Transfer Request How-to Guide and Example

Here are common reasons to transfer from a job:

Advance your career goals

You may request an internal transfer for career advancement purposes. For example, if your current role is in accounting; you can pivot to management as long as you have the requisite skills. This will move your career forward and may lead to higher income.

Preserve job security

Some companies restructure by adopting new technologies such as automation and merging departments to reduce operational expenses. The fallout of these activities can cause some people to lose their jobs. You can monitor trends and signals within the company to know if your job is in danger. Look out for signs such as missed revenue targets, hiring freezes, budget cuts, and senior executives leaving the company in droves. If your department is experiencing restructuring, you may want to apply for a transfer.

In the case of transferring to preserve your job security, you can show the employer that the job transfer is mutually beneficial. You cn do this with an updated resume outlining your previous achievements and newly acquired skills that positions you to deliver better results in the new role.

Resolve workplace conflict

Another reason to request a job transfer is to resolve workplace conflicts. In situations where employee conflicts are severe, either party may request a transfer to another department or location. The company may decide who moves if both parties refuse to submit transfer requests.

An internal transfer will provide much needed distance between employees who don’t get along well and allow both parties to resolve their differences and contribute meaningfully to the organization. It also puts you in a new environment where you can count on the support of fellow employees.

Personal circumstances

Certain life-changing situations are good reasons for requesting a job transfer. As an example, you may need to transfer to another company location if your family changes residences.

Personal circumstances may be mundane matters such as a change of scenery. If you’ve had enough of the harsh winters in your present region, you can move to a company branch in a sunny area.

Take on a high-level role

Unlike in the past, departments in a business are regarded as interdependent parts of a whole. What this means is that cooperation between different departments is necessary for a company’s success.

Recognizing this, companies often appoint employees who have worked in different departments to top-level positions. This is because they believe such employees are better positioned to promote cooperation between departments in a company. Thus, requesting a job transfer can improve your chances of landing a high-level position in a company.

When submitting a job transfer request, when your company is actively looking to fill a role or you’re planning to relocate, your goal should be to convince the company that you are the best candidate for the position. Show that you leaving your current job will benefit, not harm, the company’s bottom line. Consider including these sections in your transfer request:

1. Your reason(s) for requesting a transfer

Make sure to state your reasons for transfer at the start. If you have a timeframe for making the transfer, include that in your letter as well.

2. Background information on your time with the company

In your transfer request, remind the company of your value and show that approving the transfer will earn the company a good return on their investment. The best way to do this is to add information relating to your background with the company.

Include your department, title, and any other designations. Add any achievements you have had while at the company.

If you cut costs in a department, include that information along with quantifiable data like exact figures or documented percentages. Highlight how you streamlined company activities to improve efficiency. Any personal effort that benefited the company will show you as a valuable employee and make it easier to accept your request.

3. Your case for the transfer

Even with a stellar record, you’ll want to use your letter to convince the employer to approve your transfer. The concluding part of your transfer request should make the case for your transfer.

Emphasize the benefits of the transfer to your company: the employer must be sure the move will increase productivity and efficiency. For example, you can demonstrate that transferring to a new department will increase your productivity or show that you have new skills that are better utilized in another department.

Here is an examples of a transfer request letter you can adapt for you own use:

November 16, 2020

Daniel Alcantara

Company Director

XYZ Ltd.

5509, Elm Street

Miami, Fla.

Dear Mr. Daniel,

I am writing to request a transfer from my current role in the customer service department at XYZ to the sales department. I have enjoyed building relationships with customers during my time as a customer service representative. However, I yearn to put my newly formed marketing skills to better use in sales.

While on the customer service team, I led efforts to improve response time which led to a 20 percent increase in customer satisfaction. I was voted #1 Customer Service Representative in 2019, receiving good marks for politeness, communication skills, and satisfaction. These skills, I believe, will serve me well in a sales agent position and increase my contribution to the company bottom line.

I have attached an updated version of my resume for your perusal. Thank you for your consideration. I await your positive response.

Sincerely,

Victor Hamm