cover letter tips ireland

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How to write the perfect cover letter [2024 Ireland]

Perhaps you’re searching for your next exciting job. Or you want to find a company where you feel more invested in their team. You want to craft a personal career that you’re proud of, where you progress through the interview feeling valued by the hiring manager and sure that taking the next step was a great idea.

But why is it that the hiring manager keeps overlooking your application?

The cover letter: an overlooked problem

An often neglected facet of a job application is the cover letter. Many good candidates are held back because they do not know how to attract the attention of the hiring manager by writing a strong cover letter.

The cover letter is the first step towards gaining the career of your dreams, but a badly put together attempt can ruin the chances of even the best candidate.

The hiring manager you are approaching may well receive hundreds of cover letters, and if you don’t write a cover letter that stands out from the crowd, you may be overlooked, even though you are the right person for the job.

A well written cover letter is a vital step towards success in your job application. But you are probably wondering how to write a successful cover letter. Luckily, at CareerWise, we are experts in helping you navigate every step of the job search process, from job description to dream job. Here is our guide for how to write a cover letter.

Understand the format

The first step for how to write a cover letter involves understanding the context and format you should be writing in. For a formal application scenario, it is good to demonstrate your knowledge of correct formal letter writing. Be sure to include your name, address and contact details (email address and telephone number) in the top right hand corner of the page. Include the date below this.

Next, include the contact details of the person you are writing to (usually the hiring manager). These should be in a new paragraph, set to the right of the page. Include their job title, and the company name and address.

If you have been given a job reference number, include this underneath the contact details.

A great cover letter demonstrates straight away that the writer understands the conventions of the recruitment process.

Be specific

If you can learn the name of hiring manager or other person in charge of the application process, and address your letter specifically to them, it creates a much better first impression. Grab the hiring manager’s attention in less than a minute and demonstrate your problem solving skills by discovering their name and making your letter personal. Research this on the job ad, in the team information of the company’s website, or through social media profiles.

If you are forced to simply address “Dear Sir / Madam”, try and personalise your letter in other ways, to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role, rather than appear to be a generic application.

Grab attention

Hit the ground running and make a brilliant first impression. Make your suitability and enthusiasm for the role clear from your very first sentence. Start writing using the hiring manager’s name, and go on to highlight your proven track record for each of the job requirements.

However, remember the hiring manager has your entire application to read through, so no need to list every relevant accomplishment. Instead, pick something more anecdotal that stands out and relates you to the company. Include this in your second paragraph, in the main body of the letter, to keep things interesting.

Do your research

Make sure you know as much as possible about the role and the company you are applying to. Cover letters act as your introduction to hiring managers; you need to make clear your relevant skills and the qualities that help you stand out from other job seekers. But this is also about how you will fit in to company culture, and how you can show that you are great match because of your interest in this particular employer.

Your research into the company is doubly valuable, as you will need the knowledge later on for the interview process, but having it now will make your cover letter much more convincing. Find out:

• what the company does
• who are their competitors?
• who are their target audience?
• what does the role involve?
• what are the essential skills you will need for the role?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you will be able to demonstrate exactly how you can fill the company’s requirements.

Presentation

One of the key things when you are learning how to write a cover letter is to think about the design. Browse cover letter examples or even use a cover letter template to create something that is attractive to look at.

Make sure you use an easy-to-read font, and a simple, clear layout. Create a document that is a pleasure to look at, and gives an impression of your professionalism. Demonstrate another aspect of your communication skills by making your cover letter look great.

A hiring manager will have a whole pile of cover letters to get through. Don’t make their job harder work. Do not use joke fonts such as Comic Sans, or include unnecessary elements such as pictures.

Don’t repeat yourself

Your covering letter’s role is to introduce your C.V. There is no point in simply repeating everything your C.V. contains. Instead, use this as an opportunity to showcase other skills that make you suitable for the role, that you couldn’t include in your C.V.

Perhaps you could mention volunteering or charity work, a particular interest or hobby, or even an occasion where you have been impressed by the company you are applying to. This is a chance to set the tone of your application, and make yours stand out from the crowd.

Refer to a sample cover letter

When learning how to write a cover letter, it’s a good idea to look at lots of cover letter examples, to get a feel of what to aim for. Writing a cover letter is a real skill, but it’s one well worth learning if you are hoping to attract enough attention from the hiring manager to progress your job application to the next stage.

There are lots of tips and good cover letter examples out there, so do your research and ace the job.

Keep the job description on hand

In a cover letter, you have a very limited amount of time and space to make the right impression. So keep things concise and on track by referring back constantly to the job description and any other information you have about how to apply for the job.

A good cover letter demonstrates to the hiring manager that you tick all the boxes for the advertised role. So make sure that, from your opening paragraph to your final paragraph, everything you write is relevant.

Despite the point above, don’t start rambling! There will be many other applicants to the job, and you don’t want to irritate the hiring manager by making them wade through your essay before they even look at the substance of your application. Try and keep it as concise as possible, maintaining a clear format with spacious line breaks for ease of reading. Your cover letter should be a few well chosen sentences, grouped into brief paragraphs, and should never be longer than a single page.

Check your letter!

You might have written the best cover letter ever, but if you don’t go back and double check the basics, you’re in trouble. The best writing can be let down by simple typos, which from the hiring manager’s perspective will suggest you completed the cover letter in a hurry and without much effort.

So once you have written your letter, go back and re-read it. Use spell check, use your personal grammar skills, and perhaps get your housemate or highly literate friend to check it over for you too. A lot is riding on it – use all your resources to ensure you get it right.

A clear structure can help you articulate what you need to say as effectively and briefly as possible. You could consider the following layout:

• Explain why you are getting in touch – say which role you are applying for, and mention if anyone referred you
• Explain why you are suitable for the job – for instance, your years of relevant experience.
• Explain what you can do for the company – perhaps mention a previous example of career success that you didn’t include in your C.V.
• Reiterate – you could close by briefly restating your enthusiasm for the role.
• Sign off with the correct formal closing. “Yours sincerely” is the most established formal letter closing phrase, but implies that you have previously had some interaction with the recipient. “Yours faithfully” is traditionally used where you are writing to someone you don’t know.While writing a cover letter tends to address a hiring manager who you have most likely not met, in modern times formality has relaxed slightly. It is now common to sign off with “kind regards” or “best regards”, which both show a polite level of professional friendliness.

  Are you looking for a new job in Ireland?

Whether you are just starting out on your career journey, or you are in a more established phase of life, it’s never too late to brush up your skills and learn how to write a cover letter properly. The hiring manager at your next role will thank you for it!

If you’re hoping to discover your next employer, need to learn how to write a cover letter, or simply want to get beyond a job description and into your next role, look to CareerWise.

CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork , Shannon , Galway , Mayo and Dublin – bringing together employers with the perfect employees. We specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland, and we look forward to working with you.  Contact us online now  or call us on +353 (0)21 206 1900 to arrange a consultatio

(Senior Recruitment Consultant) BBS CIPD – Mayo Office

Louise has a Marketing Degree from Limerick Institute of Technology. She has also completed a Certificate in Personnel Practice from the National College of Ireland. She is also CIPD accredited. She has 16 years Recruitment experience with Collins McNicholas (Dublin, Galway & Athlone), HRM (Dublin), Lionbridge (Mayo) and Team Horizon (Mayo & Dublin).

She has also worked in Quality Assurance in Allergan (Mayo) & with Ballina Beverages (Mayo).

She has successful recruitment experience involving key roles within Human Resources, Engineering, Quality Assurance and Planning for large multinational companies. She was involved in recruiting all levels including Senior Management for the Medical Devices, Electronic, Pharmaceutical & Manufacturing Industries both on the contracting and permanent side of the business. She has developed a Strong Network of Engineers built up over the last 16 years as she worked in the Mayo, Sligo, Dublin, Athlone and Galway Markets.

Louise has joined CareerWise in March 2017 with the responsibility of growing the business out of the new Mayo office with a primary focus on the West & North-West regions.

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How to write a cover letter

• June 11, 2021

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Although writing a cover letter might seem daunting, following a basic step-by-step formula will help you make your cover letter note a worthy build-up to your CV.

Remember that each application should be addressed and tailored to suit the specific job you’re applying for. It’s up to you to make sure you demonstrate you’re the right fit for the right job so be sure that you know the qualities they’re looking for because your cover letter is the perfect place to highlight that. It also shows you’ve done your homework which is always a plus.

It takes a bit of digging bit it’s worth it- Search through your own career history for specific examples of how you can prove you have what it takes to fulfill a particular role.

For example, the advertisement might say: “This position requires an energetic person with demonstrated capacity to work in a high-pressured environment”. The keywords here are “energetic”, “demonstrated” and “high-pressured”. Telling them that you meet these essential criteria will increase your chances of an interview.

Your cover letter should be in line with your CV by highlighting the most relevant aspects in relation to the position but it’s your chance to give it an edge and personalise it. 

It may only need to be 250 words but don’t rush writing your cover letter. If you don’t impress with the cover letter you are leaving yourself open to being passed over for the job as another candidate had a well-written cover letter- After all on average recruiters spend 6-8 seconds looking at your CV before they decide whether you are suitable for their vacancy or not- so make a good impression and fast.

Recruit Ireland spoke with Career Consultant Paul Mullen on how to write a cover letter. Here’s what he said, “Cover letters have fallen in value. Most employers will admit they don’t read them or place little value on them. I recommend only sending cover letters when requested. Many job seekers spend hours writing letters, which for the most part is time wasted. Whereas, I guide my clients to a formula that creates an impactful cover letter in 15 minutes.”

Paul’s top cover letter tips

• Keep your letter to one page, 250 words maximum. You should have 3 short paragraphs.
• Don’t start your letter “Please find enclosed a copy of my CV”, that’s how everyone else does it.
• You MUST tell the reader your motivation in the first paragraph – why you want their job OR why you want to work for their company.
• Try to write from the heart, not what you think sounds good.
• I like bullet points in the middle section which sell your suitability. The eye will be drawn to these points.
• Avoid bland content and generic phrases e.g., I am a good team player.
• The final paragraph is a sign-off. For example; I’d love the opportunity to meet in person to highlight how I can add value in this role. I’ll make myself available and work around your schedule. Look forward to chatting soon.
• Don’t be afraid to inject some personality. Remember you are trying to stand out, not just read and sound the same as everything else.

For more on latest news in the hiring space, make sure you checkout our recruitment news section.

If you are a recent graduate or just someone seeking to explore the job market, make sure to check out the different recruitment opportunities with Recruit Ireland:

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Cover Letters

Perfecting your cover letter is just as important as getting your CV right ! With our complete guide to writing a cover letter and our variety of templates, you’ll never have to worry about getting it right again. Whether you choose to send your cover letter by email, opt for the more traditional hand-written method, or want to know how to send the perfect message on LinkedIn, we’ve got everything you need to know. We’re committed to helping you get the most from your career, whether it’s your first job or you’re heading down a new career path.

Featured articles

How to write a cover letter for 2021.

10 essential guidelines to follow when writing a cover letter

How to tailor your cover letter to the role

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How a well-written cover letter could boost your application 

5 points to check before you send your cover letter, top tips for writing a cover letter as an email, 6 things you need to check before sending out your cover letter, how long should a cover letter be, what not to include in your cover letter, how to use keywords in your cover letter, what is the relationship between my cv and cover letter, how to write an outstanding graduate cover letter.

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Cover Letters

Tips on creating cover letters.

Having a good cover letter is just as important as having an effective CV. It is often an employer’s first impression of you. It helps set the tone and introduces your CV. These useful tips can help you create a good cover letter that works in conjunction with your CV.

• A cover letter should be no more than one page long.
• It should match the style, font etc. of your CV.
• Best to address the letter to a specific person.
• Aim for the letter to complement and expand on relevant details in your CV.
• Use paragraphs of text to improve readability.
• Always include your contact details and email address.

Main Content of Letter

• Keep sentences under two lines long, succinct and to the point.
• Be professional in the language used but not over formal.
• Avoid clichés and the overuse of complicated language.
• Tailor your letter to the key words of the job advertisement and / or employers terminology.
• The first paragraph will cover why you are writing and identify the position you are applying for.
• In the middle paragraph(s) you will aim to show your match to the job and how your experience, skills and achievements relate to the vacancy.
• Highlight the most relevant reasons as to why you should be called for interview and how you can be of benefit to the organisation.
• The middle section can be divided into smaller paragraphs.
• End the letter by thanking them for taking the time to read your letter and CV.
• State that you are available for interview and how best to contact you.
• Sign off the letter ‘yours sincerely’ followed by your full name.

Final check

• Does your letter sound confident and provide a clear message about your suitability for the job?
• Have you customised the letter?
• Did you carefully proofread and check for typos, grammar mistakes etc.?
• You can use the cover letter as the email message or as an attachment.
• Give the cover letter a professional file name ‘J. Murphy cover letter’ if sending as an attachment.
• Always keep a copy of your cover letter so you are prepared when called for interview.

For more helpful information to support your job search, see our Job Seeking Tips .

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Download your guide to securing an interview

5 min read | Hays Experts | Report | CV & Cover letters

Learn how to capture a recruiter’s attention by presenting your skills and experience concisely. If you’re working on writing cover letters to prospective employers, we can help. Download our guide to perfecting your application and landing a job interview.  

Highlights from this guide to getting a job interview

Your talent, experience, skills and aptitude may be the perfect match for the role you’re applying for. But, you’ll need to land an interview to show off your talents in full. Presenting your experience clearly and concisely will prevent you from being overlooked by potential employers.

Our guide to getting a job interview addresses the essential steps involved in the recruitment process. Learn about how to:

• Include priority details
• Highlight your core strengths
• Impress with a clear structure and presentation
• Tailor your CV for a specific role  
• Make the most of your LinkedIn profile
• Nurture connections and build relationship.
• Post articles and comments
• Participate in groups online

Alongside your CV, a common step towards securing an interview is to write a cover letter. Here’s a taster of the kind of insights you’ll find in our guide to getting a job interview:

Bonus tips: writing your cover letter

Your cover letter is often your first chance to capture the attention of a recruiter. .

Your cover letter should complement your CV by highlighting the most relevant aspects relating to the position. We suggest writing a draft first, then asking a friend to review your submission.

Follow our advice to demonstrate the qualities that set you apart from other applicants:

1. demonstrate your skills in context.

• Tailor each job application to the specific role in question. 
• Emphasise keywords from the job description when describing your own skills, training and experience. 
• Offer specific examples to demonstrate that you have what the employer is looking for.  

2. Include a clear subject line

• Address your cover letter to a specific person. Avoid addressing 'Dear Sir or Madam'
• Quote the job title, the reference number and your name within the subject line  

3. Keep your cover letter to a single page

• Be clear, and stay focused on the point of the cover letter or email
• List your skills and experience with examples of why you are the right person for the company
• Avoid unnecessary detail.  

4. Specify the next steps

• Use your cover letter to define an action plan for future contact
• Make it clear when you are available and via which communication methods  

How to access your guide to securing an interview

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Why do you need this guide?

Applying for jobs can be a daunting prospect - but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will help you to put your best foot forward and present your skills and talents effectively to an employer.

Find out how to make sure your application stands head and shoulders above other candidates. Download your guide on how to secure an interview today.

Our experience with cover letters and securing interviews

Our team of recruitment experts help applicants to secure interviews every single day. We’ve helped millions of job seekers find their next role. So we know what recruiters are looking for when seeking exceptional candidates. 

As such, our guide is written by the best in the business. Finding opportunities that match your skills and ambitions is just part of what we do at Hays. We also offer training and upskilling, alongside tailored support to help you make the most of your skills and potential.

Sample cover letter

This template can help you to structure your own cover letter.

Written by spunout

Fact checked by experts and reviewed by young people.

A cover letter allows you to give an employer more details about your experience and can help you to stand out from the other job applicants. A well written cover letter can increase your chances of being invited for an interview so it is a good idea to take some time to prepare it.

It is important to create a new cover letter for each application you submit so that you have information that is only relevant to the job included on it. 

Joe Sheeran

086- XXX XXXX

j [email protected]

August 18, 2021

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am writing to apply for the position of Youth Sports Counsellor as advertised on Indeed. Considering my experience in sport and youth-focused roles and my passion for helping young people to reach their full potential, I feel that I am a strong candidate for this position.

I particularly enjoy positions that allow me to spend time with youth outdoors and encourage them to get involved in a diverse range of activities. I feel that a position with your organisation would give me an opportunity to do this, while also allowing me to use my experience and knowledge of sports and fitness to help others.

Since graduating with a degree in Sports Science in 2014, I have worked in a range of youth leader positions. I am currently a youth leader with the Craic Club –  a non-profit organisation that aims to give young people somewhere to study, take part in sports and socialise after school hours. In my position, I work directly with young people between the ages of 12 and 20, encouraging them to try new activities and stay fit. I am also responsible for coordinating outreach to other youth organisations and encouraging more young people to join Craic Club.

Through working in various other roles, I have developed my ability to recognise and respond to the needs of young people and encourage them to find a form of exercise that works for them. Most recently, I worked as a P.E. teacher and sports camp leader at a local primary school. In this role, I was primarily tasked with organising and supervising group activities. By developing an awareness of the needs and preferences of each individual, I ensured the activities remained engaging and accessible for a diverse group of young people. As a result of this experience, I feel that I developed the organisational, communication and adaptability skills that you are looking for. 

Please find my CV attached. Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Joe Sheeran.

Cover letter structure

The above sample should give you an idea of how to write a cover letter. Here are some basic guidelines on how to structure your own:

• First Paragraph: The first paragraph should be a brief introduction including information on who you are, the job you are applying for and where you saw the job ad
• Second Paragraph: Explain why you are interested in the job and the organisation. Try to show that you know about the company’s work and values
• Third Paragraph: Talk about your own relevant strengths and skills and why they make you a strong candidate
• Fourth Paragraph: Highlight any other relevant points such as what you hope to gain from the job and/ or other relevant skills and experience you have
• Final Paragraph: Conclude positively

Tips for writing a cover letter

Before sending your cover letter, there are some small things to keep in mind.

• Try to address your letter to the actual hiring manager. If their name is not mentioned, consider phoning or emailing the company and asking who the hiring manager is
• Make sure to check for any spelling and grammatical mistakes before sending your application

Find out more about how to write a cover letter .

Support with writing a cover letter

If you are unemployed,  your local employment service (LES)  or  your local Job Club  can help you with writing a CV and filling in job application forms. They can also help with training in interview skills .

Intreo Centres and Local Employment Services (LES) can help you to search for a job if you are long-term unemployed. They are in contact with local employers. LES also provide information on training options and employment schemes.  Find your nearest LES office .

Job Clubs  provide training and support for jobseekers. They can help with CV writing, interview skills, and give support with the search for a job.

They also offer drop-in services and formal workshops lasting from 1 to 4 weeks. To attend a formal workshop, you must be a jobseeker who has been referred by a local employment service.  Find your nearest Job Club . Find more information on getting a job on the  Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed  website.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

• Chat now  to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or  leave us a message  and we will email you back

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How to write a CV for a job in Ireland

Hey everyone, we are back with another blog post this week, today we’re going to give you some tips on writing your CV to get a job in Ireland. You might be wondering how different a CV for jobs in Ireland should look compared to your own country and we’re going to dive into that today and give you some practical tips on how to build your Irish CV to get noticed by hiring managers.

As you may know, the Curriculum Vitae is the first impression the human resources manager will have of you so it’s imperative that you show the most important and relevant things about you. As in every country, we all have our own habits and customs. The same applies to CV’s. In this article, we explain exactly how your Irish CV should look to get the best results with some tips and best practices.

Your CV should be simple, clear, and concise:

To make a good CV, try to be as organised and clear as possible. Remember the font and size of the letters should be easy to read. To highlight key words, use bold and italics instead of colourful backgrounds.

Another tip that will help you to achieve an attractive and simple design is to use the list format, which facilitates the hierarchy of the information and the order of the text.

It’s not typical to include a photo but if you do decide to include it, avoid selfies or landscapes photos

Your CV layout:

• First name and surname
• Telephone number, if you’ve got an Irish phone number it will be easier for a hiring manager to call and create less confusion for them so it’s a good idea to get an Irish phone number if you don’t have one
• Professional email address
• Professional social networks: LinkedIn is widely used in Ireland, so it would be a good idea to include the link in your CV. We highly recommend having a Linked in profile if you don’t have one already and to have it filled in completely with as much information as possible.
• Your address, you don’t have to give this but if you apply for a job in a specific area, mentioning that you live nearby implies that you are local and flexible which will help your application

CV structure:

• Personal contact information
• Links to socials, Linked In etc if professionally relevant
• Education and degree or certifications
• Work experience
• Extras (Languages spoken etc)

Points you should Highlight on your CV in order of importance:

Indicate the most relevant education you have. Look up the equivalent of the certificates you have: Degree, Bachelor’s degree, and what it equates to In Ireland and mention that.  We also mention what level of degree we got on our CV’s

Work Experience:

List your work experience chronologically and be it is relevant to the position, changing the wording if needs be. If you have a lot of previous experience, list only that which is most relevant.

When mentioning your work experience, give the title of the position you have held as well as a short explanation of the tasks or responsibilities you performed in bullet point format, also mentioning any achievements in the job and what value you added to the team.

We recommend you adapt your resume according to the job you are applying on. For example, if you are applying for a position where a driving licence is required, make sure you add that you have your driving licence.

Do not forget to mention the languages you speak. This should be followed by a short sentence such as: fluent in spoken and written, highly proficient in spoken and written, bilingual, native etc. This will help if you are going for a job where multiple nationalities are spoken already, or if you’re applying for an office customer service job in your own language.

If it is a job in a particular area, they usually ask for references. Add the contact details of your former company in order that they can call or email to ask about you. If you think the new job might not want to call or email internationally, get a letter of reference if you can from your previous employers on headed paper and email it to your new prospective job as a reference.

Cover letter

It’s common practice to include a personalised cover letter in Ireland if you are looking for a job. It is a way to complement your CV and helps the recruiter get to know the candidate a little better. You can write a template for yourself and save it to use later, changing the job title if you need to.

Where to search for a job in Ireland:

Best job search websites:

It has become commonplace in Ireland and in Cork to only accept applications for jobs online, regardless of the type of job so here are our main job websites for you to check in order of how useful they are. The second two websites focus on cash in hand and part time jobs:

• DoneDealJobs

How to design your CV:

If you have taken all that information on board, but you are wondering how to design your CV or what it should look like visually, you can fill out a profile on indeed and set up an account and indeed will make you a CV in the correct format. You can even download that C.V in pdf format and use it to apply for jobs.

If you’re looking for something a bit more creative, you can also use Canva which has plenty of designs and templates to use.

Finally, in CEC we post job openings on our noticeboard every month and often have interview skills and CV writing workshops to help you make the best C.V. you could possibly make.  

That’s all from us this week, if you found any of these tips helpful feel free to leave a comment or tag us on our socials at @corkenglishcollege or #corkenglishcollege

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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.

22 Job Seeking Templates

Download this bundle of 22 expertly-crafted templates for cover letters, resignation notices, and resumes.

• Resignation Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Templates
• Resume Templates

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Click this link to access this resource at any time.

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!

Don't forget to share this post!

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22 resignation letter, resume, and cover letter templates.

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5 Tips for Changing Careers

1. Identify Your Why

When switching or exploring new careers, ask yourself why you want to do so in the first place. Perhaps you want to learn new skills, increase your earnings, or have more flexible hours. Take an inventory of your interests, core values, and skills. Your Ticket Program service provider can help. Below are some questions to get you started:

• What do you like and dislike about your current job?
• What are you looking for in a new field?
• Do you want to change industries or find a new type of job in the same field?
• Do you need new skills or education?

2. Make a Plan

After identifying your why, it’s time for you to make a plan. If you’re eligible , we recommend working with your Ticket Program service provider to develop an Individual Work Plan . This will help identify short, mid and long-range goals, and the steps and timeframes to achieve them.

Together, you’ll develop SMART goals related to your career change. Make sure they are S pecific, M easurable, A chievable, R ealistic, and T ime-bound. By using SMART goals tied to your career change, you can move toward the goal with the support of your employment team.

3. Build Your Network

Changing jobs may mean working within a new industry, and looking for a new job may take some time. While applying for jobs and waiting for interviews, networking can help you find new opportunities and show people you’d like to try something new.

Attending career fairs, alumni meet and greets, or reaching out to potential new companies for informational interviews helps you build professional relationships in the industry before you’ve even had your first day.

4. Update Your Resume

When you know what type of new work you’d like to try, it’s time to update your resume. How do you show the hiring manager you’re a good fit? Adjusting your resume can play an important role in your application process.

Not all resumes are equal, and creating one that highlights the transferable skills you have is an important tool for your career change. Take a look at this collection of tips and tools to help you write an updated resume.

Your position titles may not match the traditional path to your new career, but explaining how your skills could be applied to a new position may help you secure the next interview. For example, running an elementary school classroom takes strong, clear communication skills and exposes you to different types of computer programs. A mechanic understands attention to detail and rapid problem-solving skills. A nurse can work well under pressure and with a wide variety of personality types. Identify your soft and hard skills and make them shine in your resume.

5. Develop a Stand-out Cover Letter

And don't forget an important part of your job application: your cover letter ! To add more context to your skills and show what a great fit you are for the new position, customize your cover letter to focus on your experience. Your cover letter can take a lot of forms these days, but above all, it is your attention grabber. It shows how you stand out as a candidate and as a person. Bring your confidence and have faith in your own voice (though you should always have someone proofread!) It will help you find the right organization and people who are the best career change match for you.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call our TTY at 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online webinar . Or you can text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

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