A promotion request letter is a well-written document, written by an employee to their supervisor to request that said employee be considered for a higher position in the organization. The promotion request letter should contain a detailed explanation as to why the employee deserves the position being requested.
Remember: Writing a good promotion letter plays an important role in helping an employee earn a new position with more responsibilities in the organization.
If written at the right time, a promotion request letter will improve your chances of getting your desired promotion in your organization as a management values initiative and would likely prefer to hire internally. Your promotion request letter should highlight your value to your superiors as well as your ability to succeed in a higher role.
Delivering your promotion letter can be done by email, or by submitting a physical copy to your supervisor or the person in charge of such affairs. While either option is acceptable, submitting a physical copy is a more professional approach. Besides, you may then proceed to initiate the necessary face-to-face conversation supporting your letter.
Writing a Promotion Request Letter
A promotion request letter is a formal document that you used to indicate your willingness and readiness take on more responsibility in the organization, and as such, it should be a good way to represent your competence and skills. With that in mind, you need to consider specific points when writing your promotion request letter.
A professional header and salutation
When sending a promotion request letter, you must pay attention to the heading and salutation as it would be the first thing that your superiors see. If you are handing in a physical letter, you need to start with a formal heading that includes your name, current position in the organization, contact information, date, and the details of the recipient including their name, position, and contact information.
If you are sending an email, you should use a clear and informative subject line. Use a subject line like “Promotion Request”. Once you have written your heading, follow up with a professional greeting or salutation like “Dear Mr./Mrs.” and add the last name of your superior to the end. You may use their first name only if you have a more casual relationship with your superior.
State the request
Once you have gotten the salutation out of the way, proceed to the body of the letter by specifically stating the purpose of your letter.
For instance, you may state the purpose for writing your letter by writing
“This letter is to request that I be considered for the position of assistant manager from my current role as a supervisor”
Detail the qualifications
With a few paragraphs, you should be able to outline the experiences and achievements that make you qualified for the role you are requesting. You need to describe specific skills you possess that make you an ideal candidate for the proposed position. Consider including the following:
- How long you have worked with the organization.
- The experiences that qualify you for the higher position you are requesting.
- Your certifications and education are relevant to the requested position.
- Successes and completed past projects especially with quantifiable impact.
- Reasons for which you think you will excel in the new role.
- Appreciation for your manager’s help or positive impact on your career.
- Your loyalty to the organization.
Solutions for filling your current role
If your promotion request iOS granted, the organization still has the responsibility of filling your current role. A good way to demonstrate that you think ahead and can proffer solutions to challenging situations is to provide a solution for filling your current role. You can do that by offering to help in the recruitment and/or training of a suitable candidate for the role. With this, you also demonstrate your leadership skills and ease the transition process.
Conclude the letter
Once you are done with the body of the letter, you need to use a brief paragraph to express your gratitude for your employer’s consideration. You may also restate your request for promotion and inquire about any next steps you may be required to take to be considered for the position (steps may include scheduling an interview). Then, proceed to end the letter with a professional closing such as “Sincerely”. Include your signature and your typed name.
Send at an appropriate time
Timing is a key consideration when sending a promotion request letter. You need to note that your promotion request should not come as a surprise to your employer. The best strategy is to invest in lots of meaningful conversations about your performance and impact within the organization wherein you may verbally communicate your desire to advance your career. Also, you may discuss possible ways for you to utilize and improve your strengths as well as your career expectations. If you have not had these conversations with your superiors in the past, you may want to consider waiting while you begin to initiate these conversations.
Pro Tip: A great time to submit a promotion request letter is when your superior has acknowledged your proven performance over time as well as your ability to take on more responsibilities.
Rather than just sending the letter, you should schedule a time for you and your boss to go over the letter one-on-one, and you can explain certain points in detail and answer any questions that your boss may have.
Professional Sample Letters
A great way to get a clear picture of what you need to write to make up a great promotion request letter is to look at our professional promotion request letter samples. It will help you get a good idea of how to organize your thoughts and communicate your points in the most effective possible way.
Sample promotion request letter
Your Name
Your Job Title
Your Contact information
Date
Recipient’s Name
Recipient’s Job Title
Recipient’s Contact Information
Dear (Mr./Mrs. Recipient’s last name)
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I am writing this letter to formally request that you consider me for the open position of (desired position).
I have been an active and accomplished member of staff for the past (state years), and I believe that I am ready to take on the next stage in my career. Furthermore, I am confident that the successes that I have had in my current position are enough grounds to be considered for promoting me. In the past year, in my current capacity, I was able to:
(Describe your first accomplishment with figures and statistics)
(Describe your second accomplishment with figures and statistics)
Although I take pride in the above-listed achievements, I am also aware that I am a part of a team, and I am grateful for your help and success through the years.
I am also aware that the role of (Job title) requires more time and a specific set of skills, but I am confident that I possess all necessary qualities to successfully fulfill all my responsibilities, should I be selected for the position. To further illustrate, (describe a specific situation that demonstrates your skill sets relevant for the position). Also, being a member of this organization for (** years) has kindled a passion for the success of the company, and I am fully committed to being a part of the success of the organization.
I am aware that my eventual promotion will leave my current position vacant, so, I am willing to ensure a smooth transition however I can. From the several employees that have worked directly with me, I can recommend a few that have the potential to take over my responsibilities and gladly train them for the role.
I would be honored to be considered for this promotion and I thank you again for your time.
I would be glad to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
(Employee’s name)
Sample promotion request email
Subject: Acquisitions Manager Position
Dear Mr./Mrs. (Supervisor’s name)
I would like to formally request your consideration for the open position of Acquisitions Manager.
I have been an active and accomplished member of staff for the past (state years), and I believe that I am ready to take on the next stage in my career. Furthermore, I am confident that the successes that I have had in my current position are enough grounds to be considered for promoting me. In the past year, in my current capacity, I was able to:
(Describe your first accomplishment with figures and statistics)
(Describe your second accomplishment with figures and statistics)
Although I take pride in the above-listed accomplishments, I am also aware that I am a part of a team, and I am grateful for your help and success through the years.
I am also aware that the role of (Desired Job title) requires more time and a specific set of skills, but I am confident that I possess all necessary qualities to successfully fulfill all my responsibilities, should I be selected for the position. To further illustrate, (describe a specific situation that demonstrates your skill sets relevant for the position). Also, being a member of this organization for (** years) has kindled a passion for the success of the company, and I am fully committed to being a part of the success of the organization.
I am aware that my eventual promotion will leave my current position vacant, so, I am willing to ensure a smooth transition however I can. From the several employees that have worked directly with me, I can recommend a few that have the potential to take over my responsibilities and gladly train them for the role.
I would be honored to be considered for this promotion and I thank you again for your time.
I would be glad to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
(Employee’s name)
(Employee’s current position)
(Employee’s phone number)
Free Templates
Following are the free downloadable promotion request letters to guide you better:
Important Points to Consider
Writing a promotion request letter involves a lot of careful considerations well as planning and composing. Here are some important points to take into consideration when writing a promotion request letter:
- Always make your case backed by irrefutable data as you apply for the promotion.
- Establish a link between your current position and the requested position and describe how your current experience and skill would be of use in the capacity of the requested position.
- Describe specific impacts you have had on the organization and your unique qualities that will benefit the organization should you be promoted to the requested position.
- Find a trusted colleague within the organization as a referral to endorse you for the position.
Final Words
A promotion request letter is important to help you attain the next stage of your career. If well-timed and properly written, a promotion request letter is a great way to get your dream job within your current organization. Improve your chances of getting selected for your dream position in your organization by downloading our free promotion request letter templates.
