When to use this letter
- Applying for a promotion within your team
- Moving to another team or department at the same company
- An internal posting asks for a cover letter, even though the manager knows you
Internal position cover letter template
For an internal application or a promotion.
The letter
[Your Name]
[City, State] · [Email] · [Phone] · [LinkedIn URL]
[Month Day, Year]
[Hiring Manager's Name][Team / Department][Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'm applying for the [New Job Title] position on the [Team] team. I've been a [Current Title] at [Company Name] for [time], working on [area], and I'd like to bring what I've learned here to this role.
In my current role I [result 1, e.g. run the month-end close for our three US entities, which we now finish two days earlier], and I [result 2, e.g. built the reconciliation checklist the whole team uses]. I know our [systems, customers, processes] well, which means I could be useful from my first week.
Over the past [time] I've already taken on parts of this job: I [example, e.g. trained the two newest staff accountants and reviewed their work]. In the first 90 days I'd focus on [one or two concrete priorities, e.g. documenting the close and cutting late adjustments].
I've spoken with [Manager's Name] about this move, and [he/she/they] [support you applying / is happy to talk with you]. Thank you for considering me. I'd welcome the chance to discuss the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What each paragraph does
- Names the role, your current position and how long you've been there.
- Shows results in your current job that matter to the new one.
- Shows you're already doing part of the new job, and what you'd do first.
- Mentions your manager's support (if true) and asks for a conversation.
Short email version
For an internal job board or a message to the hiring manager.
The email
Subject: Internal application: [New Job Title] – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'd like to apply for the [New Job Title] role. I've been a [Current Title] on the [Team] team for [time], where I [one strong result].
I've already [part of the new job you've done], and I've let [Manager's Name] know I'm applying. I'd be glad to talk whenever suits you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Tell your current manager before you apply. Finding out from someone else damages trust, and their support can help.
- Don't assume they know your work. Spell out your results; the hiring manager may not have seen them.
- Use internal names and tools correctly, but avoid jargon the new team might not share.
- Show the next step, not just loyalty: what you'd do in the new role.
- Keep it professional even if you know the hiring manager well.
More cover letter help
For the full four-paragraph structure, formatting and sending rules, see the cover letter template guide. For a finished letter in your field, browse cover letter examples by job. Your resume does the heavy lifting, so check it with the free ATS check before you send both.