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.
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.
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
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
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
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!
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Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.
A cover letter has the well-structured elements of most business letters. For more inspiration, you can browse our library of over 300 cover letter samples by job title. Here are some primary cover letter templates you may use to write your own cover letter: Application cover letter template
Cover letter example. Examples statements in the first paragraph of your cover letter that will showcase the value you bring to a company, and express your excitement. Here is an example cover letter following the above template. Please keep in mind that your cover letter will vary depending on the employers and jobs you're applying for.
Include a postscript. 1. Use the proper formatting. There are several rules to follow when structuring your cover letter: Make sure everything is left-aligned. Use single line spaces within paragraphs and double spaces between sections or paragraphs. Include a one-inch margin on every side of your letter.
Cover letter example Here's an example of a cover letter that can help you gain an interview for an open position: Andrea Lewis Senior Designer Toronto, Ontario 123-444-6789 [email protected] January 1st, 2022 Jane Stevens HR Manager Graphic Designer Co. Toronto, Ontario Dear Ms. Stevens, I'm writing to express my interest in the position of senior graphic designer at Graphic Designer Co.
Need a cover letter, a letter of interest, or a thank-you letter? Use Career Guide's letter-writing tips and templates to create the best cover letter and make a lasting first impression. Cover letter or application letter. Reference letter. Follow up letter. Thank you letter. Letter of resignation.
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2. Use an appropriate greeting. If you know the name of the hiring manager for this job, begin your cover letter by addressing them directly (Example: Dear Jane). When writing your CV, it's important to avoid weak and passive verbs, stay away from business jargon or clichés, and watch out for tired words and phrases.
A well-written cover letter highlights relevant skills and experiences that showcase why you're the right fit for an internship role. Here are a few steps you can follow when writing an internship cover letter: 1. State the exact role you want. Starting your cover letter with the position you're applying for shows you thoughtfully considered ...
You can use a business letter template that has formal greetings and salutations along with consistent margins and font size. Consider a formal heading with your name and contact information to ensure hiring companies can reach you easily. Related: Writing an Internship Cover Letter (With Examples) 2. Describe your interest.
Cover letter template There are various templates available on Indeed you can use as a starting point to write your cover letter. Here are three cover letter templates: Application cover letter template Below is a basic application cover letter template you can use to customize your own when applying for a posted job: [Your name] [Email] [Address] [Phone number] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager's ...
1. Note the date. Document the date you are sending the letter. The date line is usually in between your address and the address to which you are sending the letter. 2. Include your name and address. It is standard practice to begin with your name and address at the top of your cover letter.
1. Begin by introducing yourself. To start your cover letter, introduce yourself. This means including your full name, your specific interest in the position and the reasons you've chosen to apply. If you got a referral to the job from another party, ensure to mention this in the first paragraph. 2.
Salutation. Introduction. Body paragraph. Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. The following cover letter samples and examples will show you how to write a cover letter for many employment circumstances. Browse cover letters by job title for inspiration. ( Get more cover letter tips and advice ). Accountant.
Cover letter format example Finally, here's a cover letter format example. Tara Ryan +353 (0)87 777 7777 [email protected] 23 January 2018 Dear Hiring Manager, I'm excited to be applying for the Web Developer position at [Company Name]. I've been programming websites and using CSS to create user-friendly experiences since I was in sixth year, so it's long been a passion of mine.
Don't fret! We've got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter, an impact cover letter, a writing sample cover letter, and a career change cover letter. So let's take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own. 0 seconds of 1 minute, 33 secondsVolume 90%. 00:00.
A cover letter should include the following parts: Header; Salutation; Introduction; Body paragraph; Closing paragraph; Letter ending and signature; The following cover letter samples and examples will show you how to write a cover letter for many employment circumstances. Browse cover letters by job title for inspiration. (Get more cover ...
Here's a list of steps on how to write a simple cover letter: 1. List your personal information. The first step in writing a basic cover letter is to list your personal information. Even though this cover letter may be shorter than a traditional cover letter, it's still important for you to provide your contact information so that the hiring ...
The main details that to include in a short cover letter are: Header: If possible, find the hiring manager's name and state the position you're applying for. Salutation: Address the hiring manager directly with a Dear (name) or use Dear Sir/Madam. Introduction: Introduce yourself and your interest in the company and position in the first two lines.
Instead, use the below cover letter templates as an outline and include information that's unique to each company and job application. To catch the reader's attention, follow these four steps: 1. Show genuine interest and enthusiasm. In your cover letter's introductory paragraph, be specific when stating your genuine interest in the company or ...
A cover letter should include the following parts: Header. Salutation. Introduction. Body paragraph. Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. The following cover letter samples and examples will show you how to write a cover letter for many employment circumstances. Browse cover letters by job title for inspiration.
When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position.A cover letter should include the following parts: Header ...
Letter of Intent vs. Cover Letter. 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.