A letter of intent for promotion is written by an employee wishing to express their interest in a higher position within their company. The letter typically includes the employee’s current role, the position they are interested in, and why they feel they are qualified and ready for a promotion. Employees may also wish to include their experience, skills, and achievements, demonstrating their dedication and potential for the new position.

How (and When) to Ask for a Promotion

Asking for a promotion can be delicate and should be done professionally and strategically to ensure success. There are some factors to consider when considering asking an employer for a promotion.

Performance Assessment

Before asking for a promotion, the employee should reflect on their performance in their current role. They can ask themselves some questions, such as:

• Have I been meeting and exceeding expectations?
• Have I been taking on additional responsibilities?
• Do my actions contribute to the success and growth of the company?
• Do I have more to offer beyond my current role?
• Has my boss or supervisor acknowledged my achievements and work ethic?

If the answers to these questions are positive, the employee can feel confident moving forward with a promotion request.

Timing

Timing is crucial when it comes to asking for a promotion. Choosing when the employer is more likely to be receptive to a request is necessary. For example, when a new position opens up in the company. This may be posted by the human resources department or vacancies posted by other departments within the company.

Furthermore, the employee seeking a promotion should have worked long enough at the organization to justify their request. The employee may wish to submit their letter of intent around a significant work anniversary milestone, after successfully completing a large project, or near a performance review.

It is also essential that the employee asks for a promotion when the company is thriving, not when it is struggling or has suffered a blow like losing a client.

Research

Before submitting their letter of intent, the employee should research the role they wish to take on. They need to ensure they can fill that role and thrive in it. Similar positions in other companies can also give the employee an idea of salary expectations and help them understand the current market to help negotiate their desired compensation.

Drafting a Letter of Intent

If the timing is right, a position is open, and the employee feels they have what it takes to fill the available role, they may write a letter of intent. This is a formal request for a promotion and shows the employee believes they are a serious candidate for the new position. The letter allows the employee to detail their credentials and explain why they would be a good fit for the role.

What to Include in the Letter

A well-drafted letter of intent will help the employee stand out from other applicants and show their seriousness in their desire for the promotion. The letter should be professional, easy to read, free of grammar and spelling mistakes, and contain the following information.

• Position. The position the employee is expressing interest in should be outlined at the beginning of the letter. Since the hiring party may be recruiting for several positions, this helps clarify the letter’s purpose.
• Intention. The letter should explain the writer’s objectives and why they seek promotion.
• Qualifications. The individual seeking promotion should describe why they think they would be a good fit and what qualifies them for the role they desire.
• Accomplishments. Any recent milestones and triumphs should be outlined in the letter. In larger organizations, the employer may be unfamiliar with or forget the candidate’s prior achievements, and the letter serves as an opportunity to inform them.
• Benefits. The candidate should describe how they intend to benefit the company by telling what they will bring to the role they seek.
• Express Gratitude. The letter should conclude by thanking the reader for their time and consideration.

Sample

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