how to write a job application letter of intent

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How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job (With Examples)

how to write a job application letter of intent

Why Write a Letter of Intent?

What to Include in a Letter of Intent

Tips for writing a letter of intent, sample letter of intent for a job, letter of intent example, email letter of intent sample.

Image by Marina Li ÃÂ© The Balance 2019

If you’re job searching, you may have spotted a few online job postings that ask for a letter of intent—but what does that mean? In this context, a letter of intent is similar to a cover letter . It includes information on why you are qualified for the position.

You should write a letter of intent when an employer requests one in a job listing. Send this letter in addition to your resume and other required application materials.

One difference between a letter of intent and a cover letter is that you can also write a letter of intent when you want to express interest in working for a company that does not have any specific jobs listed. You can use this letter to explain why you would be a good fit for the organization should an appropriate role open up. In this situation, a letter of intent is similar to an inquiry letter , also called a letter of interest .

When writing a letter of intent without a specific job opening in mind, explain what type of work you are interested in. For example, maybe you are looking for a managerial position or a position in a certain department. Keep in mind that staying flexible can be beneficial. By not being overly specific, you may open yourself up to opportunities that you may not have otherwise considered.

Whether you are submitting a letter of intent for a specific job or are simply expressing your interest in working for a company, make sure your letter is well-written, professional, and shows why you are a good fit for the company.

Why Write a Letter of Intent?

Letters of intent are used as a means of introduction to personalize your application and provide the hiring manager with your resume . They make it easy for the recruiter or employer to see exactly what your qualifications are and what you can bring to the table that other applicants cannot.

A well-written letter will help your application get noticed and provide the employer with details on why you're a strong candidate and should be considered. A good letter can help you land an interview .

Salutation Begin with a professional salutation . Find out the name of the employer or hiring manager, and include it in your opening. If you do not know to whom you should address the letter, call the office and ask.

Body Paragraph 1: Introduction Begin your letter by introducing yourself and explaining why you are reaching out. If you are responding to a specific job listing, say so. Otherwise, simply explain that you are interested in working for the company and explain the type of work you are interested in.

Body Paragraph 2: Highlight Relevant Skills This is where you connect your skills and abilities to the job listing . Take the time to carefully review the job description and the requirements listed in it. Mention one or two important requirements of the job, and explain how you meet those requirements. Provide specific examples from your past work experiences.

If you are "cold contacting" the employer , explain how your skills would make you a good fit for the company. The closer you can match your credentials to the job requirements or the company’s needs, the better your chance of getting chosen for a job interview.

You might break this section into two paragraphs, depending on the number of skills you mention.

Body Paragraph 3: Call to Action Conclude your letter with a brief paragraph on how you will follow up. If the job listing says not to follow up, simply state that you look forward to hearing from the employer.

Closing End with a professional closing such as “Best” or “Sincerely.” If you are submitting a printed letter, include a handwritten signature followed by your typed name. If you are emailing the letter, conclude with your email signature.

Use the appropriate format. Use business letter format for your letter. Begin with your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information.

When sending an email, include a clear subject line. If you decide to send your letter in the body of an email, be sure to include a concise subject line that explains why you are emailing . If you are applying to a specific job, include your name and the job title. If you are reaching out cold, include your name and a phrase like “Job Inquiry” or “Marketing Expert Looking to Share Expertise.”

If you decide to send the letter via email, you also do not need to include any contact information or the date at the top. Instead, include your contact information in the email signature.

Research the company. Before writing, be sure to research the company to get a sense of the company’s culture , mission, and needs. You need to explain how you would add value to the company, and you can only do this if you know what the company is looking for.

Don’t rehash your resume. Don't simply repeat what is on your resume. Instead, pick out your strongest qualifications and highlight them. Your goal is to showcase your best credentials to the employer so they will be persuaded to read your resume, not to provide a full career history.

Consider using bullet points. A good strategy for formatting your letter of intent is to include a bulleted section that highlights your qualifications for the job. The bullets will help to make your qualifications “pop” on the page, immediately drawing attention to the skills and expertise you offer. A careful use of boldface can also help to catch the hiring manager’s eye.

Keep it short. Your letter should be no longer than a page. If you write a longer letter, the hiring manager will not likely read it.

Proofread your letter. Don’t forget to thoroughly proofread your letter for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Consider asking a friend or family member to read it over before you submit it. Your letter needs to be professional and polished.

This is a sample letter of intent for applying to a job. Download the letter of intent template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Olive Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 olive.applicant@email.com

September 1, 2023

James Lee Head Librarian Acme University 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I am writing to express my strong interest in the position of library aide at Acme University, as listed on Monster.com. I am a recent college graduate with extensive library experience and a record of excellent written and oral communication. I believe I would be an ideal fit for this position at your organization.

I am skilled at communicating effectively with different people across various platforms. In my position as an administrative assistant at Longmont Library, I greeted dozens of patrons each day on the phone and in person. I also answered patron queries via email and social media. I received recognition from the circulation department head for my friendly demeanor, patience, and ability to communicate professionally with all patrons.

I am passionate about staying up to date with the latest library best practices. I have two years of experience working with some of the most widely used library management software, including Ex Libris and Koha. I am also familiar with the latest OCLC input standards.

I believe my experience, communication skills, and interpersonal abilities would make me a strong fit for this position. I look forward to speaking with you more about my qualifications.

Olive Applicant

Cold Call Email Example

Subject: Introduction Briana Applicant

Dear Mr. Lee,

Throughout my 15 years of experience in sales and sales management, I have always been impressed with your company’s reputation for exemplary customer service and your excellent sales record. I believe my experience and sales knowledge would make me an asset to Acme Sales.

Qualifications and skills I bring to the table include:

10 years of progressive experience in retail sales management, consistently triggering year-over-year sales increases by more than 15% for each year of tenure.
Proven leadership and team-building talents , successfully training and guiding teams of 20+ sales representatives to new levels of sales achievement.
Keen analytical and strategic planning skills leveraged to control inventory/costs, reduce churn, and maximize sales productivity.

I would love to speak with you about how I can contribute to the sales team at XYZ Company. I will call you next week to arrange a time to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to speaking with you.

Briana Applicant

Write a letter of intent to express your interest in a company: Some employers will ask for a letter in job postings. In other cases, you may send a letter of intent to a company with no current job openings.

Don’t rehash your resume: Your letter should be a sales pitch. It should complement your resume and generate interest in you as a candidate.

Be professional: Use business letter format and be sure to proofread your letter before you send it.

UC Davis. " Write an Effective Cover Letter/Letter of Intent ."

What is a Letter of Intent? How to Write One for a Job [+ Examples]

Published: March 14, 2024

Standard job applications have a standard set of practices. You turn in a resume and cover letter, and then, if selected, you move through a few rounds of interviews and get the job.

person at their computer writing a letter of intent

However, not all potential job opportunities start with an application. In fact, many begin with initiative from a job seeker.

Those job seekers will send in a letter of intent rather than a cover letter . In this article, we’ll take a look at what a letter of intent is and highlight some strategies for writing the best LOI you can. We’ve even included a template to help you get started.

Here’s what you’ll find:

What is a letter of intent?

Letter of intent vs. cover letter, letter of intent vs. letter of interest, when to use a letter of intent.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job

Letter of Intent Samples

Letter of intent template.

A letter of intent is a less common way of expressing interest in a company. It targets reasons you’re looking for opportunities with a specific organization.

A letter of intent does include elements of a traditional cover letter, such as relevant experience and skills, but it’s used in slightly different contexts. LOIs emphasize alignment between a job seeker and an organization.

letter of intent example for Publishing Now

There are a few key differences between a cover letter and a letter of intent, including:

Context. While a cover letter responds to a specific job listing, a letter of intent targets an organization more generally. It may or may not have a specific job opening at the time that the LOI is sent in.

Focus. A cover letter explains why an applicant is a good fit for a specific role . An LOI, on the other hand, addresses an individual’s compatibility with an overall organization or more general role.

Initiative. A cover letter is a reactive document responding to a job opening. A letter of intent, however, demonstrates more initiative and provides information before an organization specifically requests it.

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Letter of intent and letter of interest are often used interchangeably. While there are a lot of similarities between the two documents, there are also a few key differences:

Level of intent. Letters of intent have a high level of intentionality, while letters of interest are more exploratory. A letter of intent proposes action, while letters of interest are for information gathering.

Commitment level. A letter of intent is a high-commitment way of expressing interest in a company, while a letter of interest is a lower commitment. An individual is more likely to send out multiple letters of interest.

Action orientation. A letter of intent always ends with a call to action, while a letter of interest is more laid-back and may not request anything specific from the recipient.

While both letters demonstrate initiative and are closely tailored to the company, they do serve slightly different purposes.

There are lots of scenarios where a job seeker may want to send out a letter of intent. Here are a few examples:

You have a high level of interest in a specific company, but there’s not an open role.

You are interested in networking with a company in a committed way.

You want to reach out with a formal follow-up after a networking event.

You’re applying to a highly competitive field.

You’re aware of a potential job opportunity with an organization that hasn’t been published yet.

Additionally, students or job seekers switching industries may use letters of intent to apply to educational opportunities like internships and apprenticeships — though those may also be called cover letters .

How to Write a Letter of Intent

There are plenty of ways to approach writing a letter of intent for a job. Here’s a step-by-step process for writing your LOI draft:

1. Provide your contact information.

At the top of your LOI, you’ll want to provide contact information so your recipient can contact you about future opportunities. This can include your phone number, email, and address.

2. Use an appropriate greeting.

For some opportunities, a formal greeting is appropriate. In other situations, a more informal approach may be ideal. If possible, address the specific recipient.

3. Provide an introduction.

In the intro paragraphs, you’ll want to tap into three specifics:

Who you are.

Why you’re reaching out.

How you got this company’s information.

Feel free to vary the order of this information. Your LOI intro may be formal or more playful, depending on who you are and the organization you’re submitting to.

4. Dive into your strengths and company alignment.

An LOI is created to clearly convey why you’re a good fit for the organization. In the body paragraphs of your letter, you’ll want to explain:

Your strengths.
What you do.
How those things would fit with the organization.

5. Guide the conversation into the future.

All LOIs end with a call to action, which is one of the things that differentiates it from a letter of interest or a cover letter. Map out potential next steps so it’s easy for the reader to take action. It could include:

A request to schedule a meeting.

Making a specific pitch.

Encouraging the recipient to send a follow-up email.

6. Write a thoughtful conclusion .

Conclude your LOI by reiterating your interest in the company. Make sure to thank the recipient for their time, too — there wasn’t a job opening request, so they took time out of their day to read your letter.

If you’re sending your LOI because of an internal referral, be sure to reference them within the letter.

Let’s go through a few different samples of LOIs and highlight what each does well. Refer to these samples as you draft your own letter of intent for guidance on incorporating the elements of an LOI seamlessly.

Internal Connection

Dear Mr. Waterhouse, My name is Jennifer Orlando, and I am an accomplished sommelier with a decade of experience. I recently enjoyed a glass at your wine bar, and I would love to chat with you more if you’re hiring soon. My colleague, Jackson Marymount, has worked at Italiano Wine Bar for several years and highly recommends working with your organization. I have a wine service background and a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certification. I’m passionate about Italian wines — Nebbiolos are my favorite! Jackson says you’re a fan, as well. My passion for Italian wines, combined with my experience, make me a great candidate for Italiano Wine Bar if you’re ever in need of an extra hand. I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter today, and if you’d like to chat further, please email me, and we can schedule a time to sit down together. Thank you again for your time. Warm regards, Jennifer

In this letter of intent, Jennifer leverages an internal connection. This is a great way to earn a few extra points when explaining how you know about the business. Beyond that, Jennifer’s experiences align well with the work that the wine bar does.

What I like: This letter of intent does a great job of personalization, weaving through the internal connection perfectly in a few different spots. A referral is a powerful aid to incorporate into an LOI, and Jennifer did a great job dropping hints of her connection.

Making a Pitch

Dear Elise, My name is Mark Morgan, and I’m a freelance graphic designer with a passion for bold marketing materials. I found your marketing company while on LinkedIn the other day, and I would love to collaborate with you in the future. As I read up on your company, I discovered a lot of similarities between my work and your organization. I, too, advocate for bright and forward advertising, and creating smart and attractive ads is my specialty. While I noticed you don’t have any posted project needs at this time, I was browsing your offerings and saw an opportunity to bolster your products. Your “Full-Stack Ad Copywriting” package covers strategy and copy, but it doesn’t offer graphic design. I’d love to bring my skills to the table to supplement your product. If you’d like to chat further, please shoot me an email, and we’ll set up a time to discuss potential collaboration. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my letter. Take care, Mark

What I like: In this letter, Mark is making a pitch. He still covers the bases of a great LOI — discussing his strengths and alignment with the brand. But instead of just calling for a meeting, he makes a pitch that is specific to the organization. This provides value to the recipient and makes Mark look like a strong collaborator.

Mark could benefit from HubSpot’s CMS Hub to manage his pitches. Lead generation and content creation are important parts of freelancing, and Mark needs to stay organized in order to do it well. Learn more about HubSpot’s CMS Hub here .

Diving Into Alignment

Dear Michael, My name is Jordan, and I’m a non-profit manager. I’m reaching out today because I discovered your organization through one of my colleagues. I’d love to see if you’re in need of any managerial services. My values are in close alignment with the values of Trees 4 Life Canada. I’m dedicated to service and passionately believe saving the trees is one of the best ways we can save the world. I studied agriculture in college and have since dedicated my professional life to collaboration with tree nonprofits. If you’re seeking a manager in the near future, I’d love to be considered for the role. With my experience and alignment with your values, I’d surely be a great fit. Please feel free to send me an email at jordanlovestrees@example.com. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Jordan

Letters of intent are standard documents, so you don’t need to worry about reinventing the wheel each time you send one. Use this template as a resource to ensure your letter includes all the important parts.

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s contact information]

Dear [Recipient or To Whom It May Concern] ,

My name is [Your Name] , [title/relevant information about yourself] , and I heard about your organization through [how you know the organization] . I’m reaching out to connect. I would love to chat if your team plans on expanding.

I have skills in [skills] that I believe would be a great fit for your organization. Your values of [company values] are in close alignment with my strengths, and I believe I could make a great contribution.

I believe that my [abilities/skills/interests] would benefit your company, and I’d love to talk more about any potential opportunities that arise with [name of organization] . If interested, please reach out by [phone/email] to schedule a time to meet with me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and I hope to talk with you further in the future.

Of course, you’ll want to edit the template for tone and specifics related to yourself and the organization you’re contacting.

Finding Success With a Great Letter of Intent

Sending a letter of intent can be vulnerable, but it’s a great way to make new connections and set yourself up for employment success.

Refer to these strategies, samples, and templates to make sure your LOI is going to be the most effective letter possible. Emphasize your alignment with the organization, and you’re sure to see success!

Apply for a job, keep track of important information, and prepare for an interview with the help of this free job seekers kit.

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What is a letter of intent? Examples on how to write one

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What’s a letter of intent?

How to write a letter of intent , letter of intent example templates, letter of intent versus cover letter versus letter of interest , letter of intent for business partnerships, write with intention.

Putting together the perfect job application can feel impossible.

Regardless of where you’re applying, you want to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate.

Learning to effectively communicate your talents during the application process can be the difference between getting a follow-up response or having your application passed by.

But there are lots of ways to introduce yourself, and choosing between a letter of intent versus letter of interest versus cover letter can be confusing. They all serve different purposes, and each suits a different type of position.

Learning how to use each one will help you catch people’s attention and land the opportunities that propel your career forward.

A letter of intent does just what the name suggests: it expresses the intentions behind your application. This type of letter emphasizes the skills, values, and motivations you'll contribute more than your experience in the field. It should also include what you hope to achieve in the position you’re seeking.

These letters usually accompany applications to:

Jobs, especially senior level

Graduate or professional school programs

Grants

Scholarships

For example, if you're applying to grad school, a letter of intent explains what you intend to research in that timeframe and why you’re the best fit to conduct that research.

It might list the resources that the school offers that draw you to the program, like a particular archive or lab, and how you’ll use them to your advantage.

Similar to a cover letter or letter of interest, a letter of intent lets the reader know why you're a unique candidate that stands out from other applicants. Likewise, it clearly demonstrates how your goals and values align with the organization's mission, program, or funding opportunity.

Young-man-handing-paper-to-older-executive-letter-of-intent

Here are a few tips for crafting a letter of intent that stands out:

1. Do your due diligence

Learning about the organization or program is essential to every stage of the application process — from resume building to the interview. But the letter of interest is your first chance to attach a unique voice to your application and flaunt your knowledge about the opportunity.

A letter of interest is about showing how your goals and intentions will benefit the organization. Hook your reader. They have to see themselves reflected in your intentions. Root your research in the following:

What’s the organization's vision?

What are the organization's mission and long-term goals?

What gives the organization a sense of meaning and purpose?

What initiatives has the organization taken to reach its goals?

Pay careful attention to the organization's language to describe itself and incorporate buzzwords and company vernacular into your letter. If their focus is sustainability, for example, make sure you communicate your passion for sustainability to show your compatibility.

2. Keep it brief

When hiring managers, benefactors, and universities open applications, they're flooded with responses. Keep it short and sweet: don't tell them everything. Offer the highlights and leave them asking for more.

Similar to a cover letter or letter of interest, a letter of intent follows a business letter format. It should be a few paragraphs that introduce you as a candidate, outline your intentions, and encourage the reader to follow up.

Your letter of intent is also an important first impression that establishes your communication skills. Brevity and efficient communication give the reader an understanding of what it'll be like to communicate in the future.

3. Show your sense of purpose

The goal of this letter is to clearly define your intentions and, if you can, explain how you'll carry them out. Show off your most valuable skills and experiences and how your work and purpose align with the organization's mission and goals.

For example, if you’re applying to be a research fellow at a university in the medical sciences, explain why you’re the best fit for the department.

That might mean explaining your past research experience and how you’ll build on it, which faculty members do similar research to you, and how your work represents the university’s goals.

Young-woman-writing-intently-at-home-letter-of-intent

The following letter of intent templates for a professional email or formal letter can be edited to meet your needs, whether you’re applying to a job, graduate school , funding, or proposing a business partnership.

Any letter of intent examples should follow the same format and include the following:

A professional salutation

An introduction

A body that clearly states your purpose

An appropriate closing

Contact information

1. Letter of intent for a job application

Dear [name of hiring manager],

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the role of Editorial Assistant at the Virginia Gazette.

When I was in journalism school, I used the Gazette's coverage of the Appalachian coal miner's strikes as a guide to developing my writing ethos about working-class issues with humanity and reverence. I have followed the paper closely and have built my career around amplifying human-interest stories about politics at the community level.

I would be thrilled to interview and share my ideas for developing meaningful local coverage for the paper. You can reach me at [phone number] or [email address]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,

2. Letter of intent for a graduate program

Dear [name of recipient],

It's with pleasure that I submit my application for a doctorate in environmental science at the University of Washington. I'm particularly interested in the opportunity to work under Dr. Jones and learn from her extensive research in environmental justice.

While completing my master's degree at the University of Oregon, I had the opportunity to do a six-month fellowship with the Mayan communities across Guatemala to learn about developing legal systems to protect their sovereignty over oil and mining resources, inspired in part by the work that Dr. Jones has done with water rights with indigenous communities across the American Northwest.

During my fellowship, I was able to build an initial legal framework with local indigenous leaders and lawyers to present to the national government, and I am still actively counseling local scientists on information gathering, recording, and grant writing. These experiences have prepared me to fit into the environmental justice program at the university, and the doctorate program and mentorship opportunities will help me make a larger impact in other communities.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please don't hesitate to contact me for further information. My email address is [email address], and my phone number is [phone number].

Thank you again,

3. Letter of intent for a business proposal

I'm writing to outline the proposed business transaction you and I discussed on [date]. This isn't a binding agreement, and I’m open to continued negotiation.

We've agreed to enter a design partnership. My responsibility will be business development, client sourcing, and project management. Your roles will be handling creativity, design, and developing other deliverables. All profits will be split 50-50 after expenses. We have agreed to hire an assistant to aid in administrative work, an account, and sign up for a small business loan for [sum] to cover initial overhead expenses, to be outlined formally in a partnership agreement.

We have agreed to meet on [date] to discuss financial details with [name of accountant], open a joint business account on [date] at [bank], sign an office rental agreement with [name of real estate broker] on [date], and sign a formal partnership agreement on [date] with [name of lawyer].

I look forward to firming up the details and getting started on this new venture together.

Although they all aim to secure you a new position, a letter of intent, letter of interest, and cover letter all serve different purposes. Let's break down their commonalities, differences, and when to use which.

Letter of intent

When applying for funding, graduate school, or jobs at start-ups and other small businesses, a letter of intent explains your motivations for applying. Here are three characteristics of a letter of intent:

Skill-specific: It demonstrates the specific skills and values that you will bring rather than emphasizing your previous experiences.

Emphasizes purpose: These letters should clearly indicate your intentions, the purpose of your work , and what you’ll do if chosen.

Storytelling: It tells a story that shows motivation to apply your skills in a way that benefits the organization or institution.

Cover letter

When applying for a specific job, a cover letter is an opportunity to encourage your potential employer to consider your resume and elaborate on key skills. Here are three characteristics of a cover letter:

Job-specific: It accompanies your job application, resume, or CV when applying for a specific position. Applications for a management position might focus on leadership experience over relevant technical skills, for example.

Emphasizes experience: It highlights career highs, skills, and professional experiences you have relevant to the job.

Convincing: It convinces the potential employer that you'll match the company culture and add value to the organization.

Young-executive-reading-paper-letter-of-intent

Letter of interest

If you're interested in working for a specific company that isn't currently advertising a job posting you'd like to apply for, a letter of interest lets you express your desire to work there in the future. Here are three characteristics of a letter of interest:

Organization-specific: It lets an organization know that you admire their company and want to be part of their staff.

Emphasizes initiative: It’s a way to demonstrate sought-after professional skills, like resourcefulness, independence, decision-making, goal setting, and follow-through.

Positioning: It can be a great networking opportunity, setting you up to hear about job openings or internships , potentially before they're announced to other external candidates.

A letter of intent is also used to outline and align business relationships, mergers, joint ventures, and partnerships. It's a non-binding agreement written before negotiating definitive agreements, like legally binding contracts, purchase agreements, or non-disclosure agreements.

These letters establish the terms of a prospective proposal between multiple businesses, freelancers, or organizations.

Anyone involved in the potential business transaction can write one, as they aren’t legally binding. They act as a good faith document or disclaimer to clarify expectations and details of a potential business deal before anyone commits.

This way, everyone involved can come to negotiations on the same page.

Now that you know the difference between a letter of intent versus letter of interest versus cover letter, it’s time to share your purpose with the world — and potential employers.

You’ve spent your education or career developing a mission and finding your purpose. It’s worth sharing that passion with potential employers, academic advisors, and benefactors.

If you do it right, with as much intention as you’ve built your career, you’ll connect with your reader and set yourself to keep moving along your desired life path.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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How To Write A Letter Of Intent For A Job (With Examples)

How To Write A Cover Letter
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Free Cover Letter Templates
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Cover Letter Format
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Letter Of Intent

Find a Job You Really Want In

Summary. To write a letter of intent start strong with a greeting to the correct person and briefly explain why you are writing. You should explain why you would be a good match for the company and a work area that you are interested in. Be sure to focus on your accomplishments in your letter.

If you’ve ever wanted to work for a specific company but can’t find a job listing you want, you might want to consider sending in a letter of intent to the company.

We’ll cover precisely what a letter of intent is, provide tips for writing one, and tie it all together with some sample letters of intent.

Key Takeaways:

A letter of intent is separate from a and knowing the difference between the two can help you successfully land the job.

When writing a letter of intent, you want to have a strong introduction, explain why you want to work for the company, and follow up with them.

Make sure to do research on the company before sending the letter and figure out who to send it to.

How to Write A Letter of Intent for a Job With Examples.

What Is a Letter of Intent?

How to write a letter of intent for a job, examples of letters of intent, letter of intent vs. cover letter, letter of intent tips, letter of intent faq, final thoughts.

A letter of intent is a document you send a company to state your intentions to work for them. You might have a specific role you’d like, but they’re more often used to express interest in any opportunity that the company has for you.

A letter of intent is more generalized than a cover letter and is often used when applying for a specific company versus a specific job. A well-written letter of intent creates a positive impression on your potential employer.

A letter of intent is sent in addition to your resume and cover letter.

When to use a letter of intent include:

At job fairs

Freelance work

Contract work

A letter of intent is used to help put some personality and a human touch to your resume. It allows hiring managers to connect your resume to you as a real potential worker versus just a piece of paper with dates on it.

So even though this may be a more generic version of a cover letter , don’t make it boring.

Start off strong. Make sure to start a letter of intent with a greeting to the correct person.

Try to avoid using terms like “ hiring manager ,” “talent acquisition committee,” or the company name. Try to find out who these letters go to and use that name for the greeting.

Write a flawless introduction. Introduce yourself and briefly explain why you are writing.

If you are writing to simply show an interest in working for the company, explain that in the introduction and the types of jobs you are interested in, but don’t get too specific about the details.

The more generalized it is, the easier it will be for hiring managers to consider you for different positions that may come up in the company.

Explain why you’re a great match. Next go into detail about how you specifically would be a good match for the company, a work area you are interested in, or if possible, the specific job you are applying for.

Mention critical skills you are proficient in that are relevant to the position or type of position you are applying for.

You can use bullet points for this to make it stand out more if you are emailing the company to show your general interest in working there, instead of applying for an established job posting.

The follow-up and conclusion. Explain how you will follow up with them, end with a call to action, or simply write that you’re excited to hear from them soon.

Then close with a professional closing and a signed name.

Ready to see how to put all of this together? Check out the following two examples:

Email Example

Subject: Erin Summers Job Applicant Dear Mr. Flint, My name is Erin Summers and I am a motivated recent graduate from the University of Virginia seeking mechanical engineering positions at Six Flags. Growing up in a family that visited a Six Flags park multiple days a year, roller coasters and mechanical fair rides have always been a passion of mine. I have many of the skills and experience necessary to effectively be an engineer at your company: Summer internship experience at Carowinds Park Double major in mechanical engineering and physics with honors in both degrees Captain of the robotics team at UVA Semester-long internship at Disney World, during which I helped modify older rides to ensure quality and safety of the ride Thank you for taking the time in reading my email and I look forward to hearing from you soon about opportunities at Six Flags. Sincerely, Erin Summers

Letter Example

Erin Summers 120 Main Street. Charlottesville, VA 24404 555-555-5555 [email protected] May 4, 2019 Colton Flint Operations Manager Six Flags Six Flags Park Office Town, State Zip Code Dear Mr. Flint, I am writing to express my interest in working for Six Flags America. I have completed the general application for Six Flags and am seeking entry-level employment as a mechanical engineer with your company. I have been an avid theme park customer for as long as I can remember, often visiting a Six Flags theme park with my family multiple times each year as a child. My fascination with roller-coasters and mechanical rides resulted in my perusal and completion of mechanical engineering and physics degrees at the University of Virginia. I would be a great fit for your company because of my experience with the theme park industry. Not only do I have years of experience as a customer, but I also have several technical internship experiences, including a summer working with Carowinds and a semester working with Disney. Transferable skills from these internships and from working as a captain of the university’s robotics team include project management, team building, and working with diverse populations, as well as project design, testing, and implementation. In addition to my relevant skills, my enthusiasm for the products and creating a great customer experience would make me a great fit for working at Six Flags. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application and I look forward to discussing my skills and experiences in more detail with you soon. Best, Erin Summers

A letter of intent is a good resource to use when applying to companies with generalized applications. It is also used to show your interest in working for a specific company if they do not currently have any job offerings listed.

For example, you absolutely love Disney and really want to work for the company, because you value working for the company so much. You don’t particularly care what job you have there, as long as it utilizes your skills and education.

This is a great scenario to apply for a new job with a letter of intent.

A Cover Letter is a document you send with your resume that provides additional information about skills and experience. This is usually sent for a specific job and includes details of that specific job.

This letter explains your resume in more detail and is the first impression a hiring manager has of you.

When writing your letter of intent, keep the following tips in mind:

Format your letter correctly. As far as format goes, letters of intent are identical to cover letters . Use proper business letter format and keep it short — three to four paragraphs and 250 words is the max the most hiring mangers like to see.

Research the company . Before you ever start drafting your letter of intent, you should dig into the company’s culture, values, and mission. If you’re taking a shot in the dark with this letter, you need to drive home how you can be valuable. The best way to come across as valuable is to know what the company values.

Focus on accomplishments . This goes for resumes, cover letters , and interviews as well. Always quantify your achievements when you can. What can you do for this company and how have you demonstrated an ability to do this in the past?

Decide on bullet points or paragraphs. Think about how you want to sell yourself as a job seeker. If you can list four major accomplishments in short bullet points, you’ll grab the recruiters attention quickly.

Talk about why you’re interested in them. That research you did on the company beforehand is good for deciding on a tone and describing your value. But it’s also nice to compliment the company in your letter of intent.

If you’re so keen on working for them, you should be able to come up with one or two reasons why they stand out as your ideal place to work.

Don’t copy-paste your resume. This goes for cover letters as well. The point of these extra letters is that you can come alive a bit more on the page . A resume is great for checking off qualifications and experience levels, but it doesn’t communicate a lot about what it’s like to work with you.

Give hiring managers a glimpse of what makes you special as a job seeker. If you’re perfect for the job (or a job), you’re more likely to be called in for an interview.

Make your subject line pop. If you’re sending a cold email, you need the hiring manager or recruiter to open your document to stand any chance at all.

Ensure that your subject line communicates exactly why you’re writing. “(Job Title) Inquiry” or “(Field) Expert Looking for Opportunities.” Whatever you think gives your letter the best chance of being opened.

What is a letter of intent for?

A letter of intent is a letter or document that you send to a company to state your intentions to work for them. This letter is more generalized than a cover letter and is used when applying for a specific company instead of a specific job. A letter of intent can be used at job fairs, for freelance work, or contract work.

When should you send a letter of intent?

You should send a letter of intent when you want to show an employer that you are interested in working for their company. This can happen if there are no job listening or when an employer requests it in the job listing. You should send this letter along with your resume and any other required application materials.

How long should my letter of interest be?

A letter of interest should be one to two pages long. Ideally your letter should be between 400 and 800 words ranging from three to four paragraphs. Be sure to proofread your letter before sending it.

Not too difficult, right? A letter of intent is the first glimpse the company has of you, so make sure it makes a good impression.

Be wary of grammatical mistakes and superfluous language that makes it read as if you are simply switching out company names in each letter.

Make each letter of intent unique to each job.

Now that you know how to write a letter of intent and know the difference between a letter of intent and a cover letter, you can write yours with confidence.

A well-written, interesting letter of intent will push you in front of many applicants — so get writing.

UC David – Write an Effective Cover Letter/ Letter of Intent

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Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.

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How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

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Letter Of Intent For Job

How to Write a Letter of Intent (+Format and Examples)

November 27, 2018

by Grace Pinegar

Have you seen those videos of Black Friday shopping (an event in the United States in which stores significantly reduce all prices the day after Thanksgiving) where people stand at a store’s front doors in herds, aggressively waiting to snag some of the year’s best deals?

Imagine how much easier it would be to do your Black Friday shopping if you had a secret back-door entrance. If you were able to take a different route and get to the technology without waiting with the herd.

While I don’t know of a secret passageway in regards to holiday shopping, I think I can provide you some lesser-known help in terms of finding and applying for jobs: writing a letter of intent.

A letter of intent is just one of the many types of business letters you might have to write over the course of your career.

Letter of intent definition

A letter of intent, also known interchangeably as a letter of interest, is something you send to an employer or manager in consideration for a job that is not posted. In other words, this type of letter communicates your desire and intention to become a part of this organization.

How to write a letter of intent

Say, for example, you find a company you really want to work for. You look up their currently available jobs and come to find none match your experience or education. Being a person of ambition, you don’t want to give up on this esteemed organization.

In this situation, you have the option of writing a letter of intent which outlines your desire to work for that organization. Letters of intent are not the same as cover letters, which accompany your resume and formal job application. Letters of intent, on the other hand, can be sent at any time.

You do not have to be applying for the job when you send out a letter of intent. Rather, you’re making an introduction.

In this letter, you set out to form a connection with the company and inform the hiring manager of your intentions to join their team.

Aspects of a letter of intent

A letter of intent, or a letter of interest, is a hiring manager’s first impression of who you are and what you can do. It’s important to remain cordial and professional throughout the letter as well as any following correspondence.

If you want your letter of intent to inspire a hiring manager to get back to you, you should abide by these guidelines.

Tailor the letter to your desired company

Your letter, even if you send it as an email, should be addressed to a specific person. You have already gone so far as to seek out an organization. You should take one step further by addressing it to a member of human resources, or by addressing the manager of the team you’d like to work for.

Lucky for you, companies these days like to show off their teams. You should easily be able to track down names just by going to a company’s team page. If this doesn’t work, try going to a company’s LinkedIn and perusing their employee list.

Research the role

Letters of intent are tricky because there’s no job description laid before you. However, you should still write this letter with a full and clear understanding of the role you’d like to have.

One easy way to accomplish this is to look up descriptions for this role at other companies. Use the personality characteristics and job requirements listed on those descriptions to inform what you discuss in your letter of intent.

(Visit our Learn hub to read generic job descriptions such as administrative assistant , recruiter , office manager , product marketing manager , and many more.)

Introduce yourself

At the beginning of a letter of intent, it’s important you introduce yourself and clarify the type of role you’re interested in. Additionally, outline why this particular company is of interest. Did you see them in the news? Did a member of their executive team visit your college campus?

Providing such reasons will personalize your letter and help you be remembered.

Detail your experience

Next, you’ll want to detail your relevant work experience. What milestones have you contributed to at past companies throughout your career? Why should the manager or member of human resources be interested in you? This is the paragraph where that research gets to shine.

Include a call-to-action

While it may seem uncomfortable to order another professional around, you may never hear back from a hiring manager if you don’t mention next steps in your letter of intent.

At the end of your letter, it is appropriate to tell the recipient you’d like to schedule a phone call or ask for an informational email. You want to strike a balance that will solicit a response without coming off as either pushy or needy.

A closing paragraph is a place to quickly thank the recipient for their time. You could also include the CTA in the closing paragraph if you don’t want it to be a standalone ask.

Be sure you sign off of the letter in a standard format, using “sincerely,” “best,” or “regards,” before your name. Do not use anything too familiar such as “love,” or “warmly,” as they are not widely considered professional

Letter of intent example

Here are some structural tips and standards that will help you write a rockin' letter of intent.

Format heading properly

As with most letters, you’ll want to be sure you’ve properly formatted the heading and introduction. Be sure to include both your information and theirs. Your information will look as follows: Your Name

Your Address

Your Email Address

Your Phone Number

Next, address the reader. Their information should be written as follows: Their Name (if known)

Company Name

Company Address

Introductory paragraph

Here is a generic example of an acceptable introductory paragraph in a letter of intent:

I met your CMO Jim McGuire this past summer at my university’s speaker series, wherein he said successful people are not only brave but also ambitious. My ambition has led me to inquire about the possibility of working in your organization’s event marketing department. My experience at Rosehill Farms accustomed me to hosting weddings and events of up to 300 attendees, performing every responsibility save walking down the aisle myself. I view your team as creative and detail-oriented, two characteristics I’ve nurtured over a lifetime.

Body paragraph(s)

Here is a generic example of a body paragraph (or two) that could follow the previous introductory paragraph:

My parents say I was born with a plan, always questioning and organizing and coordinating everything from the colors at my 6th grade sleepover, to the seating chart at holiday meals. I would offer this team intense attention to detail as well as a passion for the event, regardless of genre. I pride myself a critical thinker and have been known to come through for brides and birthdays alike as I sew hems and locate backup cakes. Were I to be added to your team, I’d only serve to strengthen and support the exceptional customer care this company already provides.

Closing paragraph

Here is a generic example of a closing paragraph that could be submitted with the letter previously mentioned:

I would love to answer any additional questions you may have or further discuss the prospect of my employment. If you are available, I can be reached for an informational interview via my cell number 444-444-4444 or email [email protected].

Here is a generic example of an appropriate sign-off to end a letter of intent:

Julie Butler

---------------

If you’re looking for additional resources to help you in the professional sphere, consider learning more with G2 Crowd. We have articles outlining:

How to Write a Thank You Letter After a Job Interview
How to Write a Resignation Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter

Grace Pinegar is a lifelong storyteller with an extensive background in various forms such as acting, journalism, improv, research, and content marketing. She was raised in Texas, educated in Missouri, worked in Chicago, and is now a proud New Yorker. (she/her/hers)

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How to Write A Perfect Letter of Intent for a Job (With Examples)

What Is a Letter of Intent and How Is It Different from a Cover Letter?

When will you need to write a letter of intent, what not to include, letter of intent example, final thoughts, how to write a perfect letter of intent for a job (with examples).

Updated March 6, 2023

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A letter of intent is used when submitting unsolicited job applications or inquiries to companies you would like to work for. They are a means of introducing yourself to potential employers and convincing them to read your resume.

A good letter of intent will spell out your key skills and accomplishments , and explain why you are a great fit for the company to which you are applying. Note that a letter of intent is not a cover letter.

Admittedly, letters of intent and cover letters are very similar. Both will introduce you as a job candidate, and both require you to outline your skills and relevant experience.

There is a key difference, and it lies in the context in which you are writing the letter.

A cover letter is used to enhance your application for an advertised job listing, and the content is geared towards how your skills can be applied to the specific requirements of the job.

A letter of intent is intended to communicate your general interest in working for or with a company. They can be used as a networking tool to help you open a line of communication with potential employers.

They also tend to be more in-depth than a cover letter, and can include things like your education, your skills and experience, and your future goals.

You should write a letter of intent in the following circumstances:

When making a general application to a company at which you want to work.

The employer has requested one on the job listing.

When making general applications at a job fair .

When applying to an academic institution .

When inquiring about a potential business partnership .

Structuring Your Letter of Intent

1. salutation.

You should always write your letter of intent in formal business English . Therefore, you should address your letter to a specific person, using the salutation ‘Dear [name]’.

If you do not have a specific name, you will be expected to undertake your own research to find one. Here are some tips for researching your recipient:

Go to the company’s ‘About Us’ or ‘Contact’ page on its website and locate a list of the company’s employees and their contact details.

Check the company’s LinkedIn page for connected employees and find the person with the most relevant job title.

Call the company and ask to whom your letter of intent and resume should be sent.

If you still cannot find a specific recipient, address your letter to a particular role or department. For example, ‘Dear Recruitment Manager' or ‘Dear Human Resources Department'.

Alternatively, you can use ‘To Whom It May Concern’ . However, some people view this salutation as outdated, so it should only be used as a last resort.

2. Introduction

The first paragraph of your letter should be used to introduce yourself . Make sure you include your reason for writing ; for example, you are interested in working for the company.

Example introduction:

‘Dear [name]: I am writing to express my interest in a position within your Marketing team. I am a Marketing Manager with five years’ experience overseeing direct marketing campaigns. I believe my skills will make me a valuable addition to your team.’

3. Your Skills and Accomplishments

You should dedicate the bulk of your letter to what makes you great, and how you can apply your skills and experience for the benefit of the company.

Which Skills/Experience Should You Mention?

Letters of intent tend to be more in-depth than cover letters. Therefore, if a skill is relevant, mention it. You can even include your hobbies, as long as they help to illustrate useful skills.

For example, you might mention how your love for building computers has helped you acquire skills in problem solving , research and perseverance.

Here is a list of things you could mention:

Your education , such as your bachelor’s degree, and your grade or projected grade.

Your work history and key accomplishments.

Soft skills such as communication, attention to detail, time management and creativity.

Technical skills such as computer skills, programming languages and analytical skills.

Your languages and level of proficiency.

Past volunteer work .

Back up Your Skills with Specific Accomplishments

A vague list of skills will not impress the recipient of your letter. You should always evidence your skills by providing specific examples of your experience and accomplishments.

For example:

‘I have excellent communication skills which I developed during my time as an Administrative Intern at [University]. Part of my role involved staffing the office's service desk and I was the first point of contact for all student inquiries. I always greeted people with a smile, and I received recognition from my colleagues for my ability to handle inquiries efficiently and confidently.'

To find out which jobs fit your personality best, visit our partner CareerFitter and take the Career Test for FREE .

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Explain How Your Skills Will Make You a Great Addition to the Company

The trickiest part of writing a letter of intent is demonstrating how you can use your skills for the benefit of the company.

With a cover letter, you will usually have a job description to which you can to link your skills. When approaching a company cold, you have no such luxury.

Instead, you should research the company and link your skills to their:

Mission or commercial goals.
Areas of expertise.
Areas of innovation.
Working culture.

Start your research by visiting the company’s ‘About Us’ page on its website, and also check the following:

The company’s blog – This will be used to post recent projects, successes and interesting topics.
Client case studies – Use these to get an idea of the company's policies regarding service delivery.
LinkedIn – The company may post or share articles related to its areas of work and interest.
Online employee reviews – See what current and former employees are saying about the company.
News articles – Find out what the company has achieved recently that was newsworthy.

This research will allow you to link your skills to the work and successes of the company.

Sample answer:

‘In my position as a Paralegal at [commercial law firm], I run regular knowledge-sharing sessions. My colleagues and I discuss interesting cases we have managed and how we can manage similar cases. "I recently read your blog on the knowledge-sharing program you are implementing within your commercial litigation team, and I believe my communication and collaboration skills will make me a valuable addition to the team.'

4. Contact Details and Call to Action

Before you end your letter of intent, you should request the employer contacts you. Make sure you provide your email address and phone number. Sign off formally using your full name.

Other Things to Remember

1. write in formal business english.

Your letter of intent is a reflection of you as a working professional. It should, therefore, be written in business English. For example:

After the salutation (‘Dear [name]’) use a colon instead of a comma, as this is considered more formal.
Always sign off using ‘Yours Sincerely’ – when you have used their name or ‘Yours Faithfully’ – when you are writing to an unknown person.
Avoid using colloquialisms or casual words such as, ‘I found the work really cool’.

2. Keep It Direct and to the Point

With the job market flooded with capable candidates, employers’ attention spans for each individual application are growing shorter. Bearing this in mind:

Try to keep your letter to one page .
Keep your sentences and paragraphs short .
Use bullet points to list your skills and relevant experience.

3. Mention Why You Are Interested in the Company

As well as outlining how your skills make you a great fit for the company, you should state what interested you in the company in the first place.

In addition to the many things you should include in your letter of intent, here are some things you should avoid:

A vague list of skills without any evidence . Always provide examples of past experience and accomplishments.

Why you left your previous jobs, particularly if you left for negative reasons . Now is not the time to talk about why you left your job; keep the focus on your desire to work for this particular company. No matter which stage of the recruitment process you are at, it is always a bad idea to be negative about your previous employer. For example,

‘I left my previous job because my manager was always undermining me and making me feel useless.’

A reiteration of your resume . A letter of intent gives you the opportunity to highlight your key skills and achievements , and to demonstrate what makes you the perfect addition to the company. Think of your letter of intent as your initial sales pitch, rather than providing a comprehensive breakdown of your work history.

Here's a sample letter of intent for job applications, to help you begin drafting your own. The structure will be similar for whatever industry your letter is geared towards.

[date] John Smith Recruitment Manager Film Company Ltd [Company address] Dear Mr. Smith: My name is Jenny Wren, and I am writing to inquire about the possibility of vacancies in Film Company Ltd’s animation team. I am in my junior year at [College], majoring in computer animation. I learned about your company through my college program. Your designs were used as a case study in my character design class, which inspired me to focus my study on developing my own character-driven short films. I am creative and dedicated to storytelling through digital art mediums. This was recognized last year when I came second in my college’s short film and animation competition with my film, ‘Life Online’, the story of a young boy who becomes addicted to internet chat rooms. I value teamwork and collaboration. I am the founder of my college’s animated short film club. Our activities include brainstorming ideas, drawing storyboards and then working as a team to create short films. We publish our work to our YouTube channel, where we have 65,000 subscribers. I have established technical skills in specialized animation software programs. I also have impeccable attention to detail, which helps me create flawless animations. I believe these skills and my passion for storytelling through animation would be of value to your company. I have attached my resume for your consideration and samples of my work can be viewed at [portfolio website]. If you would like to discuss my credentials further, please do not hesitate to contact me on [phone number] or [email address]. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, [Your signature] Jenny Wren

This article has shown you how to draft your own letter of intent. To summarize, the key points covered were:

Understand the difference between a cover letter and a letter of intent: a letter of intent supplements a general application to a company you are interested in working at or with.

Write your letter in business English and always address your letter of intent to a specific person if possible.

Outline your key skills and accomplishments but don’t repeat your resume.

Don’t list skills without backing them up with specific experiences and accomplishments.

Relate your skills to the company’s goals and objectives. Make sure you research the company thoroughly before starting your letter.

Keep your letter to one page maximum.

Don’t mention why you left your previous job(s).

Ask the employer to contact you at the end of your letter.

Finally, remember that your letter of intent will be the employer’s first impression of you. Therefore, never treat it as an afterthought; it could be the first step to a new job.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Or explore the Application Advice / Job Applications sections.

How to write a letter of intent for a job [+ 2 samples]

Throughout your job search, you may have noticed that some job postings ask for a letter of intent with your application. Exactly what this means, and how it is different from a cover letter, may not be clear. In this article we will discuss letters of intent, their uses, and how they are different from cover letters.

What Is a Letter of Intent & How to Write One (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Learning how to draft a Letter of Intent (LOI) and outline your terms is essential to developing a business mindset. These letters are common for new graduates and job seekers alike, but how do you summarize your intentions accurately and concisely in an LOI?

We’ll help you understand the most important rules for crafting an LOI to outline your experiences and express interest in the company.

What Is a Letter of Intent?

Letters of Intent are helpful in business dealings to outline each party’s intentions, the transaction’s goal, and any provisions in place before a deal is officially confirmed.

An LOI is not just used in the business sector, though. Parents could write one to outline their expectations for their children should they both pass away unexpectedly. While not legally binding, family court judges will consider LOIs of this sort when making decisions regarding those children.

For a lot of people, an LOI is used to express interest in a job, much like a cover letter, to outline their skills and expertise and their interest in working for the employer. These types of letters are also known as letters of interest.

Letters of intent are helpful for job applicants who are applying for a job that doesn’t have a glaring “Now Hiring” sign outside their front door and is a good idea for new graduates to start drawing interest in their capabilities.

“Ask, and you shall receive” is the motto of the business world. If you advertise your skills and experience and build a business network , you set yourself up to find the best job. Don’t be deterred if a company is not hiring and realize you may need to send out dozens of LOIs before you get a nibble; this is just part of the game.

After all, if a company currently has no vacancies, it takes the hiring manager two minutes to respond courteously, “Thank you for your application, but we are not accepting new candidates at this time.” In other words, don’t feel anxious that you may be wasting a company’s time with your LOI inquiry.

The more LOIs you write, the more likely you are to strike a chord with a company whose interests align with your own and who is willing to follow up with the interview process.

The Key to Writing a Quality Letter of Intent

Letters of intent are useful when submitting resumes at a job fair, researching suitable employers for your skillset, or applying for a job when no job posts are listed. The goal is to outline your skills, express your interest in working for the company, and submit a call to action.

Remember, depending on your skill set, you may need to send out dozens, if not hundreds, of LOIs before you get a response. However, crafting a solid LOI with all the right components will likely land you an interview.

The Greeting

Always include a greeting in your LOI. A standard greeting like “Dear hiring manager” or “Hello” works well. If you know the name of the individual responsible for hiring, addressing them by name is a good marker of respect and showcases your professionalism.

Introduction

After your precursory greeting, your next goal is to introduce yourself. When preparing for this crucial beginning, consider the following questions:

Why are you writing to this employer?
How does your skill set align with their company goals?

Ensure that you provide the hiring manager with a good understanding of who you are, why you’re writing the letter, and your intention. This is your first impression, so take the time to make it a good one.

Here is an example of a suitable introduction for a letter of intent:

“Dear hiring manager,

My name is John Davis, and I’m a technical writer who recently graduated from the University of California with my bachelor’s degree in English. WordSmith Inc. has a wide range of impacts on the world with an admirable sense of ethics. Please consider my application for employment in your technical writing department.”

Body Paragraphs

Now that you have a solid intro outlining your intentions, it’s time to move on to the body paragraph, which should include all your relevant achievements, experience, and values.

Consider the following example:

“While attending the University of California, I participated in numerous opportunities that helped develop my craft, such as serving as a staff writer for the university’s technical department. As part of my responsibilities, I conveyed complex topics into digestible articles using my computer electronics expertise. In addition, I have taken several courses on content marketing and am familiar with SEO mechanics and practices.”

Feel free to outline any extracurricular activities related to your skill set and briefly touch on your academic achievements; your primary goal is to sell yourself to the hiring manager.

Call to Action

Finally, include a robust call to action to give the hiring manager a reason to call back. Convey your interest in the company once more and reiterate the assets you bring to the table:

“Given WordSmith’s excellent reputation for high-quality technical writing, my skill set would make me a valuable part of the team. If you need entry-level technical writers, please consider me for any available positions.”

Closing Line and Signature

Wrap up your email with a brief closing line and your signature. Something as simple as “Sincerely” or “Thank you” is acceptable, but you could also use “Thank you for your time” or “Thank you for your consideration.”

On the following line, type your name as a digital signature. Provide your contact information below, including your phone number and email address, or include it as part of your closing paragraph. It is also a good idea to attach your resume to an LOI so that a hiring manager can review your achievements, education, and other qualifications.

Once you’ve completed your email, review it carefully for errors. Sometimes reading your letter out loud can help you detect problems in your writing, so doing so can help you make appropriate revisions to ensure your letter is as effective as possible.

A graphic outlining a letter of intent: Greeting, Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Call to Action, Closing Line

Letter of Intent Template

Dear Mr. Reginald Davis, My name is Michael Fields, an art teacher with three years of experience at the secondary education level. I have recently moved into the area and am interested in working for Manatee Heights School District. Please consider my employment application. From my background in education and experience teaching seventh grade at Aloysius Junior High, I understand the value art has for students, giving them an outlet to express their creativity while teaching them how to work independently and with others. I have excellent classroom management skills and easily build rapport with students, providing instructional and fun lessons. As I have three children, I understand the importance of a solid educational foundation. Your school system embodies the same qualities I hold dear, so I believe we would make an excellent match. I would love to further discuss my qualifications with you. You may reach me at [email protected] or by phone at 555-5555. I appreciate your time and consideration! Regards, Michael Fields

The Bottom Line

Sending out a letter of intent is a great way to put out a few feelers for jobs in your area. Following this template, you are much more likely to get a callback from a candidate employer and give yourself the best chance to land the job you seek.

Remember, if the company does not currently have an opening for a position that fits your talents, they may store your letter in their candidate file if they like what they see in you. If so, you may hear from them when an opening becomes available. The key to success is to remain patient, keep an open mind, and stay vigilant.

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How to Write a Letter of Intent (With Examples)

By now, you probably think you’re familiar with all the pieces of an application package and process. You have your resume (or CV ), your cover letter, your list of interview questions . And if you have those together, updated and ready to go, awesome! But there’s another potential piece lurking out there: a letter of intent. Wait, what? Is that the same as a cover letter? And if not, how do you write one?

Spoiler alert: a letter of intent is not the same as a cover letter. They’re similar (being letters and all, and focused on yourself), but are actually used in different situations. Your cover letter is what you write when you’re applying to a specific job you found through traditional channels (online job search, referral, recruiter). It details why you’re a great fit for this particular job. A letter of intent is what you write when you’re cold-calling (leaving a resume without being solicited for one), or applying for a job in a more general situation, like a job fair or submitting your resume to a general pool. The letter of intent is similar in that you’re selling yourself, but tends to be less granular about a particular position. Letters of intent are often more networking-related, or aspirational, than position-oriented.

So what goes into your letter of intent? Let’s break one down into pieces as an example.

The Greeting

Because you may have fewer specifics in hand about what you’re applying for and who will be reading your application package, it’s likely you won’t have the most personalized opener. That’s okay! Be general, but professional, formal, and polite.

Bad Examples

[No opening]

Hey hiring manager,

Dearest sirs and madams of JobTech, Incorporated,

Good examples:

To whom it may concern:

Dear JobTech team,

As with any professional correspondence, you don’t want to seem too stiff or formal, like you’re writing a letter from a Victorian template or a bad spam email asking someone to send money to a deposed prince overseas—but you also don’t want to be too conversational. You’re not in a dialogue yet , so it’s important to treat this like a professional first interaction, and not like you’re skipping several steps and asking to meet for coffee. The tone you’re reaching for is, “You don’t know me yet, but I’m interested in your company and want to tell you more about why.”

Here’s where the difference comes in between a cover letter and a letter of intent. With a cover letter, you likely already have a solid idea of what the job opportunity is, and how to position yourself for it. With a letter of intent, you have to make a slightly trickier balance—positioning yourself as qualified for a job that may not be clear yet. To do that, align your self talk around the company or the industry, making sure to highlight your skills and achievements that would make you a good fit for the company. You can also be specific about your level and experience. For example, you should make it clear that you’re looking for a manager-level position if you don’t want to be considered for more junior or entry-level roles.

Without job-level specifics, it can be tempting to get stuck in an “I’m awesome” loop without giving enough specifics. If you have a general idea of what job groove you’d be seeking at this particular company, build your letter body around that. If you’re truly just trying to get a foot in the door at a company, you can use clues from your research about the company. What does their website say about their mission and priorities? What do current and past employees say about the company in online chatter? Even without specifics, you can cobble together a pretty good idea of what the company is seeking in potential employees. Sell your skills and experience points that are special to you, and especially relevant to your industry.

Some Dos and Don’ts

DO be specific about your accomplishments and skills.
DON’T get into details about why you left your last job.
DO mention what drew you to the company.
Paragraph 1: introduce yourself and summarize your intent (goal) in sending the letter
Paragraph 2: background information (brief summary of most relevant education, skills, and experience)
Paragraph 3: call to action/summary

A Bad Example

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Jean, slayer of sales goals and all-around great coworker. I have a B.A., and my people skills are superior. I am interested in JobTech for my next career opportunity, and have attached my resume for consideration. I hear you’re hiring, and given that I’m seeking a job, it sounds like a great fit.

I hear good things about JobTech, and since I quit my job at Career Industries after working with a nightmare boss (never work with a Scorpio, ha!), I am very interested in your opportunities for an experienced sales manager like me.

I’ll be calling you as well to make sure you received my letter, and are considering me for a position at JobTech.

A Good Example

My name is Jean Smith, and I am writing to you today to submit my resume for consideration on your Sales and Marketing teams. As a proven leader with more than a decade of beating aggressive sales goals and working with diverse teams to produce great results, I am very interested in opportunities to bring that experience and growth to JobTech.

With 12 years of experience in Sales and Marketing in a variety of different roles (from an all-hands-on-deck startup to a Fortune 500 company), I know I can bring a strong, customer-oriented strategy to your company. Since graduating with a B.A. in Marketing from Benjamin Franklin University in 2005, I’ve built my career on using customer data and strategic campaigns to get results. Most recently, as Sales Leader at Career Industries, my innovative sales strategies and overhaul of our social media lead generation program increased widget sales by more than 200% from 2013 to 2016. While my time at Career Industries has been a valuable experience, I’m ready to move on and grow into a senior manager position that better blends sales, marketing, and innovative strategy. Based on JobTech’s commitment to being on the cutting edge of widget sales, I believe my skills and background jibe well with that mission.

I look forward to talking with you about my qualifications, and potential opportunities with JobTech. I am attaching my resume, and have a comprehensive career profile at www.joblinkcareernetworking.com/JeanSmith. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach me at [email protected]. Thank you for your time and consideration!

In the bad example, Jean is too vague, and has a few red flags, like suggesting that her last job didn’t end well, and making an inappropriate joke about Scorpios to gloss it over. You can tell people you’re great, but it’s better to prove it by offering specifics, like she does in the better example. In the second example, Jean’s letter body is more clearly organized, and makes sure to give the most relevant details about her career so far.

Also, her closing call to action sounds more like a threat. You want to leave the reader with an avenue for follow-up, but don’t intimidate them into responding. After all, they’re not obligated to respond. You want to make them want to reach out to you for more information or next steps.

You want your closing statement to be the Mariano Rivera of letters of intent: a clean win, effective, and unambiguous. Don’t overthink it! Basic, professional closings are the way to go.

[No closing] Jean Smith

Call me please,

Email me if you read this,

Fondest wishes to you and yours,

Good Examples

Best wishes,

Go with one of the classics, because they’re used for a reason. If you sound too stiff and formal, it comes off like a holiday card. If you reiterate your call to action, it can carry a whiff of desperation. Just get out gracefully and quickly once you’ve said your piece.

Assess Your Final Draft

At this point, you’re ready to send it off, either in the mail, handing it off, or sending it through the Internet tubes. Let’s take a last look at the good examples put together, Jean’s better draft.

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About the author.

Kate Lopaze

Kate Lopaze is a writer, editor, and digital publishing professional based in New York City. A graduate of the University of Connecticut and Emerson College with degrees in English and publishing, she is passionate about books, baseball, and pop culture (though not necessarily in that order), and lives in Brooklyn with her dog.

IMAGES

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Job Application Letter Format & Samples
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Letter of Intent for a Job Templates
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Letter of Intent for a Job

VIDEO

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COMMENTS

How To Write a Letter of Intent (With Template and Tips)
2. Introduction. Use the first one or two sentences of your letter to formally introduce yourself. This section can include your name, a brief explanation of your current experience level and your reason for writing. For example, if you're a recent graduate, include information about your degree and areas of study.
How to Write a Great Letter of Intent (Plus Examples!)
As a result, each type of letter requires a different approach. For example, says Kea, with a cover letter you might say, "I'm highly interested in a product manager role at [Company] for the following reasons," while with a letter of intent you're more likely to say something along the lines of, "I'm highly interested in a ...
How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job (With Examples)
Body Paragraph 1: Introduction Begin your letter by introducing yourself and explaining why you are reaching out. If you are responding to a specific job listing, say so. Otherwise, simply explain that you are interested in working for the company and explain the type of work you are interested in.
What is a Letter of Intent? How to Write One for a Job [+ Examples]
Here's a step-by-step process for writing your LOI draft: 1. Provide your contact information. At the top of your LOI, you'll want to provide contact information so your recipient can contact you about future opportunities. This can include your phone number, email, and address. 2.
How to Write a Letter of Intent: Essential Techniques
Beyond business deals, LOIs are sometimes used to express interest in a company, even in the absence of job vacancies. Unlike a cover letter, writing a letter of intent for a job consists of a concise pitch of what the candidate can offer, showcasing their initiative and potential fit with the company's values or mission. An LOI for ...
How to Write an Impressive Letter of Intent for a Job
Body paragraphs: Discuss the points you introduced in your introduction in detail. Final paragraph: Restate your motivation to join the company, keep a line of communication open, and thank the reader for their consideration. Closing: End the letter with a formal closing phrase and your name. 5.
How to Write a Letter of Intent (With Template & Example)
Use this template to write your letter of intent: Subject line: [Your Name] - [Current Title] Looking to Share Expertise. [Date] Dear [recipient's full name or Hiring Manager], Introduction and hook: [Introduce yourself, state your intent and add an exciting hook to grab the reader's attention.]
Letter of Intent: What Is It & How to Write One (with Examples)
Any letter of intent examples should follow the same format and include the following: A professional salutation. An introduction. A body that clearly states your purpose. An appropriate closing. Contact information. 1. Letter of intent for a job application. Dear [name of hiring manager],
How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job
Here are three tips to follow to make the writing process easier: 1. Express interest in the company. The first paragraph should make it clear why you're writing a letter of intent, but also why you're writing to that particular company. The more specific you are, the better. Here are some topics you can bring up in your intent letter to ...
Letter of Intent: Template & Writing Guide (With Examples)
Format your letter of intent just like a cover letter—with three paragraphs and 1-inch margins. Use your first paragraph to hook the reader fast with your #1 accomplishment. In paragraph two, add more achievements that show you fit the job like hand-in-glove. Write a call-to-action in the last paragraph of your LOI.
How To Write A Letter Of Intent For A Job (With Examples)
To write a letter of intent start strong with a greeting to the correct person and briefly explain why you are writing. You should explain why you would be a good match for the company and a work area that you are interested in. Be sure to focus on your accomplishments in your letter. If you've ever wanted to work for a specific company but ...
Letter of Intent (LOI) How-To Guide + Expert Examples
A letter of intent, also known as a letter of interest, is a letter that expresses your desire to work for a particular company and provides an overview of your professional accomplishments. It may sound like a cover letter, but it serves a different purpose. The letter of intent is used when there are no job openings that fit your job search ...
How to Write a Letter of Intent (+Format and Examples)
A letter of intent, also known interchangeably as a letter of interest, is something you send to an employer or manager in consideration for a job that is not posted. In other words, this type of letter communicates your desire and intention to become a part of this organization. Say, for example, you find a company you really want to work for.
Letter of Intent for a Job: How to Write (with Example & Template)
Body - Paragraph 2 - Describe Skills, Abilities & Credentials. Body - Paragraph 3 - Next Steps or Call to Action. Closing. Signature. More Details - Letter of Intent for a Job. Salutation: Always address the letter to a specific person, the name of the employer, and the hiring manager.
How to Write A Perfect Letter of Intent for a Job (With Examples)
1. Salutation. You should always write your letter of intent in formal business English. Therefore, you should address your letter to a specific person, using the salutation 'Dear [name]'. If you do not have a specific name, you will be expected to undertake your own research to find one.
Letter of Intent: Definition, Examples, and Writing Tips
Provide a call-to-action. Close the letter professionally. 1. Start with a greeting or salutation. The letter of intent is designed to provide a positive and professional first impression that might lead to hiring opportunities, so the greeting or salutation should be professional and follow formal greeting formats.
How to write a letter of intent for a job [+ 2 samples]
To write a simple letter of intent you should: Write the letter in a very easy to understand language. Avoid using hyperboles in your writing. Make sure to add a date, address of the recipient and your address. Ensure that you add a salutation followed by an introduction.
What Is a Letter of Intent & How to Write One (with Examples)
The Key to Writing a Quality Letter of Intent. Letters of intent are useful when submitting resumes at a job fair, researching suitable employers for your skillset, or applying for a job when no job posts are listed. The goal is to outline your skills, express your interest in working for the company, and submit a call to action.
How to Write a Letter of Intent (With Examples)
Consider following this formula for the body: Paragraph 1: introduce yourself and summarize your intent (goal) in sending the letter. Paragraph 2: background information (brief summary of most relevant education, skills, and experience) Paragraph 3: call to action/summary.
Job Letter of Intent: How to Write (with Example and Template)
Format - for a Job Letter of Intent. Your name, address, and phone number. Date. Name of the person the letter is addressed to, address, phone number. Salutation. Body - Paragraph 1 - Introduction. Body - Paragraph 2 - Describe Skills, Abilities & Credentials. Body - Paragraph 3 - Next Steps and/or Call to Action. Closing.
How To Write a Letter of Intent (With Example and Tips)
2. Write the introduction. Your introduction should be simple and straight to the point. Use your first two sentences to introduce yourself formally. Make sure to include personal details such as your name, level of experience and essential skills as well as a short explanation of why you are writing the letter.
How to Write a Letter of Intent: 6 Types of Letters of Intent
How to Write a Letter of Intent: 6 Types of Letters of Intent. Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 5 min read. Letters of intent can serve as a first draft for businesses to begin negotiations for a deal or indicate your interest in working for a company. Letters of intent can serve as a first draft for businesses to begin ...
How To Write an Application Letter (With Template and Example)
How to write an application letter. Follow these steps to compose a compelling application letter: 1. Research the company and job opening. Thoroughly research the company you're applying to and the specifications of the open position. The more you know about the job, the better you can customize your application letter.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job (With Examples)

What to Include in a Letter of Intent

Why Write a Letter of Intent?

Cold Call Email Example

What is a Letter of Intent? How to Write One for a Job [+ Examples]

What is a letter of intent?

Letter of Intent Samples

22 Job Seeking Templates

You're all set!

How to Write a Letter of Intent

1. Provide your contact information.

2. Use an appropriate greeting.

3. Provide an introduction.

4. Dive into your strengths and company alignment.

5. Guide the conversation into the future.

6. Write a thoughtful conclusion .

Internal Connection

Making a Pitch

Diving Into Alignment

Finding Success With a Great Letter of Intent

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What is a letter of intent? Examples on how to write one

What’s a letter of intent?

1. Do your due diligence

2. Keep it brief

3. Show your sense of purpose

1. Letter of intent for a job application

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How To Write A Letter Of Intent For A Job (With Examples)

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How to Write a Letter of Intent (+Format and Examples)

by Grace Pinegar

Letter of intent definition

How to write a letter of intent

Aspects of a letter of intent

Tailor the letter to your desired company

Research the role

Introduce yourself

Detail your experience

Include a call-to-action

Letter of intent example

Format heading properly

Introductory paragraph

Body paragraph(s)

Closing paragraph

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What Is a Letter of Intent and How Is It Different from a Cover Letter?

Structuring Your Letter of Intent

2. Introduction

3. Your Skills and Accomplishments

Which Skills/Experience Should You Mention?

Back up Your Skills with Specific Accomplishments

Explain How Your Skills Will Make You a Great Addition to the Company

4. Contact Details and Call to Action

Other Things to Remember

2. Keep It Direct and to the Point

3. Mention Why You Are Interested in the Company