When applying for an internal job with your existing but very large employer how important are resume cover letters and emailing the hiring manager after you submit your application?

9 Comments

1. AmyJanuary 17,2023 at 9:27PM UTC

   I would think they are still important. I would also inquire if they had someone in mind while adding you were interested in the position before you even apply.

2. AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 10:33PM UTC

   Depends. If the hiring manager knows you, knows your work, and your current job is obviously well-aligned with the new position, you can probably skip the cover letter. The hiring manager might or might not take the time to connect the dots, so you have to connect the dots for them - which is what the cover letter does. Regardless, I would reach out to the hiring manager. I've brought internal candidates who didn't reach out (directly or through a mutual contact) for interviews, but have never actually hired one of them. The people who reach out have a better idea of what I'm looking for and present better during the interviews. I would respond to external candidates similarly, but I'm in a niche field in a small market, so it's rare that I get an external candidate for my open positions.

3. AnonymousJanuary 21,2023 at 7:39PM UTC

   Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I work remotely for one of the largest banks. I have been with the bank for a little more than a year but worked in banking for many years. I love my employer but am unsure of the corporate culture and if it’s appropriate for me to reach out to the hiring manager.

4. AnonymousJanuary 21,2023 at 11:55PM UTC

   After reading some of the other responses, I realize corporate culture varies widely, so definitely see if you can put out some feelers in your own company before you decide which way to go with it. Good luck!

5. AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

   As a person who sits on search committees for internal and external candidates, if you don't have what is specified in the job posting, then you put toward the bottom. It is seen as a basic instruction and demonstrates your willingness to follow those instructions. It is imperative that you read the job description and follow what they are asking from potential new hires.

6. AnonymousJanuary 21,2023 at 2:09PM UTC

   in the large organization I work for contacting the hiring manager directly by sending a cover letter or resume would be a huge no-no. It’s possible it would cause you to be disqualified. Be mindful of the process.

7. Candace VelezJanuary 18,2023 at 2:52PM UTC

   I work for a very large organization and can tell you they hold very little relevance. As an internal respectively you should have first consideration, quick turnaround etc because they should want to retain you. On that note typically the recruiter is the one you want to engage first if they dont respond to your application in lets say a weeks time. You would like any candidate go through a screening process granted the difference should be the formality of about the company is removed and discussions on the role are the primary focus. If it's a fit you'd go through standard interviews + the TA should verify you are eligible for a new role and other steps. A lot of times people instinctively want to reach out to the manager who will only tell the recruiter and have them start the process.

8. AnonymousJanuary 19,2023 at 2:51PM UTC

   I agree with Candace. I don't feel that cover letters hold the weight they did many moons ago. Rarely read. We need to look at the skills set and experience that you're bringing to the table. I wouldn't try to leverage the recruiter for the position, they are working with a manager who may want to be involved with looking at applications or may leave it up completely to the recruiter. I have not problem with sending an email of QUICK intro to the hiring manager but some recruiters are not a big fan of that 'overstep'. You need to be your own advocate so do what you feel may get you an introduction. You may want or think of a quick turnaround time but some can take a while if there are many openings for that recruiter. Remember, there's a HUGE advantage to hiring internally but there's also value of an external candidate. Be patient and prepare.

9. Vanda LeeJanuary 19,2023 at 5:30PM UTC

   I think they don't serve the purpose they once did but if there is an option to load one up along with your resume, I always try to do it.