In order to get a promotion, sometimes you will have to apply to an internal position. Internal job vacancies can seem quite similar in process and procedures but they still require a bit of tweaking compared to a standard CV you send to get a job interview. The main difference is the professional experience section, which will be more focused on what you have done within the same company rather than a broader look at your experience.
So before you hit the send button on that internal application, make sure you read our top tips for internal position CV writing and other important information you need to know when sending an application internally.
What is an internal position offer?
An internal position is a position that is posted exclusively by a company for its own employees to apply to. These can occur after someone leaves or are simply put on offer. Internal position offerings are great ways to advance your career, as they are usually far less competitive in terms of raw numbers than positions offered publicly.
Its important you develop your network to be ready in case an interview. References in your internal position CV are going to be vital : the employer will almost certainly look towards your team members for advice.
How do you write an internal vacancy CV?
You may fall into the trap of using your standard resume that you have written up. This is a crucial mistake. Rather, you want a CV focused on what you have done in your present position as opposed to a CV you sent for a position you did not know consisted of yet. Every position and company is different but, here, crucially, you should know exactly what is required for the position and how you have excelled enough in your previous position while believing its best for the company that you move on from it.
You also need to write the CV using the jargon of your company culture. Every company has a set of vocabulary or KPIs that are used across the board and you need to identify these and tailor your CV accordingly.
Similarly, showing commitment to the company is vital. Whereas it is difficult to display loyalty to a company you have not worked for, in this case you need to show you are already a great fit and that you have the determination to stay on for a while yet. You should, in your professional experience section, select 2 or 3 accomplishments in your current position that showed your enthusiasm and ability for doing the job the company requires.
Other tips to remember for an internal application CV :
- Often you may be wanting to go into a management position as an internal vacancy. For this you need to highlight your ability to mentor, work in a team, and deliver in situations where resources are tight.
- The bigger the organisation, the more likely you will need your CV to stand out and impress. Have look at our CV templates to try and distinguish your CV writing skills.
- You need to have an even more stringent stance against self-aggrandising on your CV, as the recruiter will be able to quickly check with your previous colleagues if this is true or not. So even the slightest details that is oversold needs to be toned down in case others don’t back you up in the act.
How do you write an email for an internal promotion on a resume?
Your accompanying statement of intent for an internal promotion will be included in your email body. This can be quite a tetchy subject, especially if your boss is the person you have to send the email to. It is also important to strike the right tone in general, with the following steps :
- Open the email by addressing the letter formally or semi-formally. Avoid use of language that is casual, even if you know the recipient well. For example, don’t start the e-mail with “Hi…” or use “cheers” to end it, no matter how familiar you are with the person.
- Set out clearly what the objective of your email and internal application is. Mention the name of the position, the specific branch (you must know especially what this is if you work within the company) and when you will be available for the position (handover period).
- Ask for a meeting to learn more about the internal position, as it can help you prepare the interview and also get to know your potential new responsibilities faster.