A cover letter is a standard part of the job application process. A well-written cover letter can help a candidate with a less-than-perfect resume and a lack of experience. Even internal job openings often require a cover letter. If they do, it’s important for candidates to put everything they’ve got into it, even if they’ve been with the company for years.
What’s a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a chance to let a recruiter or hiring manager reading your job application get to know you beyond your resume. A resume lists all that matters about your work experience, education, skills, and accomplishments. But it doesn’t give you much room to let your personality shine. That’s what a cover letter is for.
Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter can make or break your chances when applying for a job. If you fail to write it well enough, it might make it impossible for you to get hired even if you have a stellar resume. So when you need the best cover letter for internal position, it makes sense to get professional help.
Don’t Think that Since You Already Work at the Company, You Have It in the Bag.
One of the common mistakes job seekers make when they are looking for an internal promotion is believing that they have already won. It’s true that if the company is looking for an internal hire first, you have better chances than someone who has simply found the job opening on Indeed. But that doesn’t mean that you have it in the bag.
When you’re already working for the company you’d like to grow professionally, the hiring manager’s expectations are higher. Before you even begin to write your cover letter, you need to learn everything there is to know about the department you’d like to work in, the nuances of the position, and your prospective boss. Your cover letter needs to show familiarity and expertise.
Stick to the Standard Cover Letter Format
Another mistake a lot of internal candidates make is thinking that since they’re already part of the company (and likely know the hiring manager), their cover letter can be informal to the point of sloppy. That’s not true, either. No matter how comfortable you feel, follow the standard cover letter format. It implies:
- your contact name and information;
- an introduction where you have to greet the hiring manager and grab their attention;
- a few body paragraphs documenting your experience, professional growth, and motivation for the promotion;
- a call-to-action where you’re basically making an inquiry about an interview for the job—hiring managers appreciate proactivity;
- expression of your gratitude for the hiring manager’s time and an appropriate sign-off.
Justify Your Interest in the Position
One of the recruiter’s standard questions is always “why are you interested in the position?” They want to know that you aren’t just seeking promotion for the promotion’s sake. No need to give a detailed answer in the cover letter; you’ll have a chance to do so during the interview.
But if you want to be sure that you’ll land an interview, include a small paragraph about your motivation for the position. Show that you’ve read the job description thoroughly and genuinely believe that you’d be a perfect person for the job. It’ll show intentionality, which is something all employers and hiring managers are looking for.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative.
Although you should stick to the traditional cover letter format, it’s okay to deviate from the formalities a little bit (but only if it’s okay in your organizational culture). Sure, don’t try to include your amateur poetry in the cover letter. But adding a small anecdote highlighting your qualification or work ethic is a good idea. Just make sure it’s relevant.
For example, if you’re applying for a mentoring position, it might be nice to talk about the first time you helped a new colleague adapt to the new workplace. Talk about how you felt and why it made you interested in mentoring. If the job opening is a competitive one, such a personal touch will help you stand out in the sea of applications.
Let the Hiring Manager Know How You’ve Grown Within the Company So Far.
Let the hiring manager know that you’re a hard worker who is dedicated to the company. Talk about the progress you’ve made over the years (months) spent working there and your gratitude to your mentors. Cover letters are basically letters of interest. So you need to show that you appreciate everything the company has done for you and are committed to doing more for it.
Ask any career advice expert—and they’ll confirm that recruiting firms and inside recruiters alike are looking for commitment. One of the things they consider when making hiring decisions is “who is genuinely interested in growing together with the company?” So your task is to communicate that you’ve already come a long way and want to continue your journey within the company.
In Sum
Even if you’re applying for a position internally, don’t treat a cover letter as an afterthought. It’s a proven way to catch the hiring manager’s interest and increase your chances of getting the job.If you need help you can find it here https://top-resume-reviews.com/. Just make sure to be thorough, show genuine interest in the position you’re applying for, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. If you struggle with writing, getting professional help from a writing business might be a great way to invest in your career
