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

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

person at their computer writing a letter of intent

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

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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 most effective LOI you may. 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 widespread approach of expressing curiosity in an organization. It targets causes you’re searching for alternatives with a selected group.

A letter of intent does embody components of a conventional cowl letter, resembling related expertise and abilities, but it surely’s utilized in barely totally different contexts. LOIs emphasize alignment between a job seeker and a company.

letter of intent example for Publishing Now

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 selected job itemizing, a letter of intent targets a company extra typically. It might or could not have a selected 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 selected function. An LOI, then again, addresses a person’s compatibility with an total group or extra common function.

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

Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Curiosity

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

  • Degree 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 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 at all times 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 intently tailor-made to the corporate, they do serve barely totally different functions.

When to Use a Letter of Intent

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

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

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

  • You need 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 company that hasn’t been revealed but.

Moreover, college students or job seekers switching industries could use letters of intent to use to instructional alternatives like internships and apprenticeships — although these might also be referred to as cowl letters

when to use a letter of intent

Methods 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 prime of your LOI, you’ll need to present contact data so your recipient can contact you about future alternatives. This could embody your telephone quantity, e mail, and handle.

2. Use an applicable greeting.

For some alternatives, a proper greeting is acceptable. In different conditions, a extra casual strategy could also be supreme. If doable, handle the precise recipient. 

3. Present an introduction. 

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

Be at liberty to range the order of this data. Your LOI intro could also be formal or extra playful, relying on who you might be 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 an excellent match for the group. Within the physique paragraphs of your letter, you’ll need 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 simple for the reader to take motion. It might embody:

6. Write a considerate conclusion.

Conclude your LOI by reiterating your curiosity within the firm. Be certain 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.

If you happen to’re sending your LOI due to an inner referral, be sure you reference them throughout the letter. 

how to write a letter of intent

Letter of Intent Samples

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

Inner Connection

Dear Mr. Waterhouse, My name is Jennifer Orlando, and I am an accomplished sommelier with a decade of experience. I recently enjoyed a glass at your wine bar, and I would love to chat with you more if you’re hiring soon. My colleague, Jackson Marymount, has worked at Italiano Wine Bar for several years and highly recommends working with your organization. I have a wine service background and a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certification. I’m passionate about Italian wines — Nebbiolos are my favorite! Jackson says you’re a fan, as well. My passion for Italian wines, combined with my experience, make me a great candidate for Italiano Wine Bar if you’re ever in need of an extra hand. I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter today, and if you’d like to chat further, please email me, and we can schedule a time to sit down together. Thank you again for your time. Warm regards, Jennifer

On this letter of intent, Jennifer leverages an inner connection. It is a nice method to earn a number of further factors when explaining how you understand in regards to the enterprise. Past that, Jennifer’s experiences align nicely with the work that the wine bar does.

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

Making a Pitch

Dear Elise, My name is Mark Morgan, and I’m a freelance graphic designer with a passion for bold marketing materials. I found your marketing company while on LinkedIn the other day, and I would love to collaborate with you in the future. As I read up on your company, I discovered a lot of similarities between my work and your organization. I, too, advocate for bright and forward advertising, and creating smart and attractive ads is my specialty. While I noticed you don’t have any posted project needs at this time, I was browsing your offerings and saw an opportunity to bolster your products. Your “Full-Stack Ad Copywriting” package covers strategy and copy, but it doesn’t offer graphic design. I’d love to bring my skills to the table to supplement your product. If you’d like to chat further, please shoot me an email, and we’ll set up a time to discuss potential collaboration. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my letter. Take care, Mark

What I like: On this letter, Mark is making a pitch. He nonetheless covers the bases of an awesome 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 gives worth to the recipient and makes Mark appear to be a powerful collaborator. 

Mark may benefit from HubSpot’s CMS Hub to handle his pitches. Lead era and content material creation are essential components of freelancing, and Mark wants to remain organized to be able to do it nicely. Be taught extra about HubSpot’s CMS Hub right here.

Diving Into Alignment

Dear Michael, My name is Jordan, and I’m a non-profit manager. I’m reaching out today because I discovered your organization through one of my colleagues. I’d love to see if you’re in need of any managerial services. My values are in close alignment with the values of Trees 4 Life Canada. I’m dedicated to service and passionately believe saving the trees is one of the best ways we can save the world. I studied agriculture in college and have since dedicated my professional life to collaboration with tree nonprofits. If you’re seeking a manager in the near future, I’d love to be considered for the role. With my experience and alignment with your values, I’d surely be a great fit. Please feel free to send me an email at jordanlovestrees@example.com. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, JordanWhat I like: Jordan is in shut alignment with the group’s values and does an awesome 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 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 essential components.

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

 

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s contact information]

 

Pricey [Recipient or To Whom It May Concern],

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

I’ve abilities in [skills] that I consider can be an awesome match on your group. Your values of [company values] are in shut alignment with my strengths, and I consider I might make an awesome contribution.

I consider 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.

Finest,

[Your name]

After all, you’ll need 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 may be susceptible, 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!

Apply for a job, keep track of important information, and prepare for an  interview with the help of this free job seekers kit.

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