cover letter for the promotion

Cover Letter for a Promotion Cover Letter & Writing Guide

A cover letter for a promotion is a concise document that emphasizes your aspirations to advance within a company . It should highlight your most notable skills and experiences to demonstrate to HR professionals and employers that you’re up to the challenge and ready to take on the new role.

In this article, we’ll show you how to write a strong cover letter for a promotion to maximize your chances of advancing your career . We’ll give you a step-by-step guide with concrete examples and then wrap it up with a couple of expert tips. Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Key Takeaways

The best format for a cover letter is the business letter format .

To get a visually appealing layout , your letter should have a professional 10–12 pt font, 1-inch margins on all sides, and line spacing of 1.0 or 1.15.

A catchy introductory paragraph ensures the recipient focuses on your cover letter.

Emphasizing your knowledge of the company will allow you to get ahead of the candidates applying from outside the organization.

Including a call to action in the final paragraph maximizes your chances of getting a response.

How to Format the Cover Letter for a Promotion

The best way to format a cover letter for a promotion is to follow the business letter format . This is a typical method of organizing the contents of your cover letter that allows you to convey all the relevant details in optimal order.

Here’s how you should structure your cover letter for a promotion:

Cover Letter Mandatory Details

Contact information

Cordial greeting

Introduction

Main body with your key qualifications

Closing paragraph

Conclusion and sign-off

By following this order when writing your cover letter , you’ll get a professional format. In addition to that, you also want a visually compelling layout .

You can follow these guidelines to achieve that:

Cover Letter Layout Guidelines

Your cover letter should be one page long .

Keep your writing concise and 250–400 words or 3–5 paragraphs .

You want a professional font for your cover letter (e.g., Arial or Helvetica) to ensure legibility.

Font size should be 10–12 pt.

Margins should be uniform and at least 1 inch on all sides .

Set line spacing to single or 1.15 , with an additional line between paragraphs.

These guidelines are enough to help you craft an outstanding cover letter for a promotion in the same company from scratch. Still, there’s a way to make the process even faster and ensure you make no mistakes with format and layout, and that is by using our cover letter builder .

Our software solution features ready-made templates and user-friendly customization options , allowing you to create the perfect cover letter effortlessly. You can simply pick a template that suits you, adjust it to your liking, input your details in predesignated areas, and download a submission-ready cover letter in minutes!

Cover Letter for a Promotion Outline

Now, let’s examine each individual cover letter section to learn how to write an outstanding document. Here’s a brief guide to help you visualize what we’re about to discuss:

#1. Heading

The heading of your cover letter should feature three pieces of information:

Heading Mandatory Details

Your contact details

Date and location of writing

Recipient's contact details

You should start with your details and include the following:

Header Mandatory Information

Phone number

Email address

Optionally , you can add your address, LinkedIn profile, personal website, portfolio, etc.

After that, you should date the letter and follow it up with the recipient’s contact information , like in this example:

Heading Example

Carter Adams Front-End Developer 3411 Hillcrest Lane Los Angeles, CA 90017 949-884-8289 [email protected]

Indianapolis, 03/11/2024

Cornelia Williams Hiring Manager RedBox Programming 239 Murphy Court Los Angeles, CA 90017

#2. Greeting

A polite greeting addresses the recipient and introduces them to your letter. To maximize the impact of your writing, you should address the reader by their name . This creates a personalized experience and ensures they’ll pay close attention to your letter.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Greeting Example

Dear Ms. Williams,

You should avoid generic openings , such as “ To Whom It May Concern .” They are too cold and distant, especially if you personally know the individual who is going to read your cover letter.

#3. Introduction

The introductory paragraph for your cover letter for a promotion should act as its elevator pitch . In a couple of information-packed sentences, you want to specify what position you’re after, highlight your key strengths, and mention a referral from within the organization if you have someone endorsing you.

Here’s what that looks like in an example:

Introduction Example

I am excited about the opportunity to grow with RedBox Programming and apply for the Senior Front-End Developer position. After successfully leading the overhaul of the Alpine E-commerce website, where we reduced their load times by 43% and boosted user engagement by 27%, Shirley Martin, Software Architect, recommended I apply for a promotion.

#4. Skills, Qualifications, & Experiences

The central part of your cover letter for a promotion should showcase all your skills and qualifications, as well as experiences that demonstrate what makes you the perfect candidate . You want to focus on past accomplishments that show you’re ready to take on more responsibilities within the organization.

Skills, Qualifications, & Experiences Example

For the past three years at RedBox Programming, I have consistently strived to push boundaries. After piloting the redesign of the Capricorn Bikes website, the client saw a 35% increase in conversion rates. Moreover, I spearheaded the integration of Tailwind CSS with Storybook to boost team efficiency and reduce development times by 23% on average.

#5. Reasons for Applying

By mentioning your reason for applying for a promotion, you’ll show genuine drive and enthusiasm . The way you demonstrate enthusiasm can make all the difference between getting the role and having your cover letter discarded, so you want to demonstrate it adequately.

One of the best ways to do that is to explain how the promotion aligns with your career goals . To make this part even more impactful, you can emphasize your knowledge of the company and how it can help you excel in the role.

Here’s an example:

Reasons for Applying Example

The opportunity to become a Senior Front-End Developer at RedBox Programming perfectly aligns with my long-term career goals. I am eager to leverage my experience to tackle greater challenges and bigger projects while taking on leadership responsibilities. I believe my current understanding of the company’s projects, teams, and workplace dynamics makes me an ideal candidate for the role.

#6. Call to Action

Adding a call to action toward the end increases your chances of getting a response . You can use it to let the reader know you’re available for a meeting or interview or that they can contact you for more information.

Let’s see that in an example:

Call to Action Example

Thank you for your time. I would love the opportunity to discuss over a meeting how the skills and experiences gained while working at RedBox Programming can help me contribute to the organization. Feel free to contact me in the office or via phone or email.

#7. Conclusion & Sign-Off

To conclude your cover letter for a promotion briefly and professionally, you should include a polite closing statement followed by your name .

Here’s what that looks like:

Conclusion & Sign-Off Example

Best regards, Carter Adams

Here’s a complete example of a cover letter for a promotion written by a front-end developer applying for a senior position:

Cover Letter for a Promotion Example

Now that you know how to write a cover letter for a promotion, here are a few final tips that will help you make it spotless:

5 Pro Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a Promotion

Use numbers to quantify your achievements . By adding measurable value to your results, you’ll make them more concrete in the eyes of the reader. This will paint a complete picture of your abilities as a professional and help you get the promotion.

Leverage your knowledge of the company . Your familiarity with the company’s work, team, and culture is one of your biggest advantages over candidates applying outside the organization. That’s why you should focus on achievements and results working on company projects to emphasize that you’ll perform just as well in a higher role.

Demonstrate management and leadership skills . As someone who’s been working in the company for a while, you want to show that you can contribute on an organizational level. This includes showing not only hard skills and technical knowledge but also highlighting your leadership competence and managerial prowess.

Use internal references . Recommendations or positive feedback from a respectful professional within the company adds to your credibility. Mentioning that in your cover letter significantly improves your chances of getting a promotion.

Tailor your qualifications to the new role .  All your traits, qualities, and abilities you highlight in your cover letter should be relevant to the role you’re after. You want to show not just that you’re good at your current job but that you’re also ready to take on the more demanding role.

Final Thoughts

Companies enjoy multiple benefits when promoting from within . You can prosper from that fact by knowing how to ask for a promotion . One of the best ways to do that is with a strong cover letter for a promotion that highlights your relevant qualifications, drive, and in-depth knowledge of the organization .

By using this guide and taking inspiration from a provided example of a cover letter for internal promotion, you’ll craft a stellar document that will maximize your chances of success. Remember to leverage any professional references, and don’t forget to emphasize your motivation. Best of luck getting that promotion!

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How To Write A Cover Letter For An Internal Position Or Promotion (with Examples)

• Cover Letter Examples
• Best Cover Letters
• Cover Letter For Internship
• General Cover Letter Templates
• Career Change Cover Letter
• Promotion Cover Letter
• College Student Cover Letter
• Entry Level Cover Letter
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• Cover Letter With No Experience
• Short Cover Letter Examples
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• How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field

Find a Job You Really Want In

When you find a position you’re interested in, you’ll likely still need to apply just like everyone else, which means you shouldn’t neglect your cover letter. This is why knowing how to write a cover letter for an internal position is important. Whether you’re going for an internal position or a promotion, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll go over how to write a cover letter for an internal position or promotion, provide a sample cover letter, and give you some tips to keep in mind when writing yours. Key Takeaways When writing a cover letter for promotion, you should put just as much effort into it as you would when applying to an external position — don’t assume you’ll automatically get any favor just because you already work at the company. Be specific about why you’re the right candidate for this role and how you’d help the company by working in that new capacity. Your cover letter for internal promotion should only be one page long, so include only the necessary details. In This Article    Skip to section How to write a cover letter for an internal position or promotion Cover letter example for an internal position or promotion Cover letter for an internal position or promotion template Tips for writing a promotion or internal cover letter How an internal cover letter differs from a standard cover letter Cover letter for internal position FAQ References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to write a cover letter for an internal position or promotion

In order to craft a stand-out cover letter that will stand out among the pile of other applications, it will be crucial to understand the specific elements that should be included. Those include (in order of appearance):

Date and contact formation. This should include your contact information and the date of submission.

Be sure to also include the employer, hiring manager , or recruiter’s name (whoever will be reading the cover letter) and professional information.

Opening paragraph. Explain how your current role prepared you for the new position. Include information regarding the specific role and department that you’re applying for.

Body paragraph. This should be a detailed (but brief) explanation of your current role, previous experience, and notable achievements at your employer’s company. Be sure to highlight both “hard skills” (technical skills) as well as “soft skills” (interpersonal communication skills).

Closing paragraph. This paragraph should show your expression of gratitude to your employer for your previous experience with the company up to this point, and for the opportunity to be considered for the role you’re now applying for.

You can also include information regarding how the recipient – i.e., the hiring manager or your employer – can get in touch with a trusted referral (be sure to confirm with that referral beforehand that he or she is willing to have their information included in your cover letter).

Closing and sign off. End with an appropriate closing and your signature if you’ll be handing in a physical copy of the cover letter.

Cover letter example for an internal position or promotion

Keeping in mind all of the themes that we’ve already outlined above, here’s a cover letter sample for an internal position or promotion:

August 10, 2023 Marissa Swarts Human Resources Manager Swarts & Sons Enterprises [email protected] Dear Mrs. Swarts, I’m excited to submit my candidacy for the role of Content Strategist in the company’s Marketing department. I began my employment with Swarts amp; Sons in August 2018 as an Assistant Copywriter. I have spent the last two years honing and broadening my abilities and learning a great deal from my managers within the department. I believe that the job requirements of the Content Strategist role that you’ve outlined on the company website match the skill set I have developed during my tenure with the company. I’ve contributed to a wide range of valuable projects for the company. Beginning in February of 2019, I spearheaded the new blog strategy which has become the primary format for blog post drafting and publishing across the entire Marketing department. Additionally, I helped launch a department-wide training program on basic SEO practices in May 2019. This program has boosted our company’s website traffic by as much as 25%. If you’re interested in learning more about my experience and accomplishments within the company, I encourage you to reach out to my supervisor , Edwin James ([email protected]). I have worked closely with Mr. James over the course of the last two years, and he would be glad to answer any questions that you might have about my suitability for the Content Strategist role. Thank you very much for your time and for the opportunity to be considered for this position. It’s been a great privilege working with Swarts amp; Sons, and I look forward to continuing to grow within the company. Sincerely, Andy Axelrod

Cover letter for an internal position or promotion template

Here is a template to help you get started on your cover letter. Be sure you tailor it to your specific needs before sending it to your hiring manager or recuiter.

August 10, 2023 Dear, Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my strong interest in the [position name] within [department name], as advertised on the company’s internal job posting. Having been part of the [current department name] team for [years on the team], I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute my skills to a new role that aligns closely with my career aspirations and the goals of the company. Throughout my time with [company name], I have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the company’s success, such as [mention specific achievements, projects, or initiatives you’ve been involved with]. In my current position as [current position title], I have developed a foundation in [mention specific skills, responsibilities, or accomplishments], which I believe puts me in a position for success in [position you’re applying for]. I am particularly excited about [mention specific aspects that intrigue you]. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my long-term career goals, and I am eager to contribute to [department name]’s success. Thank you for your consideration. I welcome the chance to discuss how my experience and enthusiasm align with [position name] in more detail at [your contact information]. Please find my resume attached for your review. Sincerely, [your name]

Tips for writing a promotion or internal cover letter

You should never assume that you will get the position just because you have experience within the company. You should also stick to a professional format when writing your letter. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when writing your cover letter for a promotion or an internal position:

Don’t assume. Don’t expect that you’ll be chosen solely on the basis of the fact that you have experience within the company you’re applying to. If you’re keenly interested in a job opening, there’s a very good chance that a large number of other internal (as well as external) applicants are too. Make the effort to put your best foot forward with a polished application and cover letter.

Be truthfully self-promoting. By drafting and submitting a high-quality cover letter, you have a golden opportunity to communicate the specific reasons why you’re the ideal candidate for the role in a way that doesn’t sound braggy. Talk about your skills and accomplishments without stretching the truth but also without being self-deprecatingly modest.

Don’t take your cover letter lightly. In many cases, it (along with resumes ) will be a key factor in a hiring manager’s decision regarding which applicants are qualified to advance to the interview stage .

Stick to a classic, professional format. Adhering closely to a tried-and-true cover letter template (like the one we’ve outlined above) will help you to create a cover letter that will grab the eye of any hiring manager without making them work too hard to figure out how your letter is laid out.

Remember brevity is important. Hiring managers and HR employees tend to be very busy people, and it’s one of their job requirements to review dozens (and sometimes hundreds) of job requirements.

Don’t lie. You should never lie on your cover letter or resume, but this is especially important for a cover letter for an internal position or promotion.

How an internal cover letter differs from a standard cover letter

Now, it’s important to understand from the outset that the process of drafting a cover letter for an internal position or promotion will differ in some important respects from that of a cover letter that’s submitted by an external applicant.

Cover letter for internal position. In the case of a cover letter for an internal position or promotion, the hiring manager will very likely already be (at least somewhat) familiar with the applicant’s background and experience, which makes it very important for the applicant to record details as truthfully as possible.

Standard cover letter. In the latter case, an employer will be largely unfamiliar with the applicant’s professional profile, so there’s always the chance that the applicant might risk exaggerating (or fabricating) some of the information that’s included. This leads to an understandable wariness in the minds of many hiring managers when they’re reviewing the qualifications of an external candidate.

It’s also important to bear in mind that internal applicants have some significant advantages over external applicants in the review and hiring process. As an internal applicant, you’ll be able to:

Draw on specific contributions that you’ve already made to the company

Include references who are (ideally) trusted acquaintances of the hiring manager

Understand what the company values and use that to your advantage

These factors make it much more likely that your application will be favored – and ultimately selected – during the hiring process.

Cover letter for internal position FAQ

Do you write a cover letter for an internal position?

Yes, you should write a cover letter when applying for an internal position. Writing a well-crafted cover letter helps distinguish you as a strong candidate for promotion among your competition and allows you to formally apply for the position.

How do I write a cover letter for a promotion?

When writing a cover letter for a promotion, be sure to explain your interest in the job and what your qualifications are for the position. Although your hiring manager may already know your accomplishments and experience, it’s a good idea to reiterate them all in one document to demonstrate your readiness for a new position.

Additionally, you should include your knowledge of the company’s mission, needs, and the growth you have experienced in your current position thus far.

Including these things reminds your employer that you have a history with the company, that you have directly contributed to its success, and that you are invested in its mission and goals.

Craft your cover letter for promotion exactly as you would a regular cover letter, but be sure to add the prior mentioned specifics to demonstrate the value of promoting an internal employee versus hiring an outside candidate.

The first paragraph should begin with a statement of interest regarding the position. Here you can summarize your career goals and any stand-out qualifications or accomplishments.

Your second paragraph should discuss your qualifications and experience in more detail by including figures and data when possible.

Your third paragraph should expand on your improvements in your current job since joining the company. Be sure to tie these to the open position at hand.

Your final paragraph should remind the hiring manager of your interest and include the next step in the hiring process. Don’t forget to express your gratitude before signing off with a formal closing.

How do you start a promotion cover letter?

Start your promotion cover letter by saying, “I would like to formally apply for the [job title] position in the [department].

When you send a cover letter internally, it’s assumed you have discussed the position at hand with your current or new hiring manager.

They may anticipate you applying, so it’s a great idea to articulate that this is simply your formal application when crafting your cover letter.

How long should your cover letter be for an internal position?

Your cover letter should only be one page for an internal position. You should only include the necessary details that pertain to the position that you are applying to. Your cover letter should be one page single-spaced.

Is a cover letter for a promotion necessary?

Yes, a cover letter for a promotion is necessary if the job requires one. You should never assume that you are going to get a promotion just because you work for the company. You should write your cover letter the same way you would if you were applying as an outside candidate. Make sure you are professional in your letter. Just because you work with the hiring manager doesn’t mean you can slack off.

Harvard University – Resumes and Cover Letters

Broad Institute – Cover Letter for a Job

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Kate is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where she completed a degree in Comparative Literature with a minor in Mathematics. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking and reading.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Cover Letters for a Promotion or Internal Position

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

• Sample Cover Letter for Promotion
• Email Job Promotion Letter

Applying for a Transfer

More about getting promoted.

When you're being considered for an internal position or a promotion, you may need to write a cover letter to officially apply for the new position within your company.

What should you write in a cover letter for a job at a company where you already work? What's the best way to frame your credentials to secure a promotion?

Here's everything you need to know about crafting the perfect cover letter for an internal role, along with sample letters and writing tips.

A job promotion cover letter should clearly explain your interest in the job and delineate  how you are qualified for the position . The letter should also recap your experience and knowledge of your employer’s current mission and needs, as well as the progressive growth you have enjoyed within the company.

Don't presume the hiring manager or department manager reviewing your qualifications will know your background just because you work for the company.

Sharing the specific details of your history with the organization will help ensure  your resume gets a closer look  and that your qualifications get noticed.

This is especially true when applying for a position at a large company. Also, be prepared to discuss these  qualifications during job interviews .

See below for a general cover letter for a job promotion, as well as an email cover letter written for a retail position.

Sample Cover Letter for a Promotion or Internal Position

This is a cover letter example for an internal position. Download the internal position cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or see below for more examples.

Lewis Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 lewis.applicant@email.com

June 4, 2024

Julia Lee Director, Communications ACME Retail 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I would like to formally apply for the Assistant Communications Manager position in the Corporate Communications Department. As you are aware, I have had extensive experience with Acme Retail starting when I participated in your summer editorial intern program while I was still in college.

Since then I have been advanced through progressively more responsible positions in both the Human Resources and Marketing Departments. During my tenure, I have developed exceptional writing and editing skills and have designed and implemented highly successful communication strategies at the departmental level.

I have also demonstrated my ability to work with leaders across business units and multiple lines of business, consistently earning exemplary scores on my annual performance evaluations by my supervisors.

In addition, I have been responsible for benefits communications and employee relations, as well as liaising with the company's clients and vendors to ensure all projects are completed by established milestones.

These are just a few examples of my accomplishments and contributions to our company. I hope you will find that this brief view, in combination with the attached resume, describes a dedicated employee of Acme Retail with the experience and skills to meet or exceed the requirements of the position of Assistant Communications Manager.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity for promotion with you at your convenience. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide that will support my candidacy for this promotion.

Best regards,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Lewis Applicant

Email Job Promotion Cover Letter

Here's an example of a letter or email message used to apply for a job promotion to a management position at a retail store:

Subject:  Application for Manager - Shoe Department

Dear Janice,

It was with great interest that I read that Human Resources is seeking applications for a new Manager in the Shoe Department. Please accept my resume for review and consideration for this role.

I have been with Casey's for a total of four years, two in my current position of Assistant Manager in the Children's Department, and two as a Sales Associate in the Junior Department. Before coming to Casy's, I worked for Mears as a Sales Associate in the Shoe Department as well as in the Men's Department.

With my experience in varied departments, I feel I would be an asset as a Manager here at Casy's. In my capacity as an Assistant Manager, I successfully took on many of the managerial duties in the Children's Department last year when Suzy Smith was out on maternity leave, and I would welcome the opportunity to bring that same stability, energy, and dedication to the Shoe Department within the vacancy created by Amy Jenner's sudden departure.

I appreciate your consideration for this position. It has been a real pleasure to come to work every day since you hired me, and I thus look forward to continuing to grow in my career at Casy's.

Caroline Xao Assistant Manager, Shoes caroline.xo@caseys.com 555-555-1212

If you're seeking a transfer instead of a promotion, here's a transfer request letter example , a letter to use when you're relocating , and tips for requesting a transfer to a new job with your current employer.

When you're working on getting a promotion, it may take some effort to get noticed by management. There are ways you can enhance your promotability and lay a strong groundwork for a successful move up the career ladder.

Take the time to ensure you're in a perfect position to make the best impression at work and to  get that promotion you're seeking .

Key Takeaways

Provide details. Remind your employer of your history with their company, contributions to their success, and dedication to their corporate mission and goals.

Be grateful. Express your appreciation for the opportunities the employer has given you to grow within your current job with them. This will also serve as a reminder to them that you have taken good advantage of the training and increased responsibilities they have offered you.

Enhance your promotability. From the moment you accept an entry-level position with an employer you respect, look for opportunities to gain the skills that will position you to assume promotions to roles of greater responsibility in the future. 

Promotion cover letter examples

You love your job and the company you work for, so you certainly don’t want to leave, but it’s time you secure that well-deserved promotion.

While your manager might be familiar with your hard work, you need to get this all down in writing if you hope to progress to the next stage.

To help you do that, we’ve created this helpful guide packed with top tips, as well as detailed promotion cover letter examples to inspire your own.

CV templates 

Promotion cover letter example 1

Build your CV now 

Promotion cover letter example 2

Promotion cover letter example 3

The Promotion cover letter examples above should give you a good idea of the type of content you need to include in your own cover letter, and how it should be structured.

But if you’re really looking to wow recruiters and get your CV in front of the very best employers, then check out our guidance on how to write your own effective cover letter below.

How to write a Promotion cover letter

Here’s how to write your own winning Promotion cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.

The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.

If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of *Promotion* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.

Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.

So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Promotion cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Promotion cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Promotion cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Promotion cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you are well and enjoying the New Year. I am excited to apply for the promotion to Lead Software Developer for the southwest team at SanTech.

As a COMPTIA+ Certified software developer with five years of experience at the company, I have consistently demonstrated exceptional coding abilities, recently spearheading the development of several critical modules, including a real-time data visualisation tool that has received accolades from clients and stakeholders. I have a proven track record of delivering projects ahead of schedule while adhering to the highest quality standards and was selected from my team in 2021 to complete the PMI-Project Management Certificate. My adaptability and eagerness to learn have allowed me to master various programming languages and frameworks, including Python and CSS, making me an asset to the development team.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to take on a more challenging role at SanTech and contribute my new expertise and experience to essential projects. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

All the best,

Pauline Summons

I hope you and the team are well! I am thrilled to apply for the promotion to Senior Administrator of the marketing team at View Agency, as advised. With my 12+ years of service as an administrator and receptionist within the company, supported by a BTEC Level 4 diploma in Business and Administration, I am confident that I can leverage my industry expertise and specialist company knowledge to support and improve administrative operations.

Having provided unwavering support to management professionals in both the healthcare and marketing industries during my career, I possess a diverse skill set, including project management, diary coordination, and expert transcription and proofreading abilities. Within View Agency, I have contributed significantly, streamlining client follow-up systems, resulting in a remarkable 20% improvement in response time. Additionally, my implementation of an expense tracking system for the senior management team has led to a remarkable 38% reduction in overspending.

As a dedicated member of staff, I am eager to streamline and innovate the administrative operations at View Agency in this new role. I would love to discuss my vision for this role further in an interview at your discretion.

Craig Huller

Dear Marty,

I hope you are well. I am delighted to submit my application for the open position of Finance Manager within our thriving organisation. With 7 years of experience overseeing the finance strategy development as Assistant Finance Manager, combined with the recent completion of an MBA, I am confident in my ability to excel in this elevated role.

Throughout my tenure at CFT Construction, I have successfully led the financial planning and analysis for our residential development unit, demonstrating expertise in advanced financial modelling and budgeting. My implementation of a streamlined financial reporting system in 2021 improved accuracy by 20%, while a new budgeting process reduced variance by 15% within the first year. I effectively guided the multinational management team through their EOY financial analysis as well as spearheading new training initiatives which excellent results, which I would continue in this more senior role.

I am deeply committed to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the company and believe with that my specialised operational knowledge would be a great asset to this role. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Kindest Regards,

Susie Honour

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Promotion, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!