Reasons for Transfer: With Job Transfer Request Letter Example

Reasons for Transfer | Definition, Tips & Example | Resume.com

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Reasons for transfer vary depending on organizational needs and manager or employee decisions. They can be done to benefit the company or to accommodate the needs of an individual employee. Discover some of the reasons to request a transfer, the types of job transfers, and review some tips and an example to help write your own request.

What is a transfer?

A transfer is the lateral movement of an employee from one role to another without a change in functions or duties. It is commonly used to request a change in location. For example, if an employee moves to a new state, they ask for a transfer to a location near their new home. This allows them to keep their current role while staying and building rapport with the same company. Transfers are not promotions as they don’t provide increases in salary, authority, or responsibility.

What are good reasons to request a job transfer?

The following list defines some of the most common reasons for requesting a transfer.

Advancement opportunities

Some facilities perform better than others. In other cases, some facilities are larger, holding more staff and levels of management. It’s not uncommon to see a lateral transfer request to a location with better opportunities. The same is true for an internal transfer. For example, at a retail chain, moving into management requires experience in all roles. Individuals who seek management opportunities request transfers into different departments, learning the unique needs and tasks of each area.

Life changes

Significant life changes often force requests for transfers if the individual wishes to continue working for the same entity. For example, if you find yourself in a situation that involves moving to another city or state, you might request a transfer to a location near that area. In this case, you keep the same job with the same duties but perform them in a different place.

Job security

Job transfers often expose individuals to new situations and opportunities to learn new skills. Experiencing how a different part of a company or a different facility works increases your overall knowledge of the company. This often leads to greater opportunities for advancement and greater overall job security.

Better fit

After time passes, some employees feel uncomfortable or unhappy in their current surroundings. This is often true even if they enjoy their duties. Reasons can include almost anything from difficulties with coworkers to poor management. In this case, a request for transfer is viable.

New challenges

Some employees find that their work becomes redundant or doesn’t push them enough. If there are no other interesting options in your department, you can request a transfer. Moving laterally to a different department may pose new challenges that make work more exciting and push you harder to succeed.

Types of transfers

The following list defines the different types of transfers.

Shift transfer

Shift transfers often occur in organizations with 24-hour schedules or shifts. Employees ask for transfers to different shifts as needed by their personal schedules or other reasons.

Versatility transfer

Versatility transfers or rotations occur when management initiates cross-training for employees. They send their employees to various departments, exposing them to new skills.

Replacement transfer

Replacement transfers occur to alleviate workloads from a current employee by either splitting the work or replacing the previous employee altogether.

Remedial transfer

Remedial transfers occur when management moves an employee to a new department that better fits their skills. This type of transfer is often executed instead of terminating the employee.

Production transfer

Production transfers often occur when a department lacks a sufficient amount of employees. For example, if one department has a surplus of skilled employees, some are transferred to fill in open positions in the department that’s lacking.

What is a job transfer request letter?

Job transfer request letters are written by employees who seek employment in a new area of the company at the same level. A formal, written request is often the best course of action when asking for such a significant change.

Tips for writing a job transfer request letter

The following tips explain how to create a job transfer request letter.

Greeting

This section introduces who the letter is addressed to. Identify the appropriate individual to send the request to and greet them professionally with proper business writing techniques.

Introduction statement

This section explains the intent of your request. In two sentences or less, explain that you’re interested in transferring to a new role at the same level of experience or seniority.

Body

Use greater detail in this section to solidify your request. Explain your experience in the subject area and address the specific amount of time you’ve been with the company. Introduce the department and role you’ve been a part of and explain any other reason you make a great candidate for the new position. If necessary, explain the reason for your request.

Thank you statement

Use proper business etiquette to thank the individual for their time in reading your request.

Complimentary closing

Include an appropriate closing for your letter. For example, you can use ‘Sincerely,’ or ‘Best regards,’ for this type of letter.

Signature and contact information

Provide your signature along with your work or phone number and email address.

Job transfer request letter example

Here is an example of a job transfer request letter that you can use as a guide when writing your own letter.

Dear Mrs. Ballari,

I’m very interested in the assistant manager position at the New York facility. Their opening became public recently, and I would like to submit my interest in a transfer.

My experience at Victory Industries makes me an excellent candidate for the position. I have been with the company for five years and working in an assistant manager capacity for the last three years. I’ve learned expert knowledge in our inventory management system and consistently provided coaching and mentoring to my teams. During my time in a managerial position, I have always had positive feedback in my reviews and believe I’m more than capable of handling the workload at a larger facility.

The reason for this request is that my family and I are moving to the greater Manhattan area. I have enjoyed my time at this company and prefer to continue my service with Victory Industries in New York. There are at least two candidates that have been specifically trained on some managerial duties, and I feel safe choosing one of them to stand in my place here at this facility.

Thank you for taking the time to read this request. It has been a pleasure working with you all these years. I look forward to hearing your response.

Sincerely,

Adisa Masozi
Assistant Manager
amasozi@emailcom
555-555-5555

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