employed. If you need to invest in your career a bit more to achieve it, do so.
An Afterword
A cover letter is possibly the most important part of the internal job application process. For it to get you the job, you must clearly state your commitment to the company, reasons for your interest in the new position, and original ideas you’re bringing to the table. So don’t just write a few paragraphs half-heartedly, hoping your resume is enough. Make an effort.