Career Management Skills / Career Advice

How to Write a Letter of Intent




What is a Letter of Intent?

  • A letter of intent (LOI), or letter of interest, is sent to express interest in working for a company, even when specific jobs aren’t advertised.
  • It focuses more on the company than your specific skills, showcasing why you want to work there and what you can offer.

When to Use a Letter of Intent?

  1. Submitting resumes at a job fair.
  2. Researching companies and identifying one that aligns with your interests and goals.
  3. Learning of potential hiring opportunities through word-of-mouth.
  4. Targeting a company with job postings in other fields but employing people in your area of expertise.

What to Include in a Letter of Intent

  1. Greeting or Salutation?:
  2. Address to a specific person if possible; otherwise, use a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager."

  3. Avoid informal greetings like "Hey."

  4. Introduction:

  5. Introduce yourself and state your purpose for writing.

  6. Mention your current role or educational background.

  7. Body:

  8. Highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements relevant to the organization’s goals.

  9. Use specific examples and quantify results when possible.

  10. Call to Action:

  11. Politely request further contact or consideration for potential roles.

  12. Provide your contact information if not already included.

  13. Closing?:

  14. Use a formal closing like “Sincerely” or “Thank you.” Avoid casual phrases like "Cheers."

Letter of Intent Template?

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and explain your reason for writing.

Body: Outline your skills, experiences, and how they align with the company’s needs. Include specific examples of your achievements.

Call to Action: Request consideration for potential opportunities, thank them for their time, and provide your contact details.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Strong Letter of Intent

  1. Research the Company: Align your letter with its culture, mission, and needs.
  2. Stay Focused: Tailor the letter to highlight skills the company seeks.
  3. Keep it Concise: Limit to one page and make it straightforward.
  4. Proofread: Double-check for grammar, spelling, and clarity errors.

Sample Letter of Intent

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m Jen Woo, a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in journalism. I admire WritersPress for its commitment to inclusive storytelling and believe my skills can contribute to your impactful work.

In addition to my academic achievements, I have professional experience as a staff writer for my university’s newspaper and a copywriting intern at local publications. My expertise in crafting compelling content, paired with coursework in content marketing and SEO, makes me a strong candidate for your writing team.

Thank you for considering my request. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with your talented team. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (123) 456-7890.

Sincerely,
Jen Woo

Pro Tip: Personalize each letter to the company for the best results!

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