How To Apply For An Internal Posting (With Example)

An internal job posting refers to a job vacancy that is exclusively accessible to current employees within the same organization. Many companies and government entities adopt this practice to foster the professional growth of their existing workforce. Internal job postings leverage the knowledge and familiarity that current employees have with the company's policies and workplace dynamics, reducing the training time that would be necessary for an external hire.

The application process for internal positions typically differs slightly from that of external postings. While you will likely still be required to submit an application and undergo an interview, the questions posed by the hiring manager may vary from those encountered in an external interview. It is essential to be well-prepared for the internal hiring process to present yourself professionally at every stage and position yourself as the most qualified candidate for the job.

As you prepare to embark on the application process for your next career move, take a moment for self-reflection by considering the following questions:

Work History: Have I spent enough time in my current role to build strong relationships and demonstrate my capabilities? Hiring managers often value a stable work history, preferring candidates who have held their positions for a minimum of 6 months to a year.

Performance: How robust is my performance in my current job? If my current performance rating is not strong, what steps can I take to enhance it? Establish a reputation for accomplishing tasks while maintaining positive relationships.

Skills and Passions: What are my key skills, strengths, and professional passions? Realistically assess your strengths, interests, and preferences, as they will help identify a potential fit for a job opening.

Application Materials: Do I possess high-quality and up-to-date application materials? Ensure that your resume and cover letter are well-written and relevant. Have a prepared list of references, and verify that your LinkedIn profile is current.

Interview Readiness: Am I prepared for an interview? Be ready, rehearsed, and appropriately dressed for each interview. Acquire as much information as possible about the department and the job in advance, enabling you to speak specifically and enthusiastically about the position.

Here are the steps you can take to apply to an internal job posting:

1. Research the open position
2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
3. Get Ready for the Interview
4. Follow Up After the Interview

1.Research the Open Position:

Gathering comprehensive information about an internal job posting is crucial in making an informed decision about whether to pursue the position. Engage with employees currently holding the role you are considering to gain valuable insights, such as:

• Their perspective on the position and the associated responsibilities.
• Key attractions of the job, including duties and potential salary considerations.
• Their views on the essential qualifications for success in the role.

Consider scheduling a meeting with the human resources manager overseeing the department responsible for the vacancy. This discussion provides an opportunity to explore the job requirements, align your skills and experiences, and articulate your suitability for the position. Seek advice on the application process and inquire about the HR manager's assessment of your candidacy.

Additionally, consider reaching out to the manager of the department where the position is located. If feasible, engage with the team to discuss the open role and their ideal candidate. Establishing this connection before submitting your application can enhance the visibility of your materials during the resume review process.

2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter to the Job:

Prior to submitting an application for an internal position, it's essential to revamp both your cover letter and resume. Customize both documents to align specifically with the requirements of the targeted job, aiming to capture the attention and leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Utilize the insights gained from your research on the job opening to inform these revisions.

Leverage the attributes highlighted by other employees as crucial to their success and emphasize your past achievements that showcase how you possess these desirable qualities. In your cover letter, delve into specific projects you've undertaken and other successes, illustrating their relevance to the position you're applying for.

Simultaneously, refine your resume by removing any elements that aren't applicable to the new job. Shift the focus to goals achieved within the company, highlighting accomplishments attained during your current role rather than those predating your current position. This targeted approach enhances the relevance of your application and increases the likelihood of being recognized as a strong fit for the internal opportunity.

3. Get Ready for the Interview:

Preparation for the interview is crucial when applying for an internal job posting. Approach the interview as if you were an external candidate, recognizing that the interviewer may not be familiar with your professional background.

Initiate your preparation by conducting basic research on the position and department. Stay informed about the department's recent developments, especially those relevant to the job you are applying for.

It's advisable to review potential interview questions to better equip yourself for the interview. Being aware of the types of questions the interviewer might pose makes it easier to provide thoughtful and memorable answers. You can find sample interview questions online or seek insights from employees who already hold the job, learning about the questions they encountered during their interviews.

Before the interview, carefully revisit the internal job posting. Identify the specified requirements and consider how your qualifications align. Strategize on how to effectively discuss your qualifications during the interview.

Additionally, ensure you dress professionally for the interview. Opting for appropriate business attire sends a signal that you take the interview seriously and value making a strong impression. This attention to detail contributes to a polished and professional presentation during the interview process.

Get started for free

Transform your tech hiring process and unlock the true potential of your organization.

Book a meeting Sign up now

4. Follow Up After the Interview:

The day following your interview, express your gratitude to the interviewer for their time and consideration. Sending a handwritten note adds a personal touch and enhances your chances of being remembered during the decision-making process. In the absence of a physical note option, an email can be a suitable alternative. Craft a concise and informative subject line to ensure the hiring manager notices your message in their inbox.

If you secure the job, consider sending a second thank-you note to your new manager. Express appreciation for the opportunity and emphasize your commitment to giving your full effort in the position. Take the time to personally thank everyone who supported you throughout the application process, with special acknowledgment for managers and coworkers who played a role in your success. This thoughtful gesture reinforces your professionalism and appreciation for the collaborative efforts that contributed to your achievement.

The format of a cover letter for an internal position should maintain the standard structure without any special privileges requested due to being an internal applicant. The goal is to demonstrate that you are the best fit for the job on a level playing field. The typical format includes:

Cover Letter Header:

Keep the header practical with a basic design. Include your full name, personal email address, and personal mobile number. Maintain equality by avoiding attempts to seek favoritism.

Goal: Include contact details without using work contact information in the internal position cover letter.

Cover Letter Greeting:

Address the hiring manager formally, using "Dear" and their surname. Stick with a more formal tone, maintaining a sense of distance and respect.

Goal: Get the spelling right, use the surname, and maintain a formal tone in the internal position cover letter.

Example:

Dear Ms. Tilling,

Cover Letter Introduction:

Emphasize the value you will bring to the new role, justifying the move with previous successes. Share motivations for the move and highlight additional skills from previous roles.

Goal: Share why you fit the role, be specific, and convey core motivations for the move.

Example:

I would like to apply for an internal position as department manager in Home Galore’s new Long Island location. I have been working at the Powlson store for the past five years (with two as homewares department manager) and would be interested in the new store as it is 50 minutes closer to my home.

Cover Letter Middle Part (Body):

Share relevant examples from current or previous roles to prove you are the best applicant. Highlight insider knowledge benefits, showcase personality, and drop names for character references.

Goal: Seamlessly show how you fit in, share unknown experiences, and offer a glimpse of your personality.

Example:

I would enjoy the opportunity of working on a new store start-up and know a few of the new management team. Peter Harrison has told me to write a letter to signal my interest in the internal move, and I also have the approval of my current boss Heather Witt...

Conclusion and Sign-Off:

Close on a positive note, expressing anticipation for the next steps. If applicable, mention a name for a positive reference, ensuring prior approval.

Goal: Close positively, expressing anticipation for the next steps.

Example:

...I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the success of the new Long Island location and look forward to discussing my candidacy further. Additionally, Heather Witt has kindly agreed to provide a reference in support of my application.

Note: Adjust details and content according to your specific situation and the job you are applying for.

When crafting your internal position cover letter, it's imperative to be vigilant about potential pitfalls that could jeopardize your application, even if the content substantiates your suitability for the role. While some errors may seem elementary, it's crucial to remain diligent and ensure accuracy throughout. Here are a few key areas to focus on:

Grammar and Spelling Accuracy:

Be meticulous in eliminating typos and grammatical errors. Utilizing tools such as Grammarly can be instrumental in maintaining a polished presentation. Overlooking these details may signal a lack of attention to precision, a quality unfavorable in most professional contexts. Avoid rushing through the application process, as assuming the job is secured can lead to oversights.

Incorporate Company Language:

Tailor your language and tone to align with the company's internal communication style. Strive to seamlessly integrate with the established culture, reflecting your familiarity as an integral part of the organization. Instead of attempting to "seem" like a member of the family, convey the authenticity of already being one.

Maintain Formality:

While internal email exchanges may tend to lean towards informality, it's essential to uphold a formal tone in your application. Keep in mind that your cover letter could be reviewed by various levels of management, including senior executives. Maintain a formal register that aligns with external applicants' expectations. Consistency in language is crucial, as your communication style will be scrutinized in comparison to external candidates.

By addressing these aspects, you not only enhance the professionalism of your internal position cover letter but also position yourself favorably in the eyes of the decision-makers involved in the selection process.

Pursuing internal job opportunities can be a strategic move to advance your career within a familiar work environment. To maximize your chances, thorough research on the open position is crucial. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and achievements is essential, and thorough interview preparation is key. Following up with a thank-you note post-interview reinforces your professionalism. When crafting your internal position cover letter, maintain a formal tone, align with company culture, and avoid common pitfalls such as grammar errors. By approaching the application process strategically and presenting yourself as the best fit for the role, you increase your chances of securing the internal job and advancing your career within the organization.