12 Best Transfer Request Letters Samples

Are you moving to another city or state but don’t want to quit your job? Does your current employer have a branch in your new location? You can request a transfer to continue your employment within the same company, as long as you have a valid reason. The same goes when changing your position or moving to another department without relocating.

A job transfer is an excellent chance for professional growth, as it uncovers career advancement opportunities. Asking to move to another role or location in a formal letter will supercharge your chances of approval.

Learn how to write a transfer request letter to ensure your manager takes you seriously and gives approval.

What is a Transfer Request Letter?

A transfer request letter is a formal document that an employee must submit when looking to relocate to another position, department, or branch within the same company. That branch can be in another city or state. You can submit the transfer request letter to your HR department or manager, stating the reason for the request and providing valid arguments to improve your chances of approval.

Relocating to another city or state opens the door to more career opportunities. However, you don’t have to leave your stable job just because you have to move. If commuting isn’t an option and you can keep your current employment in your new location, you can seize that opportunity by requesting a transfer.

That request can also help you switch to another position or department in your current location. Whether you seek new challenges or a lighter workload, you can express your desire to make the switch anytime.

Before submitting a request, talk to your manager or HR representative about the transfer. Ask if moving to another position or location is possible and gather the necessary information on career opportunities at a specific branch.

Informing them beforehand will eliminate surprises and confusion as they’ll expect your letter. They can also walk you through the process and explain your responsibilities in a new position or location.

Once you know what to do, write a transfer request letter to formally ask your manager or HR representative to consider your move.

Here are some of the most prevalent reasons for requesting a job transfer.

Personal or family circumstances

These circumstances can be life-changing, including your spouse’s job relocation, an educational opportunity, a family illness, or your child’s admission to a school in another location. Shifting to another branch would eliminate the need to commute daily (if the distance allows) and help advance your education or be there with your family. Your employer might also approve your request if you’re moving to another city or state due to marriage.

Career advancement opportunities

Advancing your career to earn a higher salary is an excellent reason for asking for a job transfer. For instance, you can request to move from accounting to finance management or fill any other vacant position that helps you acquire new skills and grow with the company.

More exciting responsibilities

It’s not uncommon for a job to become mundane after years of performing the same daily tasks. If you’re unhappy with your current duties, you can ask to pivot to a position or department with new or additional responsibilities. Your employer will likely approve because they don’t want you to be discontent, negatively affecting productivity and overall performance.

Asking for more exciting responsibilities will show you’re eager to take on new challenges, which might secure you a raise.

Preserving job security

Corporate restructuring due to mergers, downsizing, changes in business direction, or new technology often leads to redundancies. Asking for a transfer if you suspect your job is at risk is a brilliant way to maintain your current employment. The key is to showcase your skills and achievements and make an irrefutable argument for taking a different position.

Workplace conflicts

HR professionals should try to resolve workplace conflicts, but their efforts don’t always bear fruit. Moving to another position, department, or branch might be the best solution if you constantly disagree with a specific teammate or experience problems with a supervisor.

Medical reasons

You can apply for a job transfer if your age or a health problem makes it difficult to continue working in the current position. Reducing your workload might accommodate your needs better and reduce the risk of underperformance, burnout, resignation, or termination.

Regardless of the reason, the format of the transfer request letter should resemble a resume cover letter. Highlight your experience, skills, and expertise and explain the benefits the company and the manager will experience from moving you to another position, department, or branch. One page would suffice the need.

Here are the essential elements to include in your transfer request letter and examples to help you better understand how to write it.

The purpose of the letter

State why you’re writing the transfer request letter after formally addressing the recipient. Be concise and specific, mentioning that you would like to move to a particular position, department, or branch.

Example:

Dear Mr. Williams,

I am writing to request a transfer from my current position as an account manager at Aspire Enterprises to the same or similar role at the company’s Seattle branch.

The reason for your request

You don’t have to go into detail to explain why you wish to transfer. Instead, you can outline the reason in one or two sentences.

Examples:

My wife has been promoted to another position in Seattle, so it would be difficult for me to commute daily. Moving to our Seattle branch would enable me to continue my career at Aspire Enterprises.

or

My daughter has received an acceptance letter from Lakeside School in Seattle, so that we will move there in three months. Transferring to our branch in Seattle would enable me to stay close to my family and support my daughter’s education.

Your history with the company

Highlighting your experience at the company, dedication to the job, and significant accomplishments in your current role will show you’re an indispensable employee who brings real value to the company.

Example:

I have worked as an account manager in the sales department for the past seven years, gaining expert knowledge in the field and promoting Aspire Enterprises’ growth. I believe that my experience here would make me a valuable asset to the Seattle office.

While on the sales team, I helped cut costs to 25%, increase efficiency by 56%, and improve customer satisfaction to 43%, thus contributing to the company’s bottom line.

Arguments for your decision

When making a case for your possible transfer, explain why it would be an excellent move, highlighting the mutual benefits. The reader should instantly understand why it makes sense for you to switch to the desired position, department, or branch.

Example:

I have shown excellent organizational and analytical skills as an account manager here. I am confident that my in-depth knowledge and experience would further boost productivity and revenue for the Seattle branch.

I wish to continue my professional growth with Aspire Enterprises once my family moves to Seattle, investing the same enthusiasm and excellence into our branch there.

An appreciation note for your manager

A transfer request letter is a formal document that requires proper business etiquette. Show gratitude for working with your manager and colleagues, thanking them for contributing to your professional growth. Don’t forget to thank your manager for taking the time to read and consider your request.

Example:

Working here at Aspire Enterprises and learning from brilliant mentors and colleagues has been a pleasure. I am eager to continue the hard work and build relationships with our Seattle team.

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my request. I look forward to your positive response.

Your resume

Including a resume copy in your transfer request letter isn’t necessary. Still, it will remind your manager of your skills and expertise and serve as additional support for approval. If you attach your resume, mention it before the complimentary closing.

Example:

Please refer to the attached resume for more details on my qualifications.

Sincerely,

Liam Davis
Account Manager, Sales
Aspire Enterprises
123 Business Road
Boston, Massachusetts
[email protected]

Here are additional tips for writing a letter to ask for a job transfer and improving your chances of getting the green light:

Use professional language

Professional language is necessary because you’re writing a formal business letter. Use correct grammar and spelling, avoid contractions (e.g., I’ve or I’ll), and include a formal greeting and closing.

Don’t be too casual

This tip nicely ties to the previous point, but it’s worth mentioning if you have a close relationship with your manager. Even if that’s the case, you should keep the request formal because your employer or other HR representatives might read it.

Forget about slang, text abbreviations (e.g., TBH – to be honest, LMK – let me know, etc.), inside jokes, and other informal words and phrases.

Research sample letters

Sample letters are fantastic inspiration sources when you don’t know where to start or how to format your request. Your reason for requesting a change in position, department, or location might be unique, but available samples can help you understand the ins and outs. You might also find an identical case and draw inspiration from it.

We offer free transfer request templates that you can customize to your needs. Download them to explore different cases and ensure you respect the formal formatting requirements.

Proofread your letter

Proofreading is crucial before submitting any business document. You wouldn’t want typos, grammatical or spelling mistakes, or formatting errors to hinder your chances of approval of your transfer request.

Quick Summary

• Discuss your transfer possibilities with your hiring manager or employer to inform them about your consideration and gather the necessary information.
• Write a formal transfer request letter explaining why you wish to move to another position, department, or branch.
• Highlight your accomplishments and the mutual benefits of your possible move to improve your chances of approval.
• Be professional, concise, compelling, and appreciative.
• Use samples or templates for inspiration and formatting guidelines, modifying them to your unique needs.