Resume Writing Tips for an Internal Promotion

by Kim Isaacs

So, you’re going for the big promotion and think you have a very good shot. Or maybe you think your chances are pretty iffy. Either way, give yourself an edge by submitting a hard-hitting resume and proposal package that proves you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Follow these tips to make sure your promotion goes through:

1. Don’t get cocky! Even if you’re a model employee, there may be other candidates ready to nab the position. Also, you may know what a great job you do, but your employer may not fully realize your potential. Your boss may only see you in the role that you’re in, and not realize that you would be successful in a higher-level position. So treat the opportunity for a promotion as you would for any job opportunity that strongly interests you, and take your approach very seriously.

2. Highlight your accomplishments. Update your resume’s job description section with a bulleted list of your strongest accomplishments for your current employer. As you’re updating your accomplishments, keep in mind the position you’re applying for, and tie in accomplishments that would be important in the new position. For example, if you’re a retail sales associate seeking an assistant manager’s position, write about leadership accomplishments like training new employees, increasing sales, improving customer service, cutting costs, improving merchandising, and working overtime to complete special projects. The idea is for your employer to start envisioning you in your new position.

3. State your key skills for the new job. Include an “Expertise” or “Key Skills” section in your resume, and add skills that would be important in the new position. A brief, keyword-rich list of your related skills will help the hiring manager see that you have the skills to do the job.

4. Write a job proposal. Many employees going for internal promotions don’t bother with a cover letter if they haven’t been asked to submit one. You’re not only going to write a letter, but a powerful job proposal that is sure to put all eyes on you (in a good way). A job proposal outlines how you would contribute to the operation if you were promoted. First state your interest in the promotion, followed by a bulleted list of what you expect to accomplish if given the opportunity. This is your chance to show that you fully understand the challenges of the position and are ready to take them on. Your proposal can include list of problems/challenges you will face, your intended actions or approach, and the benefits to the employer. Provide examples of anticipated results, along with a timeline of when you expect to accomplish them.

5. Emphasize loyalty. If the position has been opened up to outside candidates, use your loyalty to the employer as one of your key selling points. As an insider, you’ve already shown that you are dedicated to the employer. You’re committed to the employer’s success, as your resume’s accomplishments indicate. Why take a chance on an outsider when you’ve already established that you’re a proven performer? This point can be reiterated in your job proposal - state your tenure with the employer (especially if it’s long-term), and keep the emphasis on your proven dedication.

After presenting a compelling resume and job proposal, you should not only be poised to land the job, but also negotiate a favorable compensation package. Good luck, and drop me a line to let me know how the application process is going.

This article was written by Kim Isaacs, director of ResumePower.com and author of The Career Change Resume book. Visit the ResumePower.com site to learn more about resume services to jump-start your career.

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