Each candidate submitted a resume and a one-page statement of why they should receive the promotion.

How can you make your resume stand out to an employer?

• Use an easy-to-read format and structure that highlights your relevant education and experience.
• Develop bullet points or statements to show relevant skills and qualities. Be specific about what you did and how you did it.
• Start your bullet points or statements with strong action verbs.
• Provide contextual details to inform the reader about the purpose of your work, the scope of the project, and what you produced or accomplished.
• Quantify your work and achievements where possible.

Using the STAR method

The STAR method can help you create impactful descriptions for each experience on your resume.

First, read through the posting for a job that interests you. This will help you understand the role and the employer’s needs. Identify the skills and qualities they seek. You can usually find them in the responsibilities and qualifications sections.

Next, use the STAR method to describe the context of your work, your actions, and how your actions had positive impact on the organization.

Situation: What was the situation, problem, or conflict you were facing?

Task: What were you tasked with? What were your responsibilities or goals?

Action: What action did you take? What did you do to solve this problem? (start with action verbs)

Result: What was the result or outcome of your action? How did it benefit the organization? Can this result be quantified?

Use the STAR method worksheet to create descriptions that incorporate the key skills and qualities the employer is seeking. Your final statement will start with the action section and include the results section when appropriate.

Example

Skills/qualities you want to show: initiative, organization, analytical thinking, writing, interpersonal skills, problem solving

Situation: The trainees were learning too slowly and could not navigate the company’s data tracking system by the end of the two-week training period. Instead, they were not ready for another two weeks.

Task: Help trainees learn the system faster.

Action: Initiated, wrote, and edited the first training manual for the company’s data tracking system. Successfully presented proposal to use manual to management. Revised training program curriculum to implement new manual. Trainees worked through the manual during the two-week training period.

Result: At the end of the training period, trainees were ready to use the data tracking system two weeks earlier than expected; the training manual was adopted across the company and is still in use.

FINAL STATEMENT FOR RESUME: Initiated, wrote, and edited the first training manual for company’s data tracking system, which cut training period in half, was adopted across the company, and is still in use today.

This example could focus on different skills (communication, persuasion, leadership, training), depending on what’s relevant to the job.

Bullet Point Examples

These examples will help you learn how to transform a generic description into a strong action and results-oriented bullet point.

Generic Description

Public Health Society, Events Coordinator

• Responsible for organizing events and panels

In this example, it is not clear what the candidate did to organize events and panels, what skills they used, or what kind of events and panels they organized. Because of this, the writer misses the chance to showcase the skills used to carry out this task.

Strong, Concrete Description

Public Health Society, Events Coordinator

• Plan and coordinate panels on public health for audiences of 25–50 undergraduates on a bi-monthly basis
• Identify and contact health professionals in the community to participate in panels
• Create marketing materials and publicize events through social media

In this example, the first bullet point clearly highlights organizational skills. It also lets the employer know the scope, target audience, and frequency of the events. This efficiently illustrates the candidate’s abilities and experience.

The second bullet point indicates research and interpersonal skills, which were used to secure panelists. It also demonstrates the ability to communicate with professionals outside of the university.

The third bullet highlights a specific business skill and/or the ability to be strategic in marketing, as well as familiarity with using social media for marketing purposes.

Adding Accomplishments and Impact:

Employers review resumes to understand the impact you’ve had on a project, organization, or company. For instance:

• Were the materials and publicizing efforts successful?
• Did these actions result in reaching a new group of students?

Review each statement you’ve created for your resume. Can you add an accomplishment or achievement? What happened as a result of that action? How did it benefit the organization? You don’t need to add a result to every bullet point on your resume, but it’s helpful to demonstrate achievements when possible.

What does this look like? In the bullet point about marketing materials and social media, this might read:

• Create marketing materials and publicize events through social media. Increased attendance at several club programs by 75% (if you have an accurate figure)
• Create marketing materials and publicize events through social media. Saw increased attendance at several club programs throughout the year (if you are unable to quantify)

These statements combine the Action and Result sections of the STAR method.

You’ve put in the work, you’re qualified, and you’ve proven your dedication. Now you’re ready to get that coveted promotion or title change.
Should be simple, right?

Not exactly. If you’re looking to land a new job within your current company — whether that’s a promotion or a lateral transfer — you may have to write a cover letter for an internal position to formally apply for the role.

Writing a cover letter that highlights your qualifications and convinces management that you’re the best person for the job isn’t easy — especially if you’re competing with external applicants.

We’re here outline how to write a stellar internal cover letter, so you can reel in that promotion you’ve been angling for.

Ready to learn more? Skip to 2:40 in the video below to see our resident career expert Eva explain how to write an effective internal cover letter:

Cover letter for internal position example

Here’s a sample cover letter for an internal position an employee successfully used to get transferred:

Download This Free Example

Oct 14, 2019

Kevin EskolaSales RepresentativePeabody Supplies Co.(908) 225-9819

Jane LaskerSenior ManagerPeabody Supplies Co.

Dear Mrs. Lasker,

As a loyal employee of Peabody, I’m excited to formally apply for the Digital Outreach Coordinator position in the Marketing Department. As you are aware, since starting as a Sales Representative at Peabody two years ago, I’ve quickly mastered the requisite skills for the role, and helped our department exceed annual sales goals. While I’m happy with my current position, working as a Digital Outreach Coordinator is more in line with my long-term career goals, and I feel that I would be an immediate asset to the team.

Since starting my career at Peabody as a Sales Representative, I have demonstrated my ability to learn quickly and exceed expectations. During my tenure, I have developed excellent sales skills, honed my communication skills working closely with a diverse range of customers, and subsequently helped my department generate a 6% increase in profits this quarter.

Additionally, this year I collaborated extensively with the Marketing Department to roll out a new line of kitchen products, giving me relevant hands-on experience with the day-to-day marketing operations.

I’ve read the requirements for the Digital Outreach Coordinator position thoroughly. Although I may have less experience than other candidates, I’m confident that the skills I’ve developed during my time at Peabody, as well as my passion for the work being done here, make me an ideal fit for the role.

I appreciate your time and consideration, and look forward to discussing this opportunity with you at your convenience. My supervisor is also happy to meet with you to elaborate on my performance in the Sales Department, and attest to my qualifications. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide, and I’d be happy to send it your way.

Sincerely,

Kevin Eskola

This sample cover letter for an internal position is effective because it’s concise, positive, and direct.

Kevin expresses gratitude for his current job, highlights his excellent performance, and then addresses how the new job plays into his career goals.

His transfer cover letter also shows management that he’s loyal, and goal-oriented enough to advocate for himself — both attributes of strong employees.

A great cover letter is one of the most important parts of a successful job application. Learn the ins and outs of how to write a cover letter that highlights your strengths and helps you land an interview.

Cover letter for promotion example

Although similar to a general cover letter for an internal position, a cover letter for a promotion differs in two key ways.

First, a cover letter for a promotion specifically emphasizes your higher level experience. For instance, if you’re looking to land a managerial role, provide examples of management experience you’ve acquired as an employee. If you’re aiming for a senior level title, illustrate why you deserve it in your cover letter.

It also must prove you’re prepared to handle more responsibilities in the company.

If you’re only transferring positions, you want to showcase your transferable skills and willingness to learn new things. If you’re going for a promotion, you need to emphasize your readiness for the role, because companies don’t give out better titles and/or money without justification.

Here’s an example cover letter for an internal promotion written by an applicant using a cover letter template:

Download This Free Example

What makes Kevin’s cover letter for promotion stand out is the quick but convincing way he markets his strengths while asserting his qualifications for the target position.

Note that in the cover letter introduction, he immediately emphasizes his gratitude for the opportunities he’s been given, and quickly addresses his overall performance on the job. Then, Kevin details his specific successes, skills, and relevant management experience he’s developed.

These crucial details demonstrate to management that he has the experience necessary to keep up with the demands a promotion would bring, and that he has the drive to excel in the new position.

How to write a cover letter for an internal position

1. Create a convincing narrative

Your managers are already familiar with you, so skip the introductions and formalities expected in a general cover letter. If you’re unsure of how to properly address your managers in your cover letter, it’s common to use “Dear” followed by your manager’s first name.

Instead, use your internal cover letter as an opportunity to craft a narrative about your experience at the company, your commitment to your job, and how your target position fits into your long-term career goals.

Companies want to keep and reward their existing talent. Show management that not only is hiring you easier, but that you would also excel in the new position, and are excited to grow along with the company.

Starting a cover letter the right way will catch management’s attention, and get them to start an honest conversation with you about your potential transfer or promotion.

2. Tie in your previous experience

At the end of the day, an internal cover letter is still a cover letter.

Your goal is to convince an employer that you have the right qualifications not only to get the job done, but to also exceed expectations.

To show employers your full value, showcase specific successes you’ve contributed to while on the job, the soft skills and hard skills you’ve learned, and how you’ve adapted over time.

This can mean slightly different things depending on whether you’re writing a cover letter for an internal job transfer, or an internal promotion cover letter:

If you’re writing a cover letter for promotion

• Showcase experience that shows that you’re competentent, reliable, and have adept leadership skills. Your goal is to convince management that you’re the ideal candidate, and that the experience you’ve gained at your current position gives you the resources to thrive in one with more responsibility.

If you’re writing a cover letter for an internal job transfer

• Highlight any experience or technical skills you have that are relevant to the new position — especially any instances where you’ve collaborated or worked with your target department. Additionally, your experience should demonstrate that you’re adaptable, driven, and passionate about the work you’d be doing in the position you want to be transferred to.

Additionally, note any unique skills required of people in your desired position, and emphasize your competency in those areas.

If you’re worried that you may not be qualified for a promotion or internal transfer, there are many online resources you can use to learn new skills.

3. Be specific

Management is already familiar with the work being done at the company. To impress them, be specific.

To communicate your experience to management, highlight your key relevant achievements, and back them up with hard numbers. Your goal is to quantify the contributions you’ve made to the company and its overall success.

Here’s how our sample applicant showcases their role in boosting sales:

Quantifying your achievements is one of the best ways to demonstrate your qualifications in a digestible, interesting way, while also highlighting the role you played in the success of a given task.

Quantifying your accomplishments isn’t just important when writing your cover letter — it’s also the key to writing an outstanding resume. A good achievement-oriented resume can catch the hiring manager’s attention, and break down your skills in a more impactful way.

4. Show your gratitude

The last thing you want to do is give management the impression you’re only asking for a promotion or transfer because you want more money.

When writing a cover letter for an internal position, you must make it clear that — while you feel you’re suited to the new position — you’re also grateful for the opportunities you’ve had in your current role.

This is also a great opportunity to highlight how you’ve grown since starting at the company. Showcase the hard skills you’ve picked up along the way, and elaborate on how your current job has complemented your long-term career goals.

As an example, note these instances where our sample candidate Kevin emphasizes his gratitude to the company:

Ultimately, your goal should be to show management that not only are you qualified for the new role or promotion, but you’re a loyal employee regardless of whether you get the new position.

However, avoid coming off as groveling or subservient. You want to show management that you’re dedicated to the company, but still confident about your worth and qualifications.

While the two are often confused, a cover letter for an internal position differs from a letter of interest. A cover letter is prepared for a publicly advertised job opening. A letter of interest is a letter that you write for a job that isn’t being advertised or may not even exist right now.

You know how to write a cover letter for an internal position. Now what?

Now that you know how to write a convincing cover letter for an internal position or promotion, it’s time to get to work.

Before you start moving your career forward, be sure your internal cover letter looks as professional as possible with one of our expert-designed, free cover letter templates.

And if you want to make the application process even simpler, try our easy-to-use cover letter builder and advanced resume builder. Our state-of-the-art software helps you create an impressive cover letter and resume in minutes — ones that are guaranteed to impress hiring managers and land you that coveted promotion or job interview.

Conrad Benz is a Digital Media Specialist & Resume Expert at Resume Genius, where he helps countless job-seekers craft standout resumes and launch their careers. His... more