Declare your desire for a new job position with a formal letter to your boss, manager or human resources department. This article on how to write a job transfer request offers suggestions to help you use the proper format, content and tone to convey your intent and qualifications. Whether your company has just posted a new position you're interested in or you want to make a move to a new department, a formal job transfer request letter can help you to express your intentions, qualifications and applicable experience for the new position.

Because a phone call or discussion may be forgotten and an email can be considered informal, a written job transfer request is the best way to let your employer know that you're seeking a new position. Even if you work for a small company, a formal letter ensures your request is on file for future reference. In addition, a properly formatted transfer request will make you look as professional as possible, and will help to let your employer know that you are taking this seriously. Compose your job transfer letter with the proper format by following the steps below.

Before you begin writing your letter, you need to make sure that you use an appropriate format that looks professional. Stick to a few simple rules in order to write a letter that's concise, easy to read and follows the proper business writing format.

1. Print the letter on white, letter-sized, heavyweight paper (such as 32lb bond).http://www.writing-business-letters.com/business-letter-format.html
2. Use a formal heading that features your address, a blank line, the date, a blank line, then the contact name, title and company address.http://www.aacc.edu/careers/businessletters.cfm
3. Use a salutation that greets the person who will handle your job transfer request. This could be your boss, head of the department you wish to transfer to or a general human resources manager.
4. Format the letter with one-inch margins on the sides and one-and-a-half-inch margins at the top and bottom.http://www.writing-business-letters.com/business-letter-format.html
5. Write your letter in a block style without indented paragraphs.http://monsterguide.net/how-to-write-a-business-letter
6. Under the body of the letter, leave enough space to sign your name, then type your name and current title.http://monsterguide.net/how-to-write-a-business-letter
7. After your title, skip a line and add "Enclosures:" and the number of extra pages if you're enclosing a current resume, any certifications or proof of completed education and training.
8. Consider containing your job transfer request to a single page to ensure it's to the point. Avoid using "filler" to lengthen the request.http://monsterguide.net/how-to-write-a-business-letter

The next step to writing your job transfer request is to clearly state your intent to transfer to another position or another facility. Make sure you do this frankly to avoid any misunderstandings.

1. Summarize the reason you want a job transfer request. The new position may:
   • -Represent a promotion that you deserve after years of service.
   • -Suit your qualifications and background better than your current position.
   • -Benefit you for personal reasons, such as having a better schedule or being located in a city or state that's more convenient for you or your family.http://monsterguide.net/how-to-write-a-business-letter
2. Explain the reasons why you're hoping to leave your current position.
   • -Be sure to emphasize that you wish to stay with the company rather than look elsewhere for employment.http://www.microsoft.com/uk/atwork/career/promotion.mspx

Once you've stated that you desire a transfer, you should list the qualifications that you will bring to the new job. Do this even if your immediate employer already knows your career history.

1. Discuss your experience with the company and how long you've been in your current position.http://www.microsoft.com/uk/atwork/career/promotion.mspx
2. List the ways you've met or exceeded the responsibilities and duties of your current job position and why it makes you a better candidate for the new job than someone from outside the company.
   • -Include specific examples of how you've improved the efficiency of your department, devised unique solutions or saved the company money.
3. Study the requirements listed for the new position if you're applying for an opening within the company in order to specifically address how your qualifications make you the ideal candidate over other current company employees.http://www.businessperform.com/html/cover_letter.html
4. Outline any recent certification programs, continuing education classes or training seminars you've completed that will increase your expertise in the field.

It's time to conclude your request. As you do so, consider applying the following suggestions to help your request be taken seriously:

1. Express your appreciation for the company, discussing the organization's supportiveness and history of promoting from within.
2. Suggest a compromise if your transfer will put your company at a disadvantage or leave them short handed. For example, consider offering to fulfill the duties of both positions for a short time until they find a replacement.
3. Offer to help train the person who takes over your current job if you receive the job transfer.http://monsterguide.net/how-to-write-a-business-letter
4. When writing, strike a tone that's polite and confident, but not arrogant. It's important to be assertive and express your abilities so you're taken seriously, but not be so demanding that you put off the powers that be.http://jobasiasearch.com/blog/how-to-write-good-job-transfer-request-letters/
5. Discuss the letter with your current boss if the position you desire is in a different department. Getting your supervisor's approval ahead of time may help secure his recommendation.http://www.howtodothings.com/careers/how-to-write-a-job-transfer-request
6. Carefully proofread the letter for any grammatical of typographical errors.http://www.businessperform.com/html/cover_letter.html
7. Send a copy to additional company representatives to ensure the letter gets to the right party and goes on record in your personnel file. Recipients can include your manager, boss, company owner and human resources department.