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Are you applying for an internal position or promotion and need a good cover letter to boost your application? We’ve got you covered! If you’re looking to transition to a new department or climb the career ladder within your current team, a professional and compelling cover letter can strengthen your chances of landing the job.
This guide is designed to help you showcase your strengths and position yourself as the ideal candidate, whether you’re applying for an internal management role, a team leader or supervisor position, or seeking opportunities in fields like healthcare, finance, retail, hospitality, and beyond.
What’s in this article?
The importance of not reusing your old cover letter
Cover letter examples for an internal position or promotion
What to include in a cover letter for an internal role within your company
Role-specific cover letter paragraph samples.
Why do you need a cover letter for an internal position?
Even if you're well-known within your company, writing a cover letter shows professionalism, initiative, and clear intent. Think of it as your chance to connect your current performance with your future potential.
A strong cover letter for an internal position should:
Demonstrate your skills and experience
Highlight what you've achieved in your current role
Reflect your long-term career goals within the company.
Internal position vs external hiring cover letter
Planning to reuse your old cover letter for a new internal role? Think again! While both internal and external cover letters aim to showcase why you’re the best fit, there are key differences in how they should be written.
Structure: Personal details, introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Goal: Convincing the hiring manager that you're the right candidate for the role.
Tone: Professional in both cases, but slightly more relaxed in cover letters for internal positions or promotions.
Internal knowledge: Show you understand the company culture, the department’s nuances and challenges.
Growth: Especially if you are applying for a promotion and need a cover letter, explain how you’ve evolved and why you're ready for this next step.
Pro tip
Even as an internal candidate, you’re likely competing with both colleagues and external applicants. Your reputation, relationships, and track record carry weight. Use your cover letter to showcase your reliability, teamwork, and growth potential.
Example of a cover letter for an internal position
Download this free internal cover letter example in PDF.
Example of a cover letter for a promotion
Download this free cover letter example for a promotion in PDF.
What to include in a cover letter for an internal position or promotion
Writing a cover letter for an internal position requires a polished and well-structured approach to leave a strong impression and professionally demonstrate your interest in the role. Consider using a cover letter template to streamline the process and reduce unnecessary stress.
Here are the recommended sections that your cover letter should have:
Personal details: Add your updated contact information, such as your name, phone number, and email, at the top of your cover letter.
Introduction: Write a compelling statement and add referrals from your colleagues or current hiring manager.
Body: Explain the value you brought to your current role, describe why you’re a great candidate, and demonstrate it with quantifiable achievements.
Conclusion: End your cover letter for an internal position by expressing gratitude for the employer's time and consideration. Offer to provide further details in person or suggest they speak with your current manager, who can attest to your qualifications and suitability for the role.
Sign off: Here, you can write a standard closing and your full name.
5 tips for writing a cover letter for an internal position
Writing a cover letter for an internal position can feel tricky. It’s often difficult to determine what details to highlight, what to leave out, and where to provide additional depth. Plus, the department you're applying to may not know you well, so you'll need to work a bit harder to grab their attention.
Use these simple tips to write a great internal cover letter and set yourself up for success:
1. Start with a strong opening
In the first paragraph of your cover letter for an internal position or promotion, clearly state the role you’re applying for, your current position, and how long you’ve been with the company. Express what you’ve learned and summarise your responsibilities.
Pro tip
Consider mentioning referrals from colleagues or your current manager in either the opening or closing paragraph of your cover letter. The ideal placement may depend on who will be reviewing your letter, so choose the approach that best suits the situation.
Hotel Duty Manager cover letter introduction example
As a dedicated member of the front office team at The Rosewood Manchester for the past 5 years, I’m excited to apply for the Hotel Duty Manager role. During my time as a Guest Services Associate, I’ve taken on added responsibilities, such as coordinating shift operations, mentoring new hires, and launching a front-desk efficiency initiative. My interest in this position is fully supported by Rachel Thompson, our Senior Office Manager, who has been a key mentor and is happy to speak to my readiness for a leadership role.
2. Showcase what you’ve achieved
In the body of your internal cover letter, emphasise specific examples and data that demonstrate your achievements in your current role. Highlight how your contributions align with the responsibilities of the new position, weaving soft skills to showcase your value.
Example of an internal cover letter body paragraph for an auditor role
In my time as an Internal Audit Associate at Lloyds Banking Group, I’ve consistently taken initiative and delivered measurable results. I recently led the audit planning and execution for two complex compliance reviews, working cross-functionally with the Risk and Legal teams. These audits uncovered key process inefficiencies, and my recommendations directly contributed to an 18% reduction in reporting errors across departments. In addition, I’ve championed a streamlined documentation protocol that has since been adopted across the internal audit function, improving audit cycle times and regulatory readiness.
Example of an internal cover letter paragraph for a care assistant role
Over the past year at Rosewood Care Home, I’ve supported the daily care and well-being of more than 100 residents, building strong relationships with both patients and their families. I played an active role in piloting a new digital medication tracking system, collaborating closely with nurses and senior carers to implement the change smoothly. As a result, we saw a 30% decrease in medication errors and a noticeable improvement in shift-to-shift communication. I’ve also taken on the mentorship of two new care assistants, helping them settle into their roles and uphold our high standards of person-centred care.
Pro tip
Even if the hiring manager knows you, clearly explain your skills and experience, because they may need to advocate for you with others.
3. Emphasise your knowledge of the company
Unlike external candidates, you understand the company culture, processes, and final goals. Use this to your advantage. Here, we recommend mentioning projects you’ve worked on, teams you’ve led or supported, and challenges you’ve helped the company overcome.
Example for a duty manager position
I’ve worked closely with housekeeping, front desk, and kitchen teams during peak season events. I understand the hotel’s values and operational standards, which allow me to lead with confidence and ensure a seamless guest experience.
Example for a retail position
Over the past 2 years at Marks & Spencer, I’ve gained an in-depth understanding of our seasonal inventory flow, promotional strategy, and customer service standards, insights that would support a smooth transition into an Assistant Store Manager role.
Pro tip
Including sentences like these in the second body paragraph of your internal cover letter can elevate your application and add a polished, professional touch.
4. Highlight your growth potential and transferable skills
Especially when you’re applying for an internal position, it’s important to show in your cover letter where you want to go, or if you're aiming for a promotion, how it aligns with your long-term career goals.
Example of a cover letter body paragraph for a marketing role promotion
Since joining Unilever as a Marketing Coordinator, I’ve become increasingly focused on developing strategic leadership skills that will support my growth into a senior marketing role. I’ve proactively sought out opportunities to contribute beyond campaign execution. These experiences have sparked my interest in brand strategy and long-term campaign planning. I see the Marketing Manager position not just as a promotion, but as the next step in a career path where I can take ownership of brand direction and lead cross-functional initiatives that drive both performance and purpose.
Creative supervisor internal cover letter body paragraph example
Since joining BrightWave Media as a Senior Art Director, I’ve increasingly focused on demonstrating my leadership and project management skills to support my growth into a creative supervisory role. I’ve taken initiative by leading cross-team brainstorming sessions and guiding junior designers, which has deepened my interest in overseeing the creative process from concept to delivery. I see the Creative Supervisor position not just as a promotion, but as a natural next step where I can take greater ownership of creative direction and mentor the team to produce innovative campaigns that align with the company’s vision and client goals.
Pro tip
If you're transitioning into a different role, focus on highlighting your transferable skills. Emphasise strengths like leadership, communication, and company, versatile qualities that are valuable across all departments.
5. End your cover letter on a high note
The best way to conclude your cover letter is to express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped your journey so far, to reiterate your reasons for the transition, and to finish with a clear call to action, such as requesting an interview or expressing interest in discussing the role further.
Tech team leader internal cover letter body paragraph example
I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the past years at TechSolutions. Now, the transition from a software developer to a team leader within our engineering department feels like a natural next step in my journey here. I see this opportunity as a way to support our department’s continued success while stepping into a role where I can mentor others and help scale innovation across the team. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity further. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide to assist you in making your decision.
Pro tip
If you’re moving into a new department or scope of work, reaffirm why now is the right time, and show that the move supports the company’s business goals and objectives.
Internal cover letter essentials
Avoid reusing an old cover letter when applying for an internal role. Instead, write a fresh, tailored letter for each application, ensuring it aligns with your updated CV.
A cover letter for an internal position or promotion should focus on how your previous experience has prepared you for this new role.
Emphasise your knowledge of the company, your achievements, and your soft and transferable skills.
Providing an internal reference can be a great way to prove your value to the organisation.
Make sure your cover letter follows a clear, well-structured format for maximum impact.
Next steps?
Once your cover letter is ready and fully customised for the internal position or promotion, improve your CV for a better application. Need inspiration? Check out our cover letter examples and CV templates to ensure your documents have the best format for your industry and career needs. Finally, prepare for your job interview questions by practising how to discuss your skills and goals confidently with the STAR interview technique. For extra support, consider using CVMaker’s expert CV and cover letter writing service.
FAQs
How do I know if an internal position is the right move for me?
If you’re thinking about an internal move, you need to consider your ambitions, long-term career goals, and the role’s responsibilities. Does this position align with where you want to grow professionally? Will it challenge you and help you develop new skills? How does it fit into your overall trajectory? Does it offer opportunities for advancement or networking? Will this move provide the job satisfaction and work-life balance you’re looking for? Is the team culture and leadership a good fit for you? Reflect on these questions, and take the opportunity to connect with the hiring manager to gain deeper insights into the role and the department.
Pro tip
Send a polite and professional message to the hiring manager, either through email or on LinkedIn. Introduce yourself briefly and express your interest in the position. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team culture, or key priorities. This approach not only gives you valuable insights but also shows initiative and enthusiasm, helping you stand out as a candidate.
How do you tell your boss you’re applying for an internal position?
Informing your current manager respectfully is essential, both as a courtesy and to ensure they have the time to plan for any changes. Follow these tips:
Avoid casual settings like a coffee break for this conversation and schedule a proper meeting instead.
Clearly explain your reasons for pursuing the new role, and highlight why you believe you would be a great fit for the new department.
Reassure your manager that you are committed to remaining in your current role if the transition doesn't work out.
How to prepare for an internal promotion interview?
When you're interviewing internally, treat it like any other job interview. Even if you're friends with the hiring manager, keep things professional. Do your homework on the role, practise answering the strengths and weaknesses question, and have some smart questions ready to ask. This shows you're serious and really want the job.
Do internal applicants get priority?
Many companies encourage promoting from within, but internal candidates must still prove they’re the most qualified. So even if internal candidates do get priority in a hiring process, it’s not a given that they’ll get the job in the end.
Do you legally have to interview internal applicants in the UK?
No, employers don’t have to interview every applicant. While it’s important to ensure the hiring process is fair and non-discriminatory, there’s no legal obligation to meet with all candidates, including internal ones. Instead, employers should focus on interviewing individuals who meet the specific qualifications for the role.
How long should a cover letter be for an internal job?
For internal applications and hiring processes, an optimal cover letter length is around 300 words. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all formula here, so try to customise it for your specific context and background.
What is the average internal position raise?
Salary increases for internal promotions can range from 10% to 20%. However, the exact percentage often depends on factors such as the role, the individual's performance, the promotion level, and industry standards.
Explore our article on the highest-paying jobs in the UK.
Can you negotiate your salary for an internal promotion?
Yes, it is generally recommended to negotiate your salary when receiving an internal promotion. It's wise to assess the offer, research market rates, and advocate for yourself to ensure your compensation aligns with your value and the new role's responsibilities.
Refer to our article on salary negotiation in the UK to learn more.
What if you don’t get the internal promotion?
If you didn’t get the internal promotion, don’t be discouraged. Ask for feedback, continue building your skills, and express interest in future opportunities. Reapply when the right role opens again.
Discover in this guide how to bounce back from a job rejection.
