What’s a Letter of Intent? The best way to Write One for a Job [+ Examples]

Normal job purposes have a typical set of practices. You flip in a resume and canopy letter, after which, if chosen, you progress via a number of rounds of interviews and get the job.

Nonetheless, not all potential job alternatives begin with an software. In reality, many start with initiative from a job seeker.

These job seekers will ship in a letter of intent slightly than a cowl letter. On this article, we’ll check out what a letter of intent is and spotlight some methods for writing the perfect LOI you possibly can. We’ve even included a template that can assist you get began. 

Right here’s what you’ll discover:

What’s a letter of intent?

A letter of intent is a much less frequent approach of expressing curiosity in an organization. It targets causes you’re searching for alternatives with a particular group.

A letter of intent does embody components of a standard cowl letter, comparable to related expertise and abilities, however it’s utilized in barely completely different contexts. LOIs emphasize alignment between a job seeker and a corporation.

Letter of Intent vs. Cowl Letter

There are a number of key variations between a cowl letter and a letter of intent, together with:

• Context. Whereas a canopy letter responds to a particular job itemizing, a letter of intent targets a corporation extra usually. It could or might not have a particular job opening on the time that the LOI is shipped in.

• Focus. A canopy letter explains why an applicant is a good match for a particular function. An LOI, then again, addresses a person’s compatibility with an general group or extra normal function.

• Initiative. A canopy letter is a reactive doc responding to a job opening. A letter of intent, nevertheless, demonstrates extra initiative and supplies data earlier than a corporation particularly requests it.

Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Curiosity

Letter of intent and letter of curiosity are sometimes used interchangeably. Whereas there are a number of similarities between the 2 paperwork, there are additionally a number of key variations:

• Degree of intent. Letters of intent have a excessive stage of intentionality, whereas letters of curiosity are extra exploratory. A letter of intent proposes motion, whereas letters of curiosity are for data gathering.

• Dedication stage. A letter of intent is a high-commitment approach of expressing curiosity in an organization, whereas a letter of curiosity is a decrease dedication. A person is extra prone to ship out a number of letters of curiosity. 

• Motion orientation. A letter of intent all the time ends with a name to motion, whereas a letter of curiosity is extra laid-back and should not request something particular from the recipient.

Whereas each letters exhibit initiative and are carefully tailor-made to the corporate, they do serve barely completely different functions.

When to Use a Letter of Intent

There are many situations the place a job seeker might wish to ship out a letter of intent. Listed here are a number of examples: 

• You’ve gotten a excessive stage of curiosity in a particular firm, however there’s not an open function.

• You have an interest in networking with an organization in a dedicated approach.

• You wish to attain out with a proper follow-up after a networking occasion.

• You’re making use of to a extremely aggressive area.

• You’re conscious of a possible job alternative with a corporation that hasn’t been revealed but.

Moreover, college students or job seekers switching industries might use letters of intent to use to academic alternatives like internships and apprenticeships — although these may be known as cowl letters. 

The best way to Write a Letter of Intent

There are many methods to strategy writing a letter of intent for a job. Right here’s a step-by-step course of for writing your LOI draft:

1. Present your contact data. 

On the high of your LOI, you’ll wish to present contact data so your recipient can contact you about future alternatives. This may embody your telephone quantity, e mail, and tackle.

2. Use an acceptable greeting.

For some alternatives, a proper greeting is suitable. In different conditions, a extra casual strategy could also be supreme. If potential, tackle the particular recipient. 

3. Present an introduction. 

Within the intro paragraphs, you’ll wish to faucet into three specifics:

Be happy to fluctuate the order of this data. Your LOI intro could also be formal or extra playful, relying on who you’re and the group you’re submitting to.

4. Dive into your strengths and firm alignment. 

An LOI is created to obviously convey why you’re match for the group. Within the physique paragraphs of your letter, you’ll wish to clarify:

• Your strengths.
• What you do.
• How these issues would match with the group.

5. Information the dialog into the longer term. 

All LOIs finish with a name to motion, which is without doubt one of the issues that differentiates it from a letter of curiosity or a canopy letter. Map out potential subsequent steps so it’s simple for the reader to take motion. It may embody:

6. Write a considerate conclusion.

Conclude your LOI by reiterating your curiosity within the firm. Make certain to thank the recipient for his or her time, too — there wasn’t a job opening request, so that they took day trip of their day to learn your letter.

In case you’re sending your LOI due to an inside referral, be sure you reference them inside the letter. 

Letter of Intent Samples

Let’s undergo a number of completely different samples of LOIs and spotlight what every does effectively. Refer to those samples as you draft your personal letter of intent for steerage on incorporating the weather of an LOI seamlessly.

Inside Connection

On this letter of intent, Jennifer leverages an inside connection. This can be a nice technique to earn a number of additional factors when explaining how you realize concerning the enterprise. Past that, Jennifer’s experiences align effectively with the work that the wine bar does.

What I like: This letter of intent does a terrific job of personalization, weaving via the inner connection completely in a number of completely different spots. A referral is a strong support to include into an LOI, and Jennifer did a terrific job dropping hints of her connection.

Making a Pitch

What I like: On this letter, Mark is making a pitch. He nonetheless covers the bases of a terrific LOI — discussing his strengths and alignment with the model. However as an alternative of simply calling for a gathering, he makes a pitch that’s particular to the group. This supplies worth to the recipient and makes Mark appear like a robust collaborator. 

Mark may gain advantage from HubSpot’s CMS Hub to handle his pitches. Lead technology and content material creation are essential components of freelancing, and Mark wants to remain organized with the intention to do it effectively. Study extra about HubSpot’s CMS Hub right here.

Diving Into Alignment

What I like: Jordan is in shut alignment with the group’s values and does a terrific job of highlighting that in her letter of intent. She’s considerate and well-researched, communicates her alignment clearly, after which closes with a name to motion.

Letter of Intent Template

Letters of intent are customary paperwork, so that you don’t want to fret about reinventing the wheel every time you ship one. Use this template as a useful resource to make sure your letter contains all of the essential components.

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s contact information]

Pricey [Recipient or To Whom It May Concern],

My identify is [Your Name], [title/relevant information about yourself], and I heard about your group via [how you know the organization]. I’m reaching out to attach. I’d love to speak in case your crew plans on increasing.

I’ve abilities in [skills] that I imagine could be a terrific match in your group. Your values of [company values] are in shut alignment with my strengths, and I imagine I may make a terrific contribution.

I imagine that my [abilities/skills/interests] would profit your organization, and I’d love to speak extra about any potential alternatives that come up with [name of organization]. If , please attain out by [phone/email] to schedule a time to satisfy with me.

Thanks for taking the time to learn my letter, and I hope to speak with you additional sooner or later.

Greatest,

[Your name]

In fact, you’ll wish to edit the template for tone and specifics associated to your self and the group you’re contacting. 

Discovering Success With a Nice Letter of Intent

Sending a letter of intent might be weak, however it’s a good way to make new connections and set your self up for employment success.

Refer to those methods, samples, and templates to verify your LOI goes to be the best letter potential. Emphasize your alignment with the group, and also you’re positive to see success!