– in Perhaps, in job hunting, you are led to submit a “resume and letter of intent.” As a term, it almost sounds like a cover letter. However, this type of letter is very specific in its purpose and also in its approach. Now, let’s delve deeper into what it involves and how it differs from the cover letter, plus advice on how to construct such a letter that will portray an interest in working for the organization in question.
What is a Letter of Intent?
A letter of intent, often called a “letter of interest,” is a formal communication that shows your intent to work for a given company. Unlike a cover letter, which focuses more on your qualifications for the position, a letter of intent focuses more on showing your admiration for the company and how you fit its values or goals. This letter enables you to point out the skills and experience that would make you such a good fit if no position is currently offered.
Letter of Intent VS Cover Letter
While both are similar, the main difference between a letter of intent and a cover letter is who they are addressed to. A cover letter tends to be attached to a specific job posting and reiterates the qualifications for that position. In a letter of intent, however, more importance is placed on the organization itself and why you would want to be a member.
What’s the Difference
A letter of intent for a job is more company-focused, talking about the organization rather than the job role. Cover letters are more job-focused and oriented around the requirements of a specific position. This general approach in a letter of intent gives hiring managers a broader view of your fit within the company’s culture and goals so they can imagine where you might be a great match.
More About Them
A letter of intent is very useful after events such as job fairs when you might not have seen the ideal position, but you still feel interested in the company.
Why Do Businesses Request a Letter of Intent?
A company may require a letter of intent in case it uses an open-ended hiring process. Businesses that are growing fast, on several projects, or coming up with new departments find letters of intent helpful when they seek many applicants. Such companies might be willing to learn more about applications from candidates with a set of diverse skills who could be able to fit anywhere in the organization according to the requirements.
Reasons Behind it
In other words, some companies, especially startups and mission-driven nonprofits, use letters of intent to identify like-minded candidates. So, if the company asks for a letter of intent, it might be a sign that the company is very interested in proactive people who share their values.
What To Write in a Letter of Intent?
When writing a letter of intent, follow this structure to make it professional and engaging:
1. Greetings
Use a formal greeting; “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” or “Hello, [Hiring Manager’s Name].” Never use casual greetings like “Hey.”
2. Introduction
You are going to want to tell them briefly who you are and why you’re writing to them. Be sure to mention the relevant background information, why you’re writing to the company, etc.
3. Body
Introduction
Through your opening paragraph, express your reasons for liking the company and why you would like to work for it. Try to mention specific reasons for your attraction to work with it, such as mission or recent achievement.
Main Body
Present your own skills and experience and make it apparent how these fit in the needs of the organization
4. Closing
Kindly thank the hiring manager for considering your interest. Optionally, you may insert a call to action requesting that they contact you, if need be, for any more information.
5. Close
Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
How to Write a Letter of Intent: 5 Tips
1. Research the Company Thoroughly
Research the organization’s mission, values, most recent projects, and important team members. This will allow you to write a letter that shows you actually know about and admire the company. If possible, address the letter directly to the hiring manager by name.
2. Show Your Passion for the Company
Instead of saying you want a job, explain why you want to work for the company. You can mention something unique about their work or some recent achievement you have read about. “Intent letters work when they show that the applicant really identifies with the company’s mission,” Kea stresses.
3. Emphasize Your Unique Qualifications
Even though you do not apply for a certain role, still let these best describe your value as if you were to indicate one or two of those. Show how much strength is going to help the company by assuming a general role.
A Proper Length
A good letter of intent should be about four to five paragraphs. Hiring managers are very busy and don’t have time to read too much. Make sure that your point is clear and concise and will grab their attention.
5. A Clear Subject Line
The subject of your email should be concise and clear. For instance, “Introduction – [Your Name]” is brief and straightforward. This also reduces the probability that your letter might get sidelined or overlooked.
Sample Letter of Intent for an Experiential Candidate
Assume you have ten years of experience and a background in product management, and you are willing to join the company working on a cause you’d like to see more prominently represented. Here is your sample statement of intent:
Dear Caroline Coffman,
I remember when I was a kid, I had to stand in line for two hours just to get to ride on a rollercoaster, and I would say, “Why hasn’t someone developed a solution to fix these long lines?” That is when I read the company’s work with respect to theme park improvement and reached out.
My passions are design and innovation towards a problem-solving objective, more than seven years in UX and product management experience, where I have had the opportunities to work very closely with cross-functional teams in terms of streamlining project workflows and improving user experiences.
I would be delighted to utilize my skills to help bring those memories along as a customer. I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you very much for considering me as an applicant, and I look forward to discussing how I can help further your vision.
Best regards,
Jack Williams
Letter of Intent Sample for Entry-Level Candidate
As a seeker of mass communications in your multi-platform media company letter, you could word it this way:
Dear Megan Smith,
I am Clara Johnson, a recent mass communication graduate, and I am writing to express my interest in joining your team at XY. XY’s work inspired me from the time I was young, and with age, I have come to admire your dedication to staying even more abreast of the times.
While a student, I learned some important skills on how to produce and create content and communicate the same in the media. I hosted a podcast on campus where I researched, wrote, and perfected how to have great storytelling for the listeners.
Letter of Intent Example
This is a letter of interest template:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
[Introduce yourself and briefly explain your connection to the company or its mission.]
[Discuss your interest in the company – in the 1st paragraph.]
[In the second paragraph, highlight your qualifications and explain how your skills align with the company’s needs.]
[In the closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for their time, and consider a call to action.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
All set! You now know how to craft a perfect letter of intent that states your qualifications and skills in an organized manner. Now, with this letter of intent template, share your passion for the organization and the value you could bring as a future team member with this guide. Be confident, and all the best!
FAQs
1. What’s the purpose of a letter of intent?
Answer: It shows your interest in a company, highlighting why you admire them and why you’d be a good fit.
2. How is it different from a cover letter?
Answer: Unlike a cover letter, which targets a specific role, a letter of intent focuses on your interest in the company overall.
3. What should it include?
Answer: Introduce yourself, explain your interest in the company, share relevant skills, and show enthusiasm.
4. Can I send one if a company isn’t hiring?
Answer: Yes! A letter of intent shows initiative and keeps you on their radar for future roles.
