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

Letter of Intent vs. Cowl Letter

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

Focus. A canopy letter explains why an applicant is a good match for a particular position. An LOI, alternatively, addresses a person’s compatibility with an general group or extra common position.

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

Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Curiosity

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

Dedication degree. A letter of intent is a high-commitment manner of expressing curiosity in an organization, whereas a letter of curiosity is a decrease dedication. A person is extra more likely to ship out a number of letters of curiosity. 

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

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

When to Use a Letter of Intent

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

You might have a excessive degree of curiosity in a particular firm, however there’s not an open position.

You have an interest in networking with an organization in a dedicated manner.

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

You’re making use of to a extremely aggressive subject.

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

Write a Letter of Intent

There are many methods to method 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 prime of your LOI, you’ll wish to present contact data so your recipient can contact you about future alternatives. This could 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 method could also be preferrred. If doable, tackle the precise recipient. 

3. Present an introduction. 

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

Be happy to differ 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 a great 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 long run. 

All LOIs finish with a name to motion, which is likely one of the issues that differentiates it from a letter of curiosity or a canopy letter. Map out potential subsequent steps so it’s straightforward for the reader to take motion. It might embody:

6. Write a considerate conclusion.

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

For those who’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 steering on incorporating the weather of an LOI seamlessly.

Inner 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 robust 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 a substitute of simply calling for a gathering, he makes a pitch that’s particular to the group. This offers worth to the recipient and makes Mark seem like a powerful collaborator. 

Letter of Intent Template

Letters of intent are normal 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 vital elements.

[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 workforce 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 might 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 fulfill with me.

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

Finest,

[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 could be weak, but it surely’s a good way to make new connections and set your self up for employment success.

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