When applying for an internal position, your cover letter is like a personalised highlight reel that demonstrates your loyalty to the company, showcases your growth within the organisation, and reinforces your commitment to the workplace.
But before you begin your cover letter for an internal position, it’s important to know how to build a convincing, compelling cover letter.
In this guide, we’ll explore the essential sections of a cover letter, what to avoid, and how to build a cover letter that helps you stand out from other candidates.
Internal position full text-only cover letter example
Dear Mr. Wihongi,
I'm excited to apply for the position of Store Manager after working for Silver Surf for nine years as Assistant Manager. During my time with Silver Surf, I've learned a range of skills and had some truly enriching professional experiences. From helping customers feel their best in Silver Surf clothing, to celebrating a range of milestones at Silver Surf, I'm confident in my ability to manage Silver Surf's growth and expansion across the Whangarei area.
As Assistant Manager, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the daily operations that ensure our store not only meets but exceeds our performance goals. I’ve formed strong relationships with our team, fostering a work environment that is both positive and results-driven. My approach blends strong attention to detail with innovative problem-solving, ensuring that each day we deliver the exceptional service that our customers have come to expect and rely on.
I have proudly taken part in initiatives that boosted customer satisfaction rates by 25% and played a pivotal role in developing marketing strategies that increased foot traffic during off-peak hours. Through diligent inventory management, I was able to reduce excess stock by 30% and streamline the supply chain, which significantly improved our operational efficiency.
Leadership is inherently about inspiring confidence and guiding a team toward shared objectives. I believe my tenure with Silver Surf has prepared me to take on the Store Manager role, where I can continue to motivate our team, spearhead key projects, and contribute to our store's standing as a beacon of excellence in the Whangarei retail community.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my skills, experience, and vision align with the goals for Silver Surf Whangarei. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue our journey together, aiming for new heights of success.
Ngā mihi nui,
Katie Bradley
Sections of an internal position cover letter
All cover letters follow a basic format and structure. A cover letter for an internal position should contain the following sections:
- Header: At the top of the page, include the current date and necessary contact information, such as your phone number and email address.
- Greeting: Opt for a polite and professional greeting, using the recipient's name when known.
- Introduction: Begin your cover letter with a compelling opening that reflects your genuine passion for the internal position. Briefly highlight any relevant professional skills and experiences that can help you stand out as a top candidate for the position.
- Body Paragraphs: In the body paragraph section of your cover letter, expand upon any key accomplishments from your current role. Discuss any unique skills and achievements acquired during your current position to help distinguish you from external candidates.
- Conclusion: Conclude your cover letter by reiterating your professional strengths, and end with a persuasive call to action statement.
- Signature: Finish your cover letter with a warm, professional farewell, followed by your full name.
We recommend keeping your cover letter for an internal position to one page. A single-page cover letter ensures your key qualifications are quickly accessible, holding the reader's attention without overwhelming them.
If you’re searching for similar cover letters or need more inspiration before you get started, be sure to take a look at our cover letter library, or check out the cover letter examples below:
For more helpful tips and insights, our how to write a powerful cover letter guide can help take your internal position cover letter to the next level.
Introduction of an internal position cover letter
In the introduction of your cover letter, focus on elaborating on your skills and experience gained within the company. Starting with a strong and engaging introduction can grab the attention of the hiring manager right from the outset.
Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments and the diverse skill set you have developed during your time with the company, emphasising these strengths early in your cover letter. Remember to align your talents with the needs of the position, showing how you are a perfect fit for this internal opportunity.
Dear Mr. Wihongi,
I'm excited to apply for the position of Store Manager after working for Silver Surf for nine years as Assistant Manager. During my time with Silver Surf, I've learned a range of skills and had some truly enriching professional experiences. From helping customers feel their best in Silver Surf clothing, to celebrating a range of milestones at Silver Surf, I'm confident in my ability to manage Silver Surf's growth and expansion across the Whangarei area.
Hi Mr. Wihongi,
I’ve been working here for ages and I think after all this time, I’m the best fit for Silver Surf. As you know, I’m from Whangarei so my skills help me a lot when it comes to connecting with people.
Remember that it's essential to present your cover letter professionally, ensuring it is free of errors, grammar mistakes, or any formatting faux pas. Keep language formal and professional, and consider having a trusted friend or family member review your application to catch any minor errors you might have missed.
Dear Mr. Wihongi,
I'm excited to apply for the position of Store Manager after working for Silver Surf for nine years as Assistant Manager. During my time with Silver Surf, I've learned a range of skills and had some truly enriching professional experiences. From helping customers feel their best in Silver Surf clothing, to celebrating a range of milestones at Silver Surf, I'm confident in my ability to manage Silver Surf's growth and expansion across the Whangarei area.
Internal position cover letter body
Here are our top tips for crafting a compelling body paragraph section:
- Expand upon any roles and responsibilities you have held within the company
- Discuss any achievements or milestones that help demonstrate your leadership and knowledge of the company’s goals and values.
- Elaborate upon your track record of achieving or surpassing company goals and objectives
First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
We recommend focusing on the following:
- Connect your past successes to your future potential: Draw a direct line between the achievements in your current or past roles and how those experiences have prepared you for the new position. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have added value to your team or the organisation where possible.
- Highlight relevant skills: Since you’re already part of the organisation, highlight how your interpersonal skills have been refined over your time with the company.
- Identify and address new challenges: Show initiative by identifying future challenges or opportunities within the new role or department and articulate how your skills and experience make you uniquely qualified to address them.
Align your cover letter to the job description
Writing with the job description in mind helps demonstrate how you are the right fit for the role. It also shows hiring managers that you have carefully read and understood the key requirements and expectations of the role. Since you're applying for an internal position, it also shows that you don't take your current position in the company for granted.
Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organisation
In your cover letter's second paragraph, show how the work you’ve already completed aligns with the goals and values of the company. While you likely already have a strong understanding of the company’s values, it’s still important to highlight how you embody these values at the company.
For example, if you were applying for an internal position at the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA), it would be important to showcase how you embody their values.
The NZTA lists some of its values as:
- Showing respect for all people
- Building better relationships
- Speaking up when it matters
- Helping others succeed
You could list instances where you went above and beyond to help customers or staff or discuss moments where you showed bravery and spoke up for others. The key is to share concrete examples of your achievements within the company that demonstrate your commitment to their core values. Elaborating on how you effectively embody the values of the company can improve your chances of job success.
We also recommend expanding upon how your leadership and skills can help improve company success. Make sure it’s clear how you fit the specific job you’re applying for based on the job description.
As Assistant Manager, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the daily operations that ensure our store not only meets but exceeds our performance goals. I’ve formed strong relationships with our team, fostering a work environment that is both positive and results-driven. My approach blends strong attention to detail with innovative problem-solving, ensuring that each day we deliver the exceptional service that our customers have come to expect and rely on.
I have proudly taken part in initiatives that boosted customer satisfaction rates by 25% and played a pivotal role in developing marketing strategies that increased foot traffic during off-peak hours. Through diligent inventory management, I was able to reduce excess stock by 30% and streamline the supply chain, which significantly improved our operational efficiency.
Leadership is inherently about inspiring confidence and guiding a team toward shared objectives. I believe my tenure with Silver Surf has prepared me to take on the Store Manager role, where I can continue to motivate our team, spearhead key projects, and contribute to our store's standing as a beacon of excellence in the Whangarei retail community.
Call to action & conclusion: A fitting ending
To end your internal position cover letter, reiterate your commitment to the company and your genuine interest in the position. Make it clear that you are enthusiastic about bringing your knowledge, skills, and experience to the role, and that you're open to discussing the position in greater detail. A strong call to action statement can also help convince employers to reach out to you at a later stage.
Finalise your cover letter with a polite and professional sign-off, such as “Warm regards,” or “Ngā mihi nui,” followed by your full name. The goal is to leave a lasting impression that reflects your commitment to the company.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my skills, experience, and vision align with the goals for Silver Surf Whangarei. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue our journey together, aiming for new heights of success.
Ngā mihi nui,
Katie Bradley
Key takeaways
Before you begin drafting your cover letter for an internal position, remember to customise your letter to match the job description, outline your company knowledge, and show your commitment to the company’s future.
At cvapp.nz, we make it easy to refine your internal position cover letter with our cover letter templates and our exclusive cover letter builder. Kickstart your career journey today!
