Job Transfer Request Letter Guide: Templates, Tips, and Examples
A job transfer request letter is written when an employee wants to make a formal request to their management to transfer to a different department or job location. Job transfers are not uncommon, but personally requesting a job change can be intimidating. In this job transfer request guide, we’ll provide tips and a template for submitting a professional and persuasive job transfer request and getting your request accepted.
Common Reasons to Make a Job Transfer Request
Relocation: You write a job transfer request letter because you intend to move to a different city or area.
Example: You live in Guelph, but your partner is relocating to Toronto for their job. You submit a job transfer request to your manager and ask to be relocated to a location near Toronto.
Career Advancement: You write a job transfer request letter because you are looking to learn new skills and gain more experience. Rather than transferring to a new job location, you’re looking to be transferred to a different department.
Example: You have worked as part of your company’s marketing team for four years, but recently studied public relations as part of your masters. You ask to be transferred to the company’s PR team to diversify your skills.
Improving Work-Life Balance: You write a job transfer request letter because you’re interested in another position with less demanding work hours, or a job location closer to your house.
Example: Your current job requires you to commute two hours one-way from your home. You ask for a job transfer to be moved to a location closer to your home, with a much shorter commute time.
Workplace Conflict: Some conflicts in the workplace might cause you to reconsider your current position and department.
Example: Your department recently got a new manager. You and the manager have very different viewpoints on how work should be done, and have repeatedly failed to come to a compromise. You request to be transferred to a different department and/or location because this conflict has resulted in tension among your team members.
Why Job Transfer Requests Are Denied
Even the most well-written job transfer request letter can be denied, as the manager’s decision to accept it hinges on a lot of factors. Here are some of the common reasons why your job transfer request could be denied:
The company’s internal transfer policy does not align with your request.
The location/department you’re relocating to doesn’t have any vacancies.
The company can’t afford to hire someone new to take on your original role.
The department you wish to relocate to does not align with your skills, experience, or education.
You’re considered an invaluable asset to the department/location you’re already in, which makes your manager hesitant to accept the request.
Your manager is hesitant to accept the transfer request because you haven’t met their performance standards.
The transfer request is poorly timed. Making a request during the busy season or when your team is in the middle of an important project will often cause it to be rejected.
What if They Say No? Seeking New Opportunities with Campbell Morden
You may be thinking: what if they say no to my job transfer request? This is a strong possibility, but rejection isn’t the end. If you are truly interested in finding a new opportunity, it may be time to look outside internal positions.
By working with a recruiter at Campbell Morden, you can find exclusive industry opportunities tailored to your career goals. We partner with dozens of candidates across Canada, helping them transform their careers with highly-competitive executive roles. Accelerate your growth with roles that challenge you, empower you, and help you grow. Don’t settle—take the next step forward in your career!
Making a Job Transfer Request: Tips for Success
Make sure your reason is clearly defined and valid.
Review your company’s internal transfer policy before making your request.
Wait for a vacancy in your desired department or location before making the request.
Discuss your intention to transfer with your manager before making the formal request.
Highlight how your capabilities can help the department or location you’re looking to transfer to.
Offer open availability and flexibility when transferring to the new department or location.
Maintain your professionalism and appreciation for your current role and team.
By doing each of these things makes your transfer as easy as possible for your manager. The more simple your transfer can be, the more likely it is to be accepted.
Job Transfer Request Letter Template
The content below is a copy and paste template you can use for writing your job transfer request letter. Whether you’re making a job transfer request for personal reasons, family reasons, career advancement, workplace conflict, or work-life balance, this template is designed to apply in any situation. Please tailor the letter to suit your needs.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Department Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Province, Zip Code]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally request a job transfer from my current position in [Your Current Department] to [Desired Department or Location] within [Company Name].
I’m making this request because [clearly state your reason: for example, my desire to relocate to [City] due to [reason] / my interest in advancing my skills within the [Desired Department] / the need to improve my work-life balance by reducing my commute]. This transfer aligns with my career goals and would allow me to contribute more effectively to [Company Name].
Having worked with [specific mention of any relevant experiences or accomplishments in your current role], I am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to the [Desired Department]. I am eager to bring my knowledge of [mention relevant skills] to the team and collaborate on [mention specific goals or projects in the new department].
I am aware of the company’s internal transfer policies and have reviewed them to ensure my request aligns with the guidelines. I am also flexible regarding the timeline and any requirements necessary for a smooth transition.
I appreciate your consideration of my request and would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this further. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Employee ID (if applicable)]
[Company Name]
Job Transfer Request Letter: Family Relocation Example
Using the template above, we’ve written our own job transfer request letter. Take a look at how we altered the template to make it more tailored to our situation.
John Doe
123 Nowhere Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, L1V 4T1
johndoe@therightcompany.ca
123-456-7891
June 16, 2025
Jane Doe
The Right Company
Accounting Department
456 Workplace Street
Toronto, Ontario L1V 7P4
Dear Jane,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally request a job transfer from my current position in the Toronto office’s Accounting Department to the Vancouver office’s Accounting Department.
I’m making this request because my parents, who live in Vancouver, are experiencing serious age-related health issues which have limited their ability to adequately care for themselves. I would like the opportunity to be closer to them and help out during this difficult time. I will continue to effectively contribute my skills, experience, and expertise to The Right Company’s Vancouver office.
I am incredibly grateful for my time at The Right Company’s Toronto office. Since starting here five years ago, the opportunities I’ve been given have helped me grow and meet my career goals. The attention to detail I gained from this position has allowed me to identify discrepancies and streamline reporting processes, resulting in a reduction of unnecessary expenses totaling 3% of the company’s total cash outflow. I am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to the Vancouver office.
I am aware of the company’s internal transfer policies and have reviewed them to ensure my request aligns with the guidelines. I am also flexible regarding the timeline and any requirements necessary for a smooth transition.
I appreciate your consideration of my request and would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this further. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Warm regards,
John Doe
Senior Accountant
ID-112569
The Right Company
