Why a Letter of Intent Matters
A letter of intent (LOI) for a job is a powerful tool to express your sincere interest and enthusiasm for a specific position or company. Unlike a formal application, it allows you to highlight your unique skills, experiences, and motivations in a personalized and compelling way. A well-crafted LOI can help you stand out from the competition, especially when there isn’t a specific opening advertised. It demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach, showcasing your genuine desire to contribute to the organization’s success. Tailoring each LOI to the specific company and role is crucial for maximum impact.
While a resume and cover letter outline your qualifications, a letter of intent delves deeper into your passion and alignment with the company’s values. It’s an opportunity to showcase your understanding of the company’s mission and how your skills can directly contribute to their goals. By addressing the letter to a specific person (if possible), you further personalize your approach and demonstrate your dedication. Remember to keep the letter concise, professional, and focused on the value you can bring to the organization.
Sample Letters of Intent for Job Applications
Sample 1: General Inquiry
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in potential opportunities at [Company Name]. I have been consistently impressed by [mention specific achievement or aspect of the company that resonates with you], and I believe my skills and experience in [mention relevant skills] align well with your company’s mission.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [mention a relevant accomplishment]. I am eager to contribute my expertise to [Company Name] and am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Networking Contact Referral
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to you at the suggestion of [Referring Contact Name], who I understand has spoken highly of both [Company Name] and my skill set. [Referring Contact Name] suggested that my experience in [mention specific skill or area of expertise] would be a valuable asset to your team.
As a [Your Profession] with [Number] years of experience, I have a proven track record of [mention key achievements]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [mention company value or initiative].
Thank you for considering my interest. I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to learn more about potential openings at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Targeting a Specific Department
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my keen interest in opportunities within the [Department Name] department at [Company Name]. I have been following [Company Name]’s work in [specific area related to the department] with great interest and believe my skills and experience in [mention relevant skills] would be a valuable addition to your team.
My background in [Your Field], specifically my experience in [Mention a specific skill or project related to the department’s work], makes me confident that I can contribute to the success of [Department Name]. I am particularly excited about [Mention a specific project or initiative the department is working on].
Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume is attached for your review, and I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Department Name]’s goals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Entry-Level Candidate
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
As a recent graduate of [University Name] with a degree in [Your Degree], I am writing to express my strong interest in entry-level opportunities at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s reputation for [mention company value or area of expertise] and believe my passion for [mention relevant field] aligns well with your organization’s goals.
During my studies, I gained valuable experience in [mention relevant skills or projects]. I am eager to learn and contribute to a dynamic team, and I am confident that I can quickly adapt and make a positive impact at [Company Name].
Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume is attached for your review, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm can benefit your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Career Changer
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in transitioning my career to [Target Industry/Role] and believe my skills and experience, particularly in [mention transferable skills], make me a strong candidate for opportunities at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s work in [Specific area of company’s work].
While my background is primarily in [Previous Industry/Role], I have consistently demonstrated my ability to [mention achievements and transferable skills, e.g., problem-solving, leadership, communication]. I am eager to learn the nuances of the [Target Industry/Role] and am confident that my transferable skills and dedication will allow me to quickly contribute to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume is attached for your review, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my unique skillset can benefit your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Following Up After an Event
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to follow up on our conversation at the [Event Name] on [Date of Event]. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about [Company Name]’s work in [Specific area of company’s work discussed at the event], and our discussion further solidified my interest in potential opportunities at your organization.
As we discussed, my background in [Your Field] and experience in [Mention specific skills relevant to the conversation] align well with the challenges and opportunities you described. I am particularly excited about the possibility of contributing to [Mention a specific project or initiative discussed at the event].
Thank you again for your time at the event. My resume is attached for your review, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Targeting a Specific Project
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in contributing to [Project Name] at [Company Name]. I have been following the project’s progress with great interest and believe my skills and experience in [Mention relevant skills] would be a valuable asset to the team.
My experience in [Your Field], particularly my work on [Mention a similar project or relevant experience], makes me confident that I can contribute to the success of [Project Name]. I am particularly excited about [Mention a specific aspect of the project that excites you].
Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume is attached for your review, and I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Project Name]’s goals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Highlighting a Specific Skill
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in potential opportunities at [Company Name] where my expertise in [Specific Skill] can contribute to your organization’s success. I have been consistently impressed by [Company Name]’s work in [Area related to the skill], and I believe my skills and experience align well with your company’s needs.
I have a proven track record of success in [Specific Skill], as demonstrated by [Mention specific achievements or projects where you used the skill]. I am confident that I can leverage my expertise to help [Company Name] achieve its goals in [Area related to the skill].
Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume is attached for your review, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Targeting a Specific Company Culture
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my keen interest in potential opportunities at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to your company’s culture, which I understand to be [Mention specific aspects of the company culture that appeal to you, e.g., collaborative, innovative, customer-focused]. My own work style and values align strongly with this environment.
My experience in [Your Field] has taught me the importance of [Mention specific values that align with the company culture]. I am confident that my ability to [Mention relevant skills and achievements that demonstrate those values] would make me a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. My resume is attached for your review, and I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Following Up on a Job Posting (as a Letter of Intent)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. While I have already submitted my formal application, I wanted to further highlight my enthusiasm and demonstrate how my specific skills and experience align with the requirements of this role.
In particular, my experience in [Mention specific skill 1] and [Mention specific skill 2], as demonstrated by [Mention a specific achievement or project related to the skills], makes me a strong candidate for this position. I am confident that I can quickly contribute to [Company Name]’s goals in [Mention specific area related to the role].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: The Power of a Strategic Letter of Intent
A well-crafted letter of intent can significantly boost your job search. By tailoring each letter to the specific company and role, highlighting your unique skills, and demonstrating your genuine interest, you can make a lasting impression on potential employers. Remember to always maintain a professional tone, proofread carefully, and follow up appropriately. Using these sample letters as a guide, you can create compelling LOIs that open doors to exciting career opportunities.