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Do you love working at your current company but are looking for a change? Whether you want to transition to a different role, pursue a higher-level position, or transfer to a new department, checking out and applying for an internal job opening could be a good option for you. But don’t be too complacent. Being an existing employee doesn’t necessarily mean you are first in line for any open position your company is trying to fill. In most cases, you will be competing with external applicants. So, how do you prepare for the internal hiring process to demonstrate that you’re the strongest candidate?
The first thing we suggest doing is to meet with the hiring manager responsible for filling the position you’re interested in applying for. This way, you can have a better understanding of the job and the expectations that come with it, express your interest, and talk about your fitness for the role. However, even if you had the chance to communicate your candidate value proposition, you may still be required to submit an application, including a cover letter, to officially apply for the position. So, in this article, we would like to share some key tips on how to effectively create a cover letter to help you secure a new role or promotion with your current employer.
1. Start with a convincing narrative
Your cover letter should have an interesting introduction to encourage the hiring manager to read it to the end. Aside from stating what position you are applying to, introduce yourself in a brief and captivating manner by explaining how you are qualified for the role. Don’t assume that the hiring manager who will review your qualifications already knows your background just because you currently work for the company. So, make sure to highlight your relevant skillsets while also demonstrating your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role. See the example below.
“As a current Marketing Manager of the marketing department, I would like to formally apply for the open Sales & Marketing Director position. Since starting as a Marketing Representative at ABC Incorporated five years ago, I have quickly mastered the skills necessary for the role that helped our department surpass annual sales goals consistently, resulting in my promotion to a managerial role after two years. I look forward to reaching new milestones in the coming years and am excited to leverage my well-honed leadership, sales, and marketing skills for this new challenge.”
2. State how your current role prepares you for the new job
Your cover letter gives you an ultimate chance to communicate the specific reason why you are the ideal candidate for the role. So, it is important to create a targeted cover letter to make a positive impression and capture the hiring manager’s attention. To do this effectively, review the description thoroughly and note all the requirements the job is looking for. Then describe how the new job matches your current job functions, skillsets, and career goals.
Use examples to discuss how your current position has prepared you to effectively handle the new role. For instance, you can highlight past projects you’ve worked on that are related to the job functions of the position you’re applying for. Include specific details, transferrable duties, and the measurable outcomes you’ve delivered. You can also consider mentioning training programs you’ve completed or certifications you’ve earned that can be beneficial to the new job. This way, you can be perceived as someone who can continually impact the company in a positive way.
3. Demonstrate how you’ve made an impact
What the hiring manager is looking for are goal-driven candidates who show strong initiatives and produce results. To prove to them that you have what it takes to succeed in the new role, show how you have made an impact in a quantifiable way. Adding numbers to your cover letter is an effective way to make a strong case that can help you secure the job. In addition, it does not only help the hiring manager understand the value you’ve already brought to the company but also gives them a clearer picture of what you can provide in the new role.
When you mention your quantitative achievements, consider adding a brief description of how you are able to achieve them. Did you lead a team? Were there any tools you used? Explain the actual tasks you’ve done to demonstrate your ability to share ideas, influence a team, or solve problems to deliver the expected outcomes. This will also help showcase your great understanding of getting things done in the company. You can use the example below as your guide.
“Throughout my career at the company, I’ve grown from creating compelling content for our social media channels to planning and managing various promotional events, which increased our client base by 53% in less than a year. This contributed to growing our overall yearly revenue by $1.5M. My hands-on approach to leading the marketing team has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth flow of each event. If hired as the new Sales & Marketing Director, I am certain that I will be able to bring the same level of commitment and results along with me.”
4. Use your knowledge of the company to your advantage
As an internal candidate, one of the best advantages you have over external applicants is your insider knowledge of the company. It will allow you to better explain how your target position matches your long-term career goals. So, make sure to capitalize on this knowledge to craft a convincing narrative about why you like working for the company and how considering you for the role can help them achieve their current mission and goals. Including these things in your cover letter will show the management that you’re enthusiastic about growing along with the company, increasing your chances of securing a spot for the next stage of the application process. Here’s an example.
“I have always been inspired by the company’s commitment to making people’s lives better by providing suitable product solutions. I am thrilled at the prospect of translating my five years of marketing experience into more meaningful work as a Sales & Marketing Director to help you deliver on your mission of ensuring our products reach these people in need. I am confident that the experiences and skill sets I have gained during my time at ABC Incorporated, along with my passion for the work being done here, make me an excellent fit for the role.”
5. Express gratitude
Thanking the hiring manager for considering your application is the best way to conclude your cover letter. Demonstrate your gratitude for the opportunities the company has given you to grow within your current position. Doing so will allow the hiring manager to see that you appreciate every training and increased responsibility they offered you and that you’ve taken good advantage of them. Then, express your readiness to come for further discussion or provide additional information they need that will help them reach their final decision. Let us give you an example.
“Thank you very much for your time and the opportunity to be considered for this position. It has been a great privilege working with ABC Incorporated since early in my career, and I look forward to continuing to grow within the company. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide, and I would be happy to send it your way.”
When applying for an internal position or promotion, do not presume that you will be selected solely because you currently work for the company. In addition to external applicants, there are very good chances that many other internal candidates are keenly interested in the job opening too. So, to make your application stand out, make sure to send an application with a well-crafted cover letter.
