An inside job? What to do when applying for a promotion
You’ve gained both knowledge and experience in your current job – and are now ready for the challenge of moving up to the next level. Need some tips in applying for a promotion?
Sometimes the job you want to apply for is within your own company. You may be looking for internal promotion, or reapplying for a position with the organisation after a takeover or merger.
It may feel strange to tell someone all about yourself when you think they know you already. However, it’s easy to take people for granted, so don’t take any chances. Make sure they know all about your skills, strengths and experience, just as if you were applying to an unfamiliar employer.
What you need to get across…
Try to make sure you include the following points in your letter:
| • | your career history with the company, your value to them and the progress you have already made with them; |
| • | your current position, its duties and responsibilities; |
| • | your knowledge of the company, its structure and organisation; |
| • | your good relationship with current staff; |
| • | any skills, qualifications and achievements gained since your initial appointment; |
| • | your reason for applying for the vacancy; |
| • | your suitability for the post. |
Below are three different types of application letters for promotion. Each example is followed by several key points explaining why the applicant has compiled a letter that is likely to get noticed by employers.
Example 1 – letter to accompany an application form:
Dear Andrew
Senior Data Administrator
Please find enclosed my application form for consideration for the above position. I have been Data Management Clerk for XTC Communications for the past two years and believe I have successfully demonstrated my ability, commitment and enthusiasm for the job during this time. I now feel ready and able to move on to a more responsible and challenging role.
Having recently passed City and Guilds 2370 Data Handling Level 3, I am well qualified to undertake the duties of the post. I feel sure that my organisational and interpersonal skills would also make a valuable contribution. The experience gained in my current position has given me an insight into the work of my department and, I believe, a thorough understanding of both the problems and possibilities of communication data handling.
Please find enclosed a copy of my current CV.
Yours sincerely
Julie Franks
| • | Julie opens with her current position and excellent track record with the company, giving her reasons for applying as being her readiness for more responsibility and challenge - he has tailored this to emphasise those qualities particularly highlighted in the job description. |
| • | She tells them about the qualifications gained since her appointment, and emphasises their relevance to this new position. She then goes on to underline her other strengths, experience and understanding of the department. |
| • | This is a large company with a personnel department and requires a formal approach – but wherever possible, such a letter should be addressed to a named individual. |
Example 2 – letter on the resignation of a colleague
Dear Anne
I was sorry to learn that my manager Michael Knighton has announced his retirement. I’ve enjoyed working with him and am sure he’ll be missed by all.
When you come to think about his replacement, I would like to be considered for this role. As you know, I’ve been with the company for 10 years now and have really enjoyed my work here, gaining a lot of experience. I feel that now is a good time for me to strengthen that experience by moving to a more senior position.
I think Michael would agree that my performance has always been of a high standard. I am confident that I have a good understanding of Michael’s work, and believe that I would be able to do the job well.
Yours sincerely
James Gorstan
Assistant Marketing Manager
| • | James opens with his reasons for making a speculative application and goes on to mention his history with the company, emphasising his experience and suitability. |
| • | He underlines his first-hand knowledge of the post and suggests a previous good relationship with the retiring employee. |
| • | The letter just ‘opens negotiations’; James may be asked to send his CV or to present a formal application when the position officially comes up for consideration. |
| • | There is a hint – ‘I feel that now is a good time’ – that James may move on elsewhere if promotion is not forthcoming. |
Example 3 – Email: a speculative approach
To: drush@laineretail.co.uk
Sent: 3 June 2004
Subject: Staff for Hidgate
Dear David
I have heard that Laine Retail is planning to open a new store in Hidgage in the new year. This being so, I would like you to consider me for the position of Retail Supervisor at the new site.
I am at present working at the Redgate shop as a retail assistant and have been in this post for the past two years. My current duties include:
- supervising temporary staff
- dealing with the public
- stock management
- display and merchandising
I previously worked at the central warehouse as an order picker. During my time with Laine Retail I believe I have gained a thorough understanding of the organisation, together with the skills and experience necessary for the post of Retail Supervisor.
Please find attached my current CV. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely
Sonia Pellow
| • | Sonia starts with her reasons for making this speculative approach. They show her enthusiasm and initiative. |
| • | In her email, she emphasises her current duties and responsibilities and has picked out the ones with the greatest similarity to those she will require as a Retail Supervisor. She’s included her CV giving her background details, so she doesn’t need to go into them upfront. |
| • | She underlines her knowledge of the organisation and outlines her career progression with the company, subtly pointing out that they have promoted her before. |
| • | Even if plans for the new store fall through, Sonia will be on record with the personnel department as being interested in promotion. |
To sum it up!
Although their circumstances are slightly different, Julie, James and Sonia all take the same approach – they sell themselves and their talents, while at the same time, emphasising their good track record and knowledge of the company.
Remember, as an internal applicant you have skills and expertise that can’t be matched by those applying from outside– so don’t under-value your experience at the company, and your familiarity with their way of doing things.
When putting together your letter or email applying for promotion, make sure you highlight your skills, strengths and track record – exactly as you would if you were applying for a job with another company.
By following this straightforward approach, you too can secure that sought-after promotion!
About Lynn Williams
Lynn Williams has worked as a life-coach and trainer for nearly fifteen years helping individuals and groups develop their full potential. She writes regularly about job search skills such as CV writing and interview techniques. She also runs workshops and classes on a variety of topics from career strategy to leadership skills. She is the author of Readymade Job Search Letters and The Ultimate Job Search Book, due out this autumn.
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