Tips for Writing a Letter of Intent for a Promotion

Writing a letter of intent for a promotion can be a daunting task. However, it doesn't have to be. With the right thought and preparation, you can put together a letter that is well-written, focused and complimentary to help you get that job promotion you want and deserve.

1. Research the New Position

Perhaps your boss notified employees of the available position, or perhaps you just feel it is time you have been given a promotion due to your successful track record and experience. Whatever the situation that puts you in the position of wanting a promotion, it is important that you fully research and understand the position for which you are applying. First, you want to be sure that you are qualified for the position and actually interested in it. Second, you want to utilize the information you learn about the position to highlight in your letter of intent why you are the right person to handle the position's responsibilities, and how you have met the position's qualifications.

2. Write an Outline

To have a successful letter of intent for a job promotion, it must be organized, and it must touch on critical accomplishments and achievements you have made in your present position with the company. Consequently, it is imperative that before you start writing your letter, you start writing an outline.

The outline will help you to organize your thoughts, and make sure that you don't forget to include anything. It will also help you order your achievements in a sequential or chronological order, which makes the letter easier read. Your outline should also include a section that lists your key attributes that make you the perfect candidate for this promotion. As above discussed, you will be including these in your letter of intent as well.

3. Writing the Letter of Intent

After your outline is complete, it is time to put it all together in the actual letter of intent. Make sure that you use clear, concise language, and stay away from complex wording and sentences. When listing your accomplishments, skills or attributes, try to utilize a bulleted list. By enlisting a writing style such as the one described here, you will make the letter easier to read. The easier it is to read, the more your boss can focus on the actual content of the letter. Also, by putting your accomplishments, skills and attributes in a bulleted list, they are better highlighted, both visually and organizationally.

After you have written your letter, done your spell check and looked it over for any grammar errors, put it away. Do not immediately rush off to submit the letter. Put the letter away, and wait at least a few hours to read over it again. A lot of the time a fresh pair of eyes is all we need to spot additional errors, or change wording to have it make more sense.

The last step, after all changes have been made, and you are fully satisfied with your letter, is to submit it. Unless other instructions are provided, try to give your letter of intent to your boss in person. If you work for a larger company, this will help to personalize the letter, and allows your boss to put a face to the letter.