How to tell your boss you re applying for another job internally email

As companies battle to retain talent within their companies or support employee career development, internal job openings are becoming more consistent. But how does a current employee go after an internal job opening, without burning bridges with managers or feeling discouraged? Two experts share valuable advice, covering resumes and storytelling.

By Mariah Flores

Every now and then, employers look to hire internally for new roles before moving on to external applicants.

It’s a great opportunity for both the employer and internal employee, as one gains an already-vetted worker and the other enjoys some career advancement. But why should you go after that internal job opening at your current employer (we’ll cover the “How later)?

According to SHRM, internal job postings “can enhance a company's recruitment strategy, can provide career development opportunities for employees and can be a positive communication practice.” And by ensuring that all staff are aware of vacancies and giving them a chance to apply, employers showcase openness, transparency and fairness in their hiring process.

Internal job postings are also a fantastic way to stay up-to-date on current hiring trends and new roles within your company, no matter if you’re interested in applying or not.

Applying for an Internal Job

Harvard Business Review (HBR) reports that managers receive around 10 internal applicants for all open positions, and that’s excluding instances where external candidates may be considered.

Your status as a current employee doesn’t automatically make you a shoo-in when your employer decides to hire for a role from within. You still have some work to do to make yourself stand out, just as you would as an external applicant or candidate.

“It is so exciting when you see an internal job posting,” says Mary Southern, executive and professional resume writer. “However, even if you are a perfect fit, it is important to understand that you are not guaranteed an interview or offer.”

Many of her clients report that applying for a role within their organization is more intimidating than applying for the same position at a different company.

And with all hiring processes, you can expect fierce competition — all the more reason to stand out and find new ways to reintroduce yourself.

Your past material and experience used for your initial interview with the company no longer apply, meaning it’s time to prepare. Demisha Jennings, talent acquisition expert and career coach with knowledge of the ever-changing workforce, shares her advice on going after an internal job opportunity, starting with your resume.

“A lot of people think that because they're already at a company that they don't need an updated resume. I would say the first thing that you should do is update your resume,” she says. 

“Make sure you're listing the quantifiable achievements that you've made in your current role and previous roles within the company. The next thing would be to ask your manager if they're willing to have a meeting with you to talk about what your future looks like at that company. Then tell the manager that you're interested in X, Y, and Z role.”

Here’s a quick checklist of internal job prep to-do’s:

• List quantifiable achievements (from current and past roles)
• Speak with your boss or manager about your future at the company
• Communicate to them your interest in certain internal job opportunities

Sure, you can apply to an internal position without telling anyone, but open communication can play a big role if and when you possibly transition into a new role with your current employer. 

No manager or boss wants to hear of a team member’s interest in moving into a new role from someone else. It’s much better to hear it from the employee themself than through the work grapevine. 

Sit your manager down for a formal chat and highlight all the ways that an internal move helps both you and the company as a whole.

“Try to make your interest in another position part of a larger picture, and remember: Don't burn any bridges, because your new position is never guaranteed. It will be awkward for everyone if you badmouth your current position, assuming you won't be in it for much longer, only to have to face your same boss if you are not hired,” according to the Washington Post.

Be aware that some company policies require employees to tell their managers about internal job considerations before they even apply, causing an understandable amount of discomfort. You can always contact HR to determine if you’re able to notify your manager after you’ve reached the interview stage.

Additionally, your manager or another work colleague may be able to give you insider insight into the role you’re applying to, but only if you openly communicate. 

You're already a part of the company, so use your connections to gain a better understanding of the role’s workload, daily expectations, needed skills, pros and cons and any other advice needed to be a standout candidate and ultimately succeed in the role. 

“The great news is you already have insights, internal connections, and skills that make you an incredibly valuable choice for the position,” says Southern.

Forbes outlines other additional tips for applying for a job within your company, including: 

• Take the interview process seriously
• Gain support from your current manager
• Introducing yourself to the hiring manager
• Make yourself stand out with a solid interview follow-up 
• Meet with an HR representative in charge of the department you want to work in

Southern also recommends doing your due diligence by researching the position and constructing a compelling story. As mentioned, an internal opening is just another chance to reintroduce yourself to the company. 

“Start to brainstorm your previous achievements, projects, and initiatives that bring significant value to their specific goals, upcoming projects, or pain points.”

When you get asked the inevitable question of “Tell me more about yourself?”, strategic and concise storytelling can take you far. 

You’ve Applied. Now What? 

Assuming that your updated resume showcases all your related accomplishments, an interview is most likely the next step.

You’ve been in many interviews before, so treat an internal interview just as you would one at a new organization. Come prepared with copies of your resume, a positive attitude and authenticity.  

Again, storytelling is a very effective way to stand out during interviews. 

“When you share personal stories with people at work, you invite them to see your values, skill sets, and purpose through a more intimate lens. This can create a “collision” moment in the eyes of the hiring manager, as they see your heart and your ambition meet for the first time,” reports HBR.

Okay, so the interview process is nearing completion, but you’ve still got some work to do. 

“[I]t's going to be very critical that candidates also ask, ‘What's the timeline on hearing back if I would be potentially considered for this internal role?’,” says Jennings. “Sometimes we don't ask that question and then the hiring manager may say, ‘I'll take a look and you may be a good fit.’ Then they never hear back.”

“Asking those questions and setting those deadlines to make sure that the manager is intentionally following up is going to work best.”

Unfortunately, no internal job is guaranteed and rejection is always a possibility. If you don’t get selected after the interview stage, ask the hiring managers for feedback and view this entire process as a learning moment. 

At the end of the day, you’re still an employee at the company, so exhibit professionalism and grace. 

Top Takeaways 

Going after an internal job opening may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. 

• Research the internal position and connect with coworkers who may have insider knowledge.
• Always update your resume, cover letter and interview approach.
• Ask for a follow-up timeline and feedback, should your application be rejected.
• Approach all job applications and interviews as learning opportunities.

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