A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a powerful tool in the job application process, especially when you want to express interest in working with a company, even if they aren’t actively hiring. Unlike a cover letter, which focuses on a specific job, an LOI focuses on your interest in the company and how your skills align with their goals. In this article, we’ll explore what an LOI is and provide a sample letter of intent for positions to help you craft your own.
In This Article:
What Is A Letter Of Intent? When Do You Need It?
A letter of intent (LOI) is a type of letter that shows your interest in working for a company, even if they haven’t posted a job opening that matches your skills. Unlike a cover letter, which is tailored to a specific job listing, a letter of intent is more general. It gives you the opportunity to express your enthusiasm for a company and highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
The purpose of a letter of intent is to demonstrate your desire to work with a company and whether or not a job that fits your background is currently available. It’s often used when you’re applying to a company that interests you, but they haven’t posted a job opening for the position you’re looking for. By sending an intent letter, you’re showing that you want to be part of their team and that you have the skills they might need in the future.
Companies may ask for a letter of intent when they are unsure of the exact role or type of person they need to hire. For example, they may have multiple open positions in the same department or project but are still figuring out what skills or experience a strong candidate should have. A well-written letter of intent will allow them to gather potential candidates who are passionate and willing to fit into various roles.
Another reason companies use letters of intent is when they’re hiring contractors or freelancers instead of full-time employees. This is often because the hiring process is more flexible, and they may need to quickly bring someone on board if a contract position becomes available. The letter helps them assess interest and build a pool of qualified candidates.
So, when should you send a letter of intent? Here are a few situations where it can be useful:
- No open jobs posted: You admire a company and want to express your interest even though they aren’t hiring for a specific role.
- Heard they’re hiring: You’ve heard a company is looking to hire but haven’t seen any relevant job postings. A letter of intent may show you’re eager to join their team.
- Networking opportunity: If you’ve met someone at a networking event or career fair and want to formally express interest in working with them, a letter of intent is a good follow-up.
- Exploring multiple roles: If a company has several open positions, but you’re not sure where you’d be the best fit, a letter of intent lets you express interest in a variety of roles.
Don’t Mistake An LOI For A Cover Letter!
Many candidates at UndocuScholar treat an LOI as similar to a cover letter. Remember that a letter of intent and a cover letter serve different purposes.
A cover letter is sent when you’re applying for a specific job that has been posted. It focuses on how your skills and experience match the position you’re applying for. It’s reactive, meaning you’re responding to a job opening with your qualifications.
On the other hand, a letter of intent is more general and proactive. It’s used when you want to express interest in working for a company, even if there is no job opening posted. Instead of focusing on one specific role, you discuss your skills and why you want to work at that company.
In short, a cover letter is tied to a specific job, while a letter of intent is about showing your interest in joining a company without a current job listing.
2 Steps To Write A Letter Of Intent
Research The Company And Find Your Interest
Before writing a letter of intent, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the company. Start by exploring their website, focusing on sections like “About Us,” their mission, values, and long-term goals. This information helps you understand the company’s vision and can provide a strong foundation for your letter, showing that you’re genuinely interested in their work.
Next, check out their social media accounts to see how they engage with customers or the public. Pay attention to how they handle customer feedback, especially any recurring issues or challenges they may face. If you spot a problem, think about how your skills could provide a solution—it can make your letter more impactful.
Once you’ve gathered this information, reflect on what excites you about the company. Maybe their mission aligns with your personal values, or perhaps their work in a specific area of business inspires you. This connection is key to making your letter stand out—highlighting why you’re specifically interested in joining them beyond just any job. Use your research to find a personal angle and relate it to your experience and career goals in the letter.
Follow The Standard Format
No matter what you write in your letter, make sure to include these parts:
Greeting
When writing a letter of intent, the greeting is an important first step. Start by including your contact information and the date at the top, just like you would on a resume. Then, focus on addressing the recipient professionally.
Try to find the hiring manager or recruiter’s name so you can address them directly. If that’s not possible, use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” instead of a vague “To whom it may concern.” If you know the recipient’s preference, you can add an honorific like Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Mx. But if you’re unsure, it’s best to skip the title to avoid any errors.
Introduction
The introduction of your letter is your chance to make a strong first impression. Start with your name and a brief overview of your current situation, such as your degree, job title, or level of experience. Then, clearly state why you’re reaching out to the company.
If you’re a recent graduate, mention your degree and field of study and explain why you’re interested in the company. If you’re employed and seeking a new opportunity, share your current job title and why you’re drawn to this particular organization. Always focus on positive reasons for wanting a change, like career growth or the desire to take on a new role.
You can also add a creative touch by mentioning recent company news that caught your attention or highlighting specific details about the company that made you eager to reach out. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the organization.
Body
The body of your letter of intent should highlight your genuine interest in the company and showcase your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments.
Start by discussing why you want to work for the company. Focus on what excites you about the organization—its mission, values, and goals. If there’s something recent, like news or an update about their product, mention that to show you’re actively following the company. This helps make the letter more current and demonstrates that you’re truly invested in their work.
Next, highlight your skills and experiences that would be valuable to the company. This isn’t a repeat of your resume but an opportunity to go into more detail about how your background aligns with what the company might need. Be specific about the skills you bring, and when possible, provide examples of how you’ve achieved success or contributed to past organizations. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers or outcomes to make your achievements more impactful.
For example, instead of simply saying you have leadership skills, describe a time when you successfully led a team or managed a project, explaining the results of your efforts. If you’re reaching out for a managerial role, focus on your ability to lead, coordinate teams, or manage multiple tasks rather than just talking about a specific job title.
Call To Action
After thanking the recipient for their time and consideration, you should express your interest in taking the next step, whether it’s discussing future job opportunities or having a conversation about how you could contribute to the organization.
You can invite the recipient to reach out to you for more information, such as scheduling a call or meeting, or simply to let you know if there are any future roles that might align with your skills. It’s important to be polite and proactive, showing that you are open and eager to engage with them further.
For example, you might write something like, “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to your team. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or to explore future job openings.”
Make sure to include your contact information in the CTA so that the recipient has everything they need to follow up easily.
Closing
The closing of your letter is your final chance to leave a positive impression. It should be simple, formal, and professional. Standard business sign-offs like “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you” are appropriate and effective choices.
After the closing, leave space for your signature if you’re sending a printed letter. Then, type your full name on the next line. If you’re sending an email and haven’t included your contact information at the top, be sure to add it below your name.
Remember, your closing should reflect professionalism, so avoid using casual language.
Extra Tips
- Keep it concise: Limit your letter to four or five paragraphs. Make sure it’s clear, direct, and easy to read, as hiring managers often have limited time.
- Write a clear subject line: For emails, use a straightforward subject line like “Introduction — [Your Name]” to grab attention and avoid confusion with spam.
- Use a professional format: If you’re sending a physical letter, include your contact information at the top, followed by the date and recipient’s details. For email, include your phone number and professional links (like LinkedIn or a portfolio) below your signature.
- Highlight your experience: Mention your level of experience and the role you’re seeking, like “a senior-level position” or “management role,” to set clear expectations.
- Mention a reference: If you know someone within the company, it’s okay to mention them, but make sure you have their permission first.
- Use strong verbs and adjectives: Confidently describe your skills with phrases like “effective communicator” or “experienced writer” to show your strengths.
- Focus on relevant details: Tailor your letter to highlight experiences and skills that match what the company is likely looking for.
- Proofread carefully: Review your letter for grammatical errors and ensure it’s clear, direct, and professional. Consider asking a colleague to help with feedback.
Letter Of Intent Examples
For Entry-Level Candidates
Subject Line: John Doe – Recent Graduate Seeking to Contribute to [Company Name]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
My name is John Doe, and I recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration from [University Name]. I am writing to express my interest in pursuing a career with [Company Name] and to share my enthusiasm for joining your innovative team. I have long admired your company’s commitment to growth and creativity, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your success.
During my academic career, I focused on courses that involved strategic planning, project management, and leadership skills, all of which align closely with the work [Company Name] is doing in [industry/sector]. I have also completed internships where I collaborated with teams to support data analysis, customer service initiatives, and digital marketing efforts, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field. I’m confident that my strong communication skills and my ability to work well under pressure will allow me to be an asset to your team.
I am eager to apply my skills in [specific skills/experiences relevant to the company] to the exciting challenges at [Company Name]. I truly believe that my background in [specific courses or experiences] has prepared me to contribute effectively to your organization.
Thank you for considering my letter of intent. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your company’s needs. Please feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to schedule a conversation.
Sincerely,
John Doe
For Senior-Level Candidates
Subject Line: [Your Name] – Experienced [Your Job Title] Interested in Contributing to [Company Name]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am an experienced [Your Job Title] with [X] years of expertise in [Industry/Field]. I am reaching out to express my interest in contributing to the dynamic team at [Company Name]. After researching your company and learning about [specific achievement, product, or initiative], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my [specific skill sets] and leadership experience to your organization.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong track record in [highlight relevant leadership roles, major accomplishments, or projects]. I have successfully [mention a key achievement, e.g., led a team, optimized business processes, driven revenue growth], resulting in [quantifiable impact, e.g., increased revenue by X%, reduced costs by Y%, improved team productivity by Z%]. I believe that these accomplishments, combined with my passion for [relevant industry/sector], would allow me to drive similar results at [Company Name].
What excites me about your company is [mention something about the company that appeals to you, such as their mission, culture, or recent initiatives]. I strongly believe that my background in [specific skills or industry] would allow me to contribute to your continued success, particularly in [specific department, role, or goal].
I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my experience and expertise can contribute to the future success of [Company Name]. Please feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to schedule a conversation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Wrapping Up
Writing a strong LOI can open doors, even when a company isn’t actively hiring for your role. It shows initiative, enthusiasm, and a clear understanding of the company’s values. By following the tips and using the statement of intent examples provided, you can create a letter that effectively communicates your interest and stands out to potential employers.
