Do you need a cover letter for internal positions?

Yes — even though the hiring manager may already know you, submitting a cover letter for an internal position is still highly recommended. It shows professionalism, respect for the process, and allows you to position yourself clearly for the role.

An internal job cover letter helps you:

  • Highlight achievements that directly support the new role.
  • Explain why you’re ready for a promotion or transfer.
  • Show your understanding of the company’s long-term goals and how you contribute to them.
  • Provide context for your career growth and motivation.

Skipping the cover letter can make your application feel incomplete, especially for leadership roles or competitive openings.

Internal position cover letter example

Seeing a real example makes it easier to understand how to apply the guidance. Below is a full example cover letter for an internal position that you can adapt to your own role and company.

cover letter examples internal position

Charles Creek
Manchester, M3 7GJ
07912 345 678
charles.creek@example.co.uk

12 June 2025

Aiden Leonard
Studio house
Manchester,
aiden.leonard@example.co.uk

Dear Mr. Leonard,

I am writing to apply for the Data Analyst position within the Operations team. In my current role as Finance Analyst, I have developed dashboards and variance models in Power BI and SQL that the Operations leadership already use for forecasting. One of these models helped reduce stock write-offs by 12% last quarter.

Working closely with Warehouse and Supply Chain, I’ve built a strong understanding of our inventory flows and reporting needs. I also completed the company’s intermediate SQL course and contributed to the cycle-count optimisation project, which improved pick accuracy by3.1%.

This internal move would allow me to focus fully on operational analytics while bringing cross-department experience and proven impact. I have spoken with [Current Manager] about this opportunity and planned coverage to ensure a smooth transition.

I am confident in my ability to bring energy, creativity, and a keen eye for detail to your team. With a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for marketing, I’m eager to contribute to your future campaigns.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the chance to discuss how I can support your team’s upcoming projects.

Sincerely,
Charles Creek

Internal position and promotion cover letter templates

Not sure how to start writing your promotion cover letter? Use these editable templates as a starting point. Simply fill in your details, update the achievements, and ensure the tone aligns with your company’s style.

How to write a cover letter for an internal position

cover letter for internal position

Step 1: Research the role (internally)

To give your internal position cover letter that extra something, really familiarise yourself with the team and job you’re applying to inside your company. Consider: what are they focused on this quarter? What projects or programmes are they running? What tools and metrics matter most to them?

Weave the answers into your cover letter and show how they align with your track record, how you approach work, and what you can bring to the role from day one.

Step 2: Add your contact information and the date

For an internal application, start your cover letter by writing your full name, current job title, department, phone/extension, and work email in the top left corner. Add a space underneath, write today’s date, then add another space below. Now, write the hiring manager’s name, title, and department, followed by the company name.

You should end up with something like this:

Samantha James
Senior Customer Support Advisor

07912 345 678
samantha.james@acme.co.uk

21.08.2024Paul Piper
Head of Operations
Acme Ltd
paul.piper@acme.co.uk

Step 3: Start with a fitting salutation

Ideally, you would start your cover letter by greeting your hiring manager by their surname. In some cases, the hiring manager’s name is provided in the internal job posting, and you’re good to go. At other times, you may need to consult the company directory. If you’re comfortable, you can contact the department by phone or email and ask.

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use “Dear Hiring Manager” and move on.

Impersonal greetings such as “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” are best avoided.

Dear Mr Wright

OR

Dear Hiring Manager

Step 4: Capture your reader’s attention

A good opener for an internal cover letter can mean the difference between your reader staying focused and your reader remembering it’s almost time for lunch. 

Start by telling your reader why you’re contacting them, what internal position you’re applying for, and where you found it. Then, introduce yourself in a few words and explain why you’re a strong fit—linking to a recent result you’ve achieved at the same company.

I am writing to express my interest in the Data Analyst position in Operations, posted on the intranet (Req OPS-DA-112). In my current role in Finance, I built the weekly forecasting dashboard used by Ops leadership, helping reduce stock write-offs by 12% last quarter.

OR

I am writing to apply for the Team Leader position in Customer Support, posted internally. As a Senior Advisor, I’ve coached new starters and helped cut escalations by 18%, lifting CSAT from 4.3 to 4.7 over six months.

Step 5: Prove your suitability

Even though you already work here, the hiring manager still needs evidence that you’ll excel in this role. Go beyond basic familiarity – use recent, measurable results that match the team’s priorities right now. Work from the job description, then connect your track record to what the team is trying to achieve.

I have over two years’ experience at Acme Ltd in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. In Customer Support, I manage complex enquiries, maintain accurate records, and partner closely with Workforce Planning and QA. Recently, I introduced a rota tweak that improved weekend coverage and reduced average first-response time from two hours to 35 minutes.

OR

In Finance, I collaborate daily with Operations and Supply Chain. I automated backlog ageing reports in SQL and Power BI, saving four hours of manual checks each week and giving leaders clearer exception visibility. These skills transfer directly to the Data Analyst role’s reporting and process-improvement responsibilities.

Step 6: End the cover letter on a memorable note

Close by linking your motivation to a current initiative inside the company and showing you’ve thought about continuity for your current duties.

What excites me most about this opportunity in Operations is contributing to the S&OP reporting refresh and improving data visibility for decision-makers. I’ve aligned a handover plan with my manager so my current reporting cadence continues without disruption.

OR

I’m particularly drawn to the Team Leader role because of our focus on quality and the upcoming chatbot rollout. I’m keen to standardise coaching across shifts and build on our recent CSAT gains; coverage for my existing accounts is agreed with my manager.

Step 7: Sign off appropriately

Thank the hiring manager and use a professional closing. “Yours sincerely” if you used their name; “Yours faithfully” if you didn’t. “Kind regards” also works well internally.

I am excited about the possibility of contributing to the success of the Operations team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,
Samantha James

OR

I am enthusiastic about stepping up to Team Leader in Customer Support and would welcome the chance to discuss this with you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
Samantha James

Step 8: Scan for errors

Mistakes can happen even when you’ve read your letter a dozen times. Rest your eyes, then proofread with fresh attention (or ask a trusted colleague, if appropriate). Check formatting as well as wording: stick to one page, use a recommended font (Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri, 10–12 pt), 1-inch margins, and consistent spacing.

Complete your internal job application

Even for internal roles, you still need to submit an up-to-date CV alongside your cover letter. Pairing a CV with a cover letter has been shown to improve your chances of getting an interview by presenting a clearer, more complete picture of your fit. Browse our expertly made CV templates.

internship cover letters

Frequently asked questions about internal position cover letters

Do internal candidates need a cover letter?

Usually yes. It shows professionalism, lets you connect your recent results to the team’s goals, and helps with internal ATS/search.

What should my cover letter opener include?

State the exact job title (and requisition code if there is one), where you saw it (intranet), your current role, and one relevant result you’ve delivered.

How long should an internal cover letter be?

Aim for one page or around 250–400 words. That’s enough to show you’re a strong fit without overdoing it. Focus on 2–3 recent results, your motivation for the move, and a clear call to action.

Related Cover Letter Examples UK

Create a standout internal cover letter in minutes

Applying for an internal role or promotion? Our online cover letter builder helps you create a personalised internal letter quickly. Edit with ease, export to PDF or Word, and pair it with your up-to-date CV to strengthen your application.

internal position cover letter

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