When applying for a job, there’s a lot to think about. You have to write the perfect resume, prepare for your interview, and make sure your application is submitted on time. But one thing that many people forget is the cover letter.
A good cover letter can set you apart from other candidates, but sending one with an application isn’t always necessary. To help you navigate this tricky situation, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on when you need a cover letter as well as what makes a good one. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to apply for an internal position in 2020!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Always include a cover letter when applying for an internal job posting |
| Research the job and the company to tailor your cover letter |
| Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications |
| Demonstrate how you can contribute to the company’s success |
| Mention any internal connections you have |
| Follow the same guidelines as you would for any other cover letter |
What Is The Purpose Of A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a formal, written letter that you write to accompany your resume when applying for a job. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your skills and experience that relate to the job. A short, concise cover letter is always better than an overly long one.
While a one-page cover letter is generally preferred, there are situations where a two-page cover letter may be appropriate. Learn more about when and how to write a longer cover letter in our article on can your cover letter be two pages.
Do You Need A Cover Letter If A Job Posting Doesn’t Ask For One?
A cover letter, when used correctly and in the right situation, can be a powerful tool. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed by hiring managers.
Without one, your resume may never even make it to an interview round because it doesn’t give any context to your experience or show how valuable you would be as an employee.
Cover letters are especially useful when applying for internal jobs within a company that doesn’t require resumes (i.e., internal job postings).
When writing a cover letter for an internal posting, use this opportunity to explain why you’re interested in working at this particular company and highlight any relevant experience that makes you qualified for the position.
Additionally, if there are any skills listed in the job description which aren’t on your resume but which match up with something on your resume or background that hasn’t been highlighted yet use those as additional points of contact!
What Makes A Good Cover Letter?
A strong cover letter shows that you have done your research on the company and position. You should always take into account the job posting, but also consider how your experience aligns with their values, mission, and goals.
A good cover letter is tailored to the specific requirements of a particular job posting; however, it’s important not to adhere too closely to any particular format (there are many different formats out there) as every company has different expectations for their applicants’ resumes.
Your cover letter must highlight how you meet each listed qualification for them to be able to see that you are qualified for this position and would be able to perform well within their organization if hired.
Should I Include References In My Cover Letter?
References can be a great way to prove yourself as the perfect candidate. You should only include references if they are relevant and demonstrate how you fit in the role.
For example, you might include the names of two people who can attest to your work ethic or talents if one of those qualities is a requirement for the job. If not, don’t waste their time with a reference letter that does nothing for them.
If possible, get permission from your references before including them in your application materials.
How Long Should The Body Of Your Cover Letter Be?
You should write a cover letter that is no longer than one page.
Your cover letter should be one page in length or no more than one page. Your cover letter should not exceed one page in length. If you go over the page limit, your cover letter will be tossed in the trash without a second glance by HR and hiring managers alike!
A cover letter explaining why you are a good match for the job is essential to stand out from the crowd. To write an effective cover letter that highlights your skills and qualifications, check out our guide on explaining why you are a good match for the job.
Do You Have To Include A Header On Your Cover Letter?
A header is a summary of your resume. It’s a list of your skills, qualifications, and experience that you can use to show why you’re a good fit for the job. If you don’t have any particular job-related accomplishments on your resume, it’s best to focus on what makes you unique as an employee your personality traits or hobbies for example.
Here’s an example of what a good header might look like:
Summary of Qualifications:
I am an experienced graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in print media production. I have extensive knowledge in creating promotional materials such as brochures and advertisements using Adobe Creative Suite products including InDesign and Photoshop.
In addition, I am skilled at managing projects from start to finish by creating timelines, managing budgets, and meeting deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards each time.*
How Will My Employer Read My Cover Letter?
Your cover letter will be read by the same people who read your resume. They’re not looking for a lengthy, novel-length explanation of why you should be hired. They want to know that you have some experience in the field and can meet their needs, so it’s important to highlight any parts of your resume that are most relevant to the job posting.
If you’re applying for an internal position, it’s good practice to explain why you’re interested in working at this company (or department). You may also want to mention any personal connections or relationships with people inside the company.
What Are Some Tips For Sending Your Cover Letter With Your Application?
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to sending your cover letter along with your application. First and foremost, make sure that you don’t send the same cover letter with every single application.
Instead, make each one unique to that company and job opening. Secondly, if you’re applying for an internal position (i.e., one where you’d be working at the same organization as the person doing the hiring), then it’s okay to attach your cover letter as an attachment rather than putting it at the end of your resume or not sending one at all!
Finally, never send your cover letter via email it doesn’t work well with applications because there’s no way for employers or recruiters to know whether they’ve read everything else before getting to this part of their potential employees’ submissions!
One of the most common questions in a job interview is why you want to work for the company. To ensure that your answer is both authentic and impressive, read our article on why do I want to work for this company and prepare yourself for the interview.
What Are Some Good Ways To Start A Cover Letter Off?
Here are some good ways to start your cover letter off:
- Outline the job you are applying for.
- Introduce yourself and provide some background information on why you’re qualified for the position.
- Give a summary of your experience, education, and skills.
- State why you’re interested in this specific position and company.
How Do You Attach A Cover Letter To An Email Message?
If you’re applying for a job via an email message, attach your cover letter as one file (it’s often helpful to name it with both the job title and the name of the person who posted it).
Alternatively, you can create your cover letter in PDF format so that it can be read easily on any computer.
Some people prefer to use Microsoft Word because they find it easier to format text and make corrections than when using a PDF document. To convert your cover letter into a Word file:
Open up whichever version of Word you use (Office 2010 is compatible with most versions after 2007; Office 365 will work with all recent versions).2) Go under File > Save As 3) Select “Web Page” from under “Save as type” 4) Click OK
Is It Better To Send My Resume As A Pdf Or Word Doc?
It is important to send your resume in a format that is easy to read. Sending your resume as a PDF can be problematic, however, because the file size is often too large. If you are sending it as a Word doc, make sure it is not too large.
It’s better to have the hiring manager spend an extra minute scrolling through your document than to delay their decision because they can’t open your application.
What Is The Best Format For A Resume In 2020?
Use a resume template. Resume templates are a quick and easy way to get your first draft done, especially if you’re not sure what information goes where on the page. There are several types of templates available online, but all you need have a good mix of sections and fields for you to fill out.
Use a resume builder. A resume builder is similar to using a template, but it also allows you to organize your information into neat sections with simple buttons for adding text.
Images easily as well as formatting options like bolding or changing fonts without having to know HTML code or any other technical language that would likely confuse most people who aren’t professionals in this field (and even some who are).
It’s worth noting that these tools work best when they offer an adjustable number of spaces between words within each section so users don’t have to manually change them after entering their data the automatic function ensures consistency across all entries which helps keep things looking professional too!
Use an online job posting service like Indeed or Monster
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly increase your chances of landing the job interview. To create a cover letter that will grab the hiring manager’s attention, read our article on cover letter that will land you the interview and follow our tips and suggestions.
Should You Say “I’m Interested In Learning More”?
A lot of people think that they need to say something like, “I’m interested in learning more about the opportunity.” I’ve also seen it written in a more formal way as, “I am interested in learning more about your company and this position.”
Either way, I don’t think you should be saying anything like this. It makes you sound desperate and needy. The hiring manager isn’t going to take that kind of person seriously anyway.
How Do I Know If My Application Was Successful Or Not?
The best way to know is to ask. You can do this by sending a quick email or message thanking the hiring manager for their time and asking if they have any feedback on your application. If you don’t hear back, you can follow up after another week or two.
If possible, try reaching out to the recruiter who contacted you about an open position in the first place and see if they have any insight into why your application didn’t make it past the initial round of interviews (or whether it even made it that far).
It’s also worth asking how long their process takes if it’s longer than two months, then there may be something wrong with the company culture where everyone is expected to wait around for jobs instead of actively seeking them out themselves!
If none of these options work out for whatever reason (e.g., because someone else offered them a better offer), don’t give up hope yet! There are plenty more opportunities out there waiting for job seekers like ourselves just keep looking!
When applying for an internal position, you may wonder whether you need a cover letter. To answer this question and learn more about writing a cover letter for internal job postings, read our article on do I need a cover letter for internal position and make sure your application stands out.
Conclusion
Overall, the best thing to do is follow the instructions outlined in the job posting. If they don’t ask for a cover letter, then it’s probably not required! However, if they do request one then make sure to include it with your application package and make sure that it aligns with their specific needs.
Further Reading
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internal Position: A comprehensive guide on writing a cover letter for an internal position, including tips and examples.
Cover Letter Examples for an Internal Position or Promotion: A collection of cover letter examples for internal job postings and promotions, with guidance on how to tailor the letter to the specific job and company.
Cover Letter for Internal Position: A step-by-step guide on writing a cover letter for an internal position, with helpful tips and examples.
FAQs
What is an internal job posting?
An internal job posting is a job opening that is only available to current employees of a company. These positions are often posted on the company’s internal job board and can be a great opportunity for career advancement.
Do I need a cover letter for an internal job posting?
Yes, it is always a good idea to include a cover letter when applying for any job, including internal job postings. A cover letter allows you to highlight your qualifications and show why you are the best candidate for the job.
How should I format my cover letter for an internal position?
When formatting your cover letter for an internal position, you should follow the same guidelines as you would for any other cover letter. Start with a professional greeting, introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the job, highlight your qualifications, and close with a professional sign-off.
What should I include in my cover letter for an internal position?
In your cover letter for an internal position, you should highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, explain why you are interested in the job, and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company’s success. You can also mention any internal connections you have and why you are uniquely qualified for the job.
How can I tailor my cover letter for an internal job posting?
To tailor your cover letter for an internal job posting, you should research the job and the company, and use the information you gather to customize your letter. You should also highlight any internal connections you have and explain how your skills and experience make you the best candidate for the job.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.