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What is a letter of intent? Examples on how to write one

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What’s a letter of intent?

How to write a letter of intent , letter of intent example templates, letter of intent versus cover letter versus letter of interest , letter of intent for business partnerships, write with intention.

Putting together the perfect job application can feel impossible. 

Regardless of where you’re applying, you want to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate. 

Learning to effectively communicate your talents during the application process can be the difference between getting a follow-up response or having your application passed by. 

But there are lots of ways to introduce yourself, and choosing between a letter of intent versus letter of interest versus cover letter can be confusing. They all serve different purposes, and each suits a different type of position. 

Learning how to use each one will help you catch people’s attention and land the opportunities that propel your career forward.

A letter of intent does just what the name suggests: it expresses the intentions behind your application. This type of letter emphasizes the skills, values, and motivations you'll contribute more than your experience in the field. It should also include what you hope to achieve in the position you’re seeking.

These letters usually accompany applications to:

Jobs, especially senior level

Graduate or professional school programs

Grants 

Scholarships 

For example, if you're applying to grad school, a letter of intent explains what you intend to research in that timeframe and why you’re the best fit to conduct that research.

It might list the resources that the school offers that draw you to the program, like a particular archive or lab, and how you’ll use them to your advantage.

Similar to a cover letter or letter of interest, a letter of intent lets the reader know why you're a unique candidate that stands out from other applicants. Likewise, it clearly demonstrates how your goals and values align with the organization's mission, program, or funding opportunity.

Here are a few tips for crafting a letter of intent that stands out:

1. Do your due diligence

Learning about the organization or program is essential to every stage of the application process — from resume building to the interview. But the letter of interest is your first chance to attach a unique voice to your application and flaunt your knowledge about the opportunity. 

A letter of interest is about showing how your goals and intentions will benefit the organization. Hook your reader. They have to see themselves reflected in your intentions. Root your research in the following:

What’s the organization's vision?

What are the organization's mission and long-term goals?

What gives the organization a sense of meaning and purpose?

What initiatives has the organization taken to reach its goals?

Pay careful attention to the organization's language to describe itself and incorporate buzzwords and company vernacular into your letter. If their focus is sustainability, for example, make sure you communicate your passion for sustainability to show your compatibility. 

2. Keep it brief

When hiring managers, benefactors, and universities open applications, they're flooded with responses. Keep it short and sweet: don't tell them everything. Offer the highlights and leave them asking for more.

Similar to a cover letter or letter of interest, a letter of intent follows a business letter format. It should be a few paragraphs that introduce you as a candidate, outline your intentions, and encourage the reader to follow up. 

Your letter of intent is also an important first impression that establishes your communication skills. Brevity and efficient communication give the reader an understanding of what it'll be like to communicate in the future.

3. Show your sense of purpose

The goal of this letter is to clearly define your intentions and, if you can, explain how you'll carry them out. Show off your most valuable skills and experiences and how your work and purpose align with the organization's mission and goals. 

For example, if you’re applying to be a research fellow at a university in the medical sciences, explain why you’re the best fit for the department.

That might mean explaining your past research experience and how you’ll build on it, which faculty members do similar research to you, and how your work represents the university’s goals.

The following letter of intent templates for a professional email or formal letter can be edited to meet your needs, whether you’re applying to a job, graduate school , funding, or proposing a business partnership.

Any letter of intent examples should follow the same format and include the following:

A professional salutation

An introduction

A body that clearly states your purpose

An appropriate closing

Contact information

1. Letter of intent for a job application

Dear [name of hiring manager],

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the role of Editorial Assistant at the Virginia Gazette.

When I was in journalism school, I used the Gazette's coverage of the Appalachian coal miner's strikes as a guide to developing my writing ethos about working-class issues with humanity and reverence. I have followed the paper closely and have built my career around amplifying human-interest stories about politics at the community level.

I would be thrilled to interview and share my ideas for developing meaningful local coverage for the paper. You can reach me at [phone number] or [email address]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,

2. Letter of intent for a graduate program

Dear [name of recipient],

It's with pleasure that I submit my application for a doctorate in environmental science at the University of Washington. I'm particularly interested in the opportunity to work under Dr. Jones and learn from her extensive research in environmental justice.

While completing my master's degree at the University of Oregon, I had the opportunity to do a six-month fellowship with the Mayan communities across Guatemala to learn about developing legal systems to protect their sovereignty over oil and mining resources, inspired in part by the work that Dr. Jones has done with water rights with indigenous communities across the American Northwest. 

During my fellowship, I was able to build an initial legal framework with local indigenous leaders and lawyers to present to the national government, and I am still actively counseling local scientists on information gathering, recording, and grant writing. These experiences have prepared me to fit into the environmental justice program at the university, and the doctorate program and mentorship opportunities will help me make a larger impact in other communities.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please don't hesitate to contact me for further information. My email address is [email address], and my phone number is [phone number].

Thank you again,

3. Letter of intent for a business proposal

I'm writing to outline the proposed business transaction you and I discussed on [date]. This isn't a binding agreement, and I’m open to continued negotiation.

We've agreed to enter a design partnership. My responsibility will be business development, client sourcing, and project management. Your roles will be handling creativity, design, and developing other deliverables. All profits will be split 50-50 after expenses. We have agreed to hire an assistant to aid in administrative work, an account, and sign up for a small business loan for [sum] to cover initial overhead expenses, to be outlined formally in a partnership agreement.

We have agreed to meet on [date] to discuss financial details with [name of accountant], open a joint business account on [date] at [bank], sign an office rental agreement with [name of real estate broker] on [date], and sign a formal partnership agreement on [date] with [name of lawyer].

I look forward to firming up the details and getting started on this new venture together.

Although they all aim to secure you a new position, a letter of intent, letter of interest, and cover letter all serve different purposes. Let's break down their commonalities, differences, and when to use which.

Letter of intent

When applying for funding, graduate school, or jobs at start-ups and other small businesses, a letter of intent explains your motivations for applying. Here are three characteristics of a letter of intent:

Skill-specific: It demonstrates the specific skills and values that you will bring rather than emphasizing your previous experiences.

Emphasizes purpose: These letters should clearly indicate your intentions, the purpose of your work , and what you’ll do if chosen.

Storytelling: It tells a story that shows motivation to apply your skills in a way that benefits the organization or institution.

Cover letter

When applying for a specific job, a cover letter is an opportunity to encourage your potential employer to consider your resume and elaborate on key skills. Here are three characteristics of a cover letter:

Job-specific: It accompanies your job application, resume, or CV when applying for a specific position. Applications for a management position might focus on leadership experience over relevant technical skills, for example. 

Emphasizes experience: It highlights career highs, skills, and professional experiences you have relevant to the job. 

Convincing: It convinces the potential employer that you'll match the company culture and add value to the organization.

Letter of interest

If you're interested in working for a specific company that isn't currently advertising a job posting you'd like to apply for, a letter of interest lets you express your desire to work there in the future. Here are three characteristics of a letter of interest:

Organization-specific: It lets an organization know that you admire their company and want to be part of their staff.

Emphasizes initiative: It’s a way to demonstrate sought-after professional skills, like resourcefulness, independence, decision-making, goal setting, and follow-through. 

Positioning: It can be a great networking opportunity, setting you up to hear about job openings or internships , potentially before they're announced to other external candidates. 

A letter of intent is also used to outline and align business relationships, mergers, joint ventures, and partnerships. It's a non-binding agreement written before negotiating definitive agreements, like legally binding contracts, purchase agreements, or non-disclosure agreements.

These letters establish the terms of a prospective proposal between multiple businesses, freelancers, or organizations.

Anyone involved in the potential business transaction can write one, as they aren’t legally binding. They act as a good faith document or disclaimer to clarify expectations and details of a potential business deal before anyone commits.

This way, everyone involved can come to negotiations on the same page.

Now that you know the difference between a letter of intent versus letter of interest versus cover letter, it’s time to share your purpose with the world — and potential employers. 

You’ve spent your education or career developing a mission and finding your purpose. It’s worth sharing that passion with potential employers, academic advisors, and benefactors.

If you do it right, with as much intention as you’ve built your career, you’ll connect with your reader and set yourself to keep moving along your desired life path.

Invest in your career

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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What is a Letter of Intent? How to Write One for a Job [+ Examples]

Published: March 14, 2024

Standard job applications have a standard set of practices. You turn in a resume and cover letter, and then, if selected, you move through a few rounds of interviews and get the job.

However, not all potential job opportunities start with an application. In fact, many begin with initiative from a job seeker.

Those job seekers will send in a letter of intent rather than a  cover letter . In this article, we’ll take a look at what a letter of intent is and highlight some strategies for writing the best LOI you can. We’ve even included a template to help you get started. 

Here’s what you’ll find:

What is a letter of intent?

Letter of intent vs. cover letter, letter of intent vs. letter of interest, when to use a letter of intent.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job

Letter of Intent Samples

Letter of intent template.

A letter of intent is a less common way of expressing interest in a company. It targets reasons you’re looking for opportunities with a specific organization.

A letter of intent does include elements of a traditional cover letter, such as relevant experience and skills, but it’s used in slightly different contexts. LOIs emphasize alignment between a job seeker and an organization.

There are a few key differences between a  cover letter  and a letter of intent, including:

Context. While a cover letter responds to a specific job listing, a letter of intent targets an organization more generally. It may or may not have a specific job opening at the time that the LOI is sent in.

Focus. A cover letter explains why an applicant is a  good fit for a specific role . An LOI, on the other hand, addresses an individual’s compatibility with an overall organization or more general role.

Initiative. A cover letter is a reactive document responding to a job opening. A letter of intent, however, demonstrates more initiative and provides information before an organization specifically requests it.

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Letter of intent and  letter of interest  are often used interchangeably. While there are a lot of similarities between the two documents, there are also a few key differences:

Level of intent. Letters of intent have a high level of intentionality, while letters of interest are more exploratory. A letter of intent proposes action, while letters of interest are for information gathering.

Commitment level. A letter of intent is a high-commitment way of expressing interest in a company, while a letter of interest is a lower commitment. An individual is more likely to send out multiple letters of interest. 

Action orientation. A letter of intent always ends with a call to action, while a letter of interest is more laid-back and may not request anything specific from the recipient.

While both letters demonstrate initiative and are closely tailored to the company, they do serve slightly different purposes.

There are lots of scenarios where a job seeker may want to send out a letter of intent. Here are a few examples: 

You have a high level of interest in a specific company, but there’s not an open role.

You are interested in networking with a company in a committed way.

You want to reach out with a formal follow-up after a networking event.

You’re applying to a highly competitive field.

You’re aware of a potential job opportunity with an organization that hasn’t been published yet.

Additionally, students or job seekers switching industries may use letters of intent to apply to educational opportunities like internships and apprenticeships — though those may also be called  cover letters . 

How to Write a Letter of Intent

There are plenty of ways to approach writing a letter of intent for a job. Here’s a step-by-step process for writing your LOI draft:

1. Provide your contact information.  

At the top of your LOI, you’ll want to provide contact information so your recipient can contact you about future opportunities. This can include your phone number, email, and address.

2. Use an appropriate greeting.

For some opportunities, a formal greeting is appropriate. In other situations, a more informal approach may be ideal. If possible, address the specific recipient. 

3. Provide an introduction.  

In the intro paragraphs, you’ll want to tap into three specifics:

Who you are.

Why you’re reaching out.

How you got this company’s information.

Feel free to vary the order of this information. Your LOI intro may be formal or more playful, depending on who you are and the organization you’re submitting to.

4. Dive into your strengths and company alignment.  

An LOI is created to clearly convey why you’re a good fit for the organization. In the body paragraphs of your letter, you’ll want to explain:

• Your strengths.
• What you do.
• How those things would fit with the organization.

5. Guide the conversation into the future.  

All LOIs end with a call to action, which is one of the things that differentiates it from a letter of interest or a cover letter. Map out potential next steps so it’s easy for the reader to take action. It could include:

A request to schedule a meeting.

Making a specific pitch.

Encouraging the recipient to send a follow-up email.

6. Write a thoughtful conclusion .

Conclude your LOI by reiterating your interest in the company. Make sure to thank the recipient for their time, too — there wasn’t a job opening request, so they took time out of their day to read your letter.

If you’re sending your LOI because of an internal referral, be sure to reference them within the letter. 

Let’s go through a few different samples of LOIs and highlight what each does well. Refer to these samples as you draft your own letter of intent for guidance on incorporating the elements of an LOI seamlessly.

Internal Connection

In this letter of intent, Jennifer leverages an internal connection. This is a great way to earn a few extra points when explaining how you know about the business. Beyond that, Jennifer’s experiences align well with the work that the wine bar does.

What I like:  This letter of intent does a great job of personalization, weaving through the internal connection perfectly in a few different spots. A referral is a powerful aid to incorporate into an LOI, and Jennifer did a great job dropping hints of her connection.

Making a Pitch

What I like:  In this letter, Mark is making a pitch. He still covers the bases of a great LOI — discussing his strengths and alignment with the brand. But instead of just calling for a meeting, he makes a pitch that is specific to the organization. This provides value to the recipient and makes Mark look like a strong collaborator. 

Mark could benefit from HubSpot’s CMS Hub to manage his pitches. Lead generation and content creation are important parts of freelancing, and Mark needs to stay organized in order to do it well. Learn more about  HubSpot’s CMS Hub here .

Diving Into Alignment

Letters of intent are standard documents, so you don’t need to worry about reinventing the wheel each time you send one. Use this template as a resource to ensure your letter includes all the important parts.

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s contact information]

Dear  [Recipient or To Whom It May Concern] ,

My name is  [Your Name] ,  [title/relevant information about yourself] , and I heard about your organization through  [how you know the organization] . I’m reaching out to connect. I would love to chat if your team plans on expanding.

I have skills in  [skills]  that I believe would be a great fit for your organization. Your values of  [company values]  are in close alignment with my strengths, and I believe I could make a great contribution.

I believe that my  [abilities/skills/interests]  would benefit your company, and I’d love to talk more about any potential opportunities that arise with  [name of organization] . If interested, please reach out by  [phone/email]  to schedule a time to meet with me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and I hope to talk with you further in the future.

Of course, you’ll want to edit the template for tone and specifics related to yourself and the organization you’re contacting. 

Finding Success With a Great Letter of Intent

Sending a letter of intent can be vulnerable, but it’s a great way to make new connections and set yourself up for employment success.

Refer to these strategies, samples, and templates to make sure your LOI is going to be the most effective letter possible. Emphasize your alignment with the organization, and you’re sure to see success!

Don't forget to share this post!

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What Is a Letter of Intent & How to Write One (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Learning how to draft a Letter of Intent (LOI) and outline your terms is essential to developing a business mindset. These letters are common for new graduates and job seekers alike, but how do you summarize your intentions accurately and concisely in an LOI? 

We’ll help you understand the most important rules for crafting an LOI to outline your experiences and express interest in the company.

What Is a Letter of Intent?

Letters of Intent are helpful in business dealings to outline each party’s intentions, the transaction’s goal, and any provisions in place before a deal is officially confirmed. 

An LOI is not just used in the business sector, though. Parents could write one to outline their expectations for their children should they both pass away unexpectedly. While not legally binding, family court judges will consider LOIs of this sort when making decisions regarding those children.

For a lot of people, an LOI is used to express interest in a job, much like a cover letter, to outline their skills and expertise and their interest in working for the employer. These types of letters are also known as letters of interest.

Letters of intent are helpful for job applicants who are applying for a job that doesn’t have a glaring “Now Hiring” sign outside their front door and is a good idea for new graduates to start drawing interest in their capabilities. 

“Ask, and you shall receive” is the motto of the business world. If you advertise your skills and experience and build a business network , you set yourself up to find the best job. Don’t be deterred if a company is not hiring and realize you may need to send out dozens of LOIs before you get a nibble; this is just part of the game.

After all, if a company currently has no vacancies, it takes the hiring manager two minutes to respond courteously, “Thank you for your application, but we are not accepting new candidates at this time.” In other words, don’t feel anxious that you may be wasting a company’s time with your LOI inquiry.

The more LOIs you write, the more likely you are to strike a chord with a company whose interests align with your own and who is willing to follow up with the interview process.

The Key to Writing a Quality Letter of Intent

Letters of intent are useful when submitting resumes at a job fair, researching suitable employers for your skillset, or applying for a job when no job posts are listed. The goal is to outline your skills, express your interest in working for the company, and submit a call to action. 

Remember, depending on your skill set, you may need to send out dozens, if not hundreds, of LOIs before you get a response. However, crafting a solid LOI with all the right components will likely land you an interview.

The Greeting

Always include a greeting in your LOI. A standard greeting like “Dear hiring manager” or “Hello” works well. If you know the name of the individual responsible for hiring, addressing them by name is a good marker of respect and showcases your professionalism.

Introduction

After your precursory greeting, your next goal is to introduce yourself. When preparing for this crucial beginning, consider the following questions:

• Why are you writing to this employer? 
• How does your skill set align with their company goals?

Ensure that you provide the hiring manager with a good understanding of who you are, why you’re writing the letter, and your intention. This is your first impression, so take the time to make it a good one.

Here is an example of a suitable introduction for a letter of intent: 

“Dear hiring manager,

My name is John Davis, and I’m a technical writer who recently graduated from the University of California with my bachelor’s degree in English. WordSmith Inc. has a wide range of impacts on the world with an admirable sense of ethics. Please consider my application for employment in your technical writing department.”

Body Paragraphs

Now that you have a solid intro outlining your intentions, it’s time to move on to the body paragraph, which should include all your relevant achievements, experience, and values. 

Consider the following example:

“While attending the University of California, I participated in numerous opportunities that helped develop my craft, such as serving as a staff writer for the university’s technical department. As part of my responsibilities, I conveyed complex topics into digestible articles using my computer electronics expertise. In addition, I have taken several courses on content marketing and am familiar with SEO mechanics and practices.”

Feel free to outline any extracurricular activities related to your skill set and briefly touch on your academic achievements; your primary goal is to sell yourself to the hiring manager.

Call to Action

Finally, include a robust call to action to give the hiring manager a reason to call back. Convey your interest in the company once more and reiterate the assets you bring to the table:

“Given WordSmith’s excellent reputation for high-quality technical writing, my skill set would make me a valuable part of the team. If you need entry-level technical writers, please consider me for any available positions.”

Closing Line and Signature

Wrap up your email with a brief closing line and your signature. Something as simple as “Sincerely” or “Thank you” is acceptable, but you could also use “Thank you for your time” or “Thank you for your consideration.” 

On the following line, type your name as a digital signature. Provide your contact information below, including your phone number and email address, or include it as part of your closing paragraph. It is also a good idea to attach your resume to an LOI so that a hiring manager can review your achievements, education, and other qualifications.

Once you’ve completed your email, review it carefully for errors. Sometimes reading your letter out loud can help you detect problems in your writing, so doing so can help you make appropriate revisions to ensure your letter is as effective as possible.

Letter of Intent Template

Dear Mr. Reginald Davis,  My name is Michael Fields, an art teacher with three years of experience at the secondary education level. I have recently moved into the area and am interested in working for Manatee Heights School District. Please consider my employment application.  From my background in education and experience teaching seventh grade at Aloysius Junior High, I understand the value art has for students, giving them an outlet to express their creativity while teaching them how to work independently and with others. I have excellent classroom management skills and easily build rapport with students, providing instructional and fun lessons. As I have three children, I understand the importance of a solid educational foundation.  Your school system embodies the same qualities I hold dear, so I believe we would make an excellent match. I would love to further discuss my qualifications with you. You may reach me at [email protected] or by phone at 555-5555.  I appreciate your time and consideration! Regards, Michael Fields

The Bottom Line

Sending out a letter of intent is a great way to put out a few feelers for jobs in your area. Following this template, you are much more likely to get a callback from a candidate employer and give yourself the best chance to land the job you seek. 

Remember, if the company does not currently have an opening for a position that fits your talents, they may store your letter in their candidate file if they like what they see in you. If so, you may hear from them when an opening becomes available. The key to success is to remain patient, keep an open mind, and stay vigilant.  

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How to write a letter of intent for a job [+ 2 samples]

Throughout your job search, you may have noticed that some job postings ask for a letter of intent with your application. Exactly what this means, and how it is different from a cover letter, may not be clear. In this article we will discuss letters of intent, their uses, and how they are different from cover letters.

Recommended links:

• Our collection of 500+ professional resume examples .
• Our gallery of 20+ downloadable resume templates .
• What is a letter of intent?

A letter of intent is a brief document, usually paired with a resume, that states your intention to work for a particular company. It should summarize your relevant skills and express why you are a good fit for that organization. Letters of intent are highly tailored to the company they are addressed to, and can be sent when requested by a job posting or independently.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

• What is the difference between a letter of intent and a cover letter?

Whereas cover letters are specific to an open position and tailored to suit the needs of that role, letters of intent tend to focus on the larger company. Instead of detailing why you are the best person for a job based on a job posting, a letter of intent will show your interest in the company as a whole by showing your respect for the company’s values, the relevant skills you have to contribute, and your ideas for how you could fit right in if hired. Even if the company does not have a position open right now, this enthusiasm is a great way to get your name in the running for the next one.

Suggested - Cover letter examples

• Why write a letter of intent?

Letters of intent are most often used by job-seekers when they are requested by a job posting. Cover letters are more common, but if a job posting specifically asks for a letter of intent you should be ready to write one.

You can also send a letter of intent when it hasn’t been requested to show your enthusiasm for a company. When you have a specific organization that you would like to work for but they aren’t hiring, a letter of intent is a great way to make yourself known. The hiring manager may not have a position open for you now, but with a good letter of intent that shows your personality and qualifications you will be at the top of their mind when they do.

Browse our gallery of resume templates here.

• Why do companies ask for letters of intent?

Letters of intent are most commonly asked for by small or new companies who do not have clearly defined roles like larger companies. Where a large company would likely be hiring for an established position with specific requirements, positions at newer companies are often flexible, with employees wearing many hats. A letter of intent allows you as the job seeker to express what experience you bring to the company and how you can create value in your own unique way. When the responsibilities of a role are not yet clearly defined, allowing applicants to define their niche is a great way for companies to get new ideas for what they need.

• What should I include in my letter of intent?

The contents of a letter of intent are flexible, as the specific skills or anecdotes you choose to highlight will depend on your experience and industry. However, you should still make sure that your letter contains everything you need to impress an employer. When you write your letter of intent, it can be useful to use a standard format to make sure it is readable and professional.

• Greeting. Begin your letter of intent with a polite salutation. If possible, find the name of the hiring manager or department head that you would like to reach so that you can address your letter to them directly. This information is likely available on the company’s website, or you can browse the company’s employee’s profiles on LinkedIn.
• Introduction. Open the body of your letter with a sentence or brief paragraph that introduces you, including your name and skillset, and what your intention is for the letter. This can be as simple as saying “My name is Sam Rogers. I am a recent graduate of NYU’s business program and I am writing to express my interest in your company,” though including more details, such as how you discovered the company, will better show your personality.
• Mirroring the language that the company uses will let them know that you share similar values. If you are writing in response to a job listing, you can use the key words found there to choose the skills you highlight. If you are sending the letter unrequested, use what you know about the company and your industry to choose the skills you emphasize.
• Be very clear about what level of experience you can bring and what type of responsibility you are looking for. If you are an experienced manager, you don’t want to write a great letter of intent only to be considered for an entry level role.
• Show that you are the right fit for the company, and show that you have the right attitude to make a difference. Explain what draws you to the company, why your skills are a match, and how you can contribute to company culture.
• Call to action. Before signing off, it is important to give the employer an easy way to follow up with you. This can be as simple as saying that you look forward to their response and leaving your number, or you can say that you will be following up yourself at a later date. Either way, if you want to hear from that employer again you must make sure they know that you would like to hear from them and how they can contact you.
• Closing. “Sincerely,” “Best,” “Cheers,’—use whichever sign-off best suits your personality, so long as it is professional and appropriate. Leave them with your name, email, phone number, and any online portfolios that may help, such as LinkedIn.

• Tips for writing a letter of intent
• Research the company. Before writing your letter, make sure you know your audience. Browse the company’s website and social media, and see if they have been featured in any news items. You will be much more able to describe your interest in the company if you really do know them well.
• Format your letter well. Use a readable, professional font, and keep paragraphs short and readable. No employer likes reading a huge block of text. VisualCV’s cover letter builder works great for both cover letters and letters of intent.
• Be brief. Your letter should not be longer than a page. Even if you are a great candidate, employers are unlikely to read much more than a page, if that.
• Proofread. Typos and spelling errors will leave a terrible first impression. No matter how perfect you are for the company, employers will find it difficult to look past spelling mistakes. It is important to read and reread your letter to check for errors, and if you are not a confident writer, you may even want to have a friend look it over for mistakes.
• Letter of Intent Sample #1

Dear Susan Williams,

My name is Rob Stanfield. I am a front-end developer and user experience specialist with 8 years of experience and I am writing to express my interest in working for the product team at TrueTeach. As the child of two teachers I understand the importance of education and I believe that educators deserve the best possible platform for delivering content online, and I think that TrueTeach can be that platform.

I am currently the UX team lead at the social media management start-up Dashbored, where I work with the product team to develop an efficient, customer-focused platform. Our user base has grown 300% in the time that I have been a part of this team, and as proud as I am of this business and the Dashbored community, I have always known that my career journey would lead me to education eventually. As an undergraduate, I volunteered at a local elementary school teaching introductory coding, and my master’s thesis focused on accessible content delivery for distance learning.

I am familiar with the tech stack used at TrueTeach and I believe strongly in the TrueTeach mission. My experience in product development and my passion for education make me an ideal fit for your team.

I would love to schedule some time to discuss my qualifications and the future of TrueTeach with you. I can be reached at [email protected] , or by phone at 555-5555. Thank you for your time.

Best, Rob Stanfield

• Letter of Intent Sample #2

Hello Caroline,

My name is Stephanie Ross and I am a marketing director with over 10 years experience in the startup, tech and SaaS space. I've spent the majority of my career building brands and exceptional customer experiences and I'd love to express my interest in discussing opportunities to join the marketing team at Hubspot.

From the outside looking in at the growth at Hubspot over the last several years, the company has looked after your customers above everything else - this is a mission-driven organization and brand that aligns perfectly with my beliefs on marketing and customer experiences. From early on in my career, I've always approached marketing strategy from an empathetic position to make sure that the experience we've created at the companies I've worked for puts the customer's needs first and really getting to the root of what problems they need help solving.

I pride myself on being a critical and open-minded thinker and with extreme attention to detail. My approach to building marketing strategies always starts with speaking with and learning from the customers directly, as well as building tight-knit relationships with other teams across the organization. I believe it's critical to connect with and learn from sales, engineering, support and others to understand what their internal challenges are to find synergies that marketing may be able to help solve.

I'd love to chat further with you and answer any questions you may have, and discuss opportunities on your team. I'm available by phone at 555-555-5555 or by email at [email protected] . Thank you very much for your consideration and look forward to speaking soon.

Sincerely, Stephanie Ross

• How do you Start a Letter of Intent?

Here’s how you can start a letter of intent for a job in the right way:

• Select the right layout for the letter.
• Start the letter of intent with a professional salutation.
• Then, start with an introductory paragraph
• How do you Introduce yourself in a letter of intent?

When writing a letter of intent for a job, start writing your letter by informing the reader who you are and why you want to apply for this job. A good example is “My name is Jane. I am a quality assurance lead at FrontEnd Co. with over 11 years of experience…”

• How do you Write a Simple Letter of Intent?

To write a simple letter of intent you should:

• Write the letter in a very easy to understand language.
• Avoid using hyperboles in your writing.
• Make sure to add a date, address of the recipient and your address
• Ensure that you add a salutation followed by an introduction.
• Briefly talk about your skills and have a final call to action.
• Add a closing to your simple letter of intent
• What is an example of a letter of Intent?

Dear hiring manager,

My name is Jane. I am a quality assurance lead at FrontEnd Co. with over 11 years of experience. I am writing this letter to express my interest in working for the digital experience team. I am extremely passionate about end user experiences and developing a world class proactive QA program at ThingsPort would be a dream come true.

In my current role as a quality assurance lead, I manage a team of 10 quality assurance professionals who support digital transformation across 10 business units at FrontEnd Co. I worked with technical, business and design teams to establish QA processes to oversee agile deployment of business transformation projects. Writing QA documentation from scratch and improving line of communication with the dev team are some of the most rewarding aspects of my work here.

Processes followed at ThingsPort and the technology used is well within my expertise. And my experience of managing QA for 10 business transformation projects makes me an ideal fit for the QA team at FrontEnd Co.

I would love to schedule a call to discuss my goals and past relevant experience in depth with you. I can be reached at [email protected] or at 555-555-5555. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Jane

Madison Norton

VP Marketing & Resume Expert

Madison is the VP Marketing and General Manager at VisualCV . He's a seasoned marketing leader, resume writing and career marketing expert and now helping people grow their own career marketing strategies to build a career they love.

Madison on LinkedIn

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• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job (With Examples)

• Why Write a Letter of Intent?

What to Include in a Letter of Intent

Tips for writing a letter of intent, sample letter of intent for a job, letter of intent example, email letter of intent sample.

Image by Marina Li © The Balance 2019 

If you’re job searching, you may have spotted a few online job postings that ask for a letter of intent—but what does that mean? In this context, a letter of intent is similar to a cover letter . It includes information on why you are qualified for the position.

You should write a letter of intent when an employer requests one in a job listing. Send this letter in addition to your resume and other required application materials.

One difference between a letter of intent and a cover letter is that you can also write a letter of intent when you want to express interest in working for a company that does not have any specific jobs listed. You can use this letter to explain why you would be a good fit for the organization should an appropriate role open up. In this situation, a letter of intent is similar to an inquiry letter , also called a letter of interest .

When writing a letter of intent without a specific job opening in mind, explain what type of work you are interested in. For example, maybe you are looking for a managerial position or a position in a certain department. Keep in mind that staying flexible can be beneficial. By not being overly specific, you may open yourself up to opportunities that you may not have otherwise considered.

Whether you are submitting a letter of intent for a specific job or are simply expressing your interest in working for a company, make sure your letter is well-written, professional, and shows why you are a good fit for the company.

Why Write a Letter of Intent?

Letters of intent are used as a means of introduction to personalize your application and provide the hiring manager with your resume . They make it easy for the recruiter or employer to see exactly what your qualifications are and what you can bring to the table that other applicants cannot.

A well-written letter will help your application get noticed and provide the employer with details on why you're a strong candidate and should be considered. A good letter can help you land an interview .

Salutation Begin with a professional salutation . Find out the name of the employer or hiring manager, and include it in your opening. If you do not know to whom you should address the letter, call the office and ask.

Body Paragraph 1: Introduction Begin your letter by introducing yourself and explaining why you are reaching out. If you are responding to a specific job listing, say so. Otherwise, simply explain that you are interested in working for the company and explain the type of work you are interested in.

Body Paragraph 2: Highlight Relevant Skills This is where you connect your skills and abilities to the job listing . Take the time to carefully review the job description and the requirements listed in it. Mention one or two important requirements of the job, and explain how you meet those requirements. Provide specific examples from your past work experiences.

If you are "cold contacting" the employer , explain how your skills would make you a good fit for the company. The closer you can match your credentials to the job requirements or the company’s needs, the better your chance of getting chosen for a job interview.

You might break this section into two paragraphs, depending on the number of skills you mention.

Body Paragraph 3: Call to Action Conclude your letter with a brief paragraph on how you will follow up. If the job listing says not to follow up, simply state that you look forward to hearing from the employer.

Closing End with a professional closing such as “Best” or “Sincerely.” If you are submitting a printed letter, include a handwritten signature followed by your typed name. If you are emailing the letter, conclude with your email signature.

Use the appropriate format. Use business letter format for your letter. Begin with your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information.

When sending an email, include a clear subject line. If you decide to send your letter in the body of an email, be sure to include a concise subject line that explains why you are emailing . If you are applying to a specific job, include your name and the job title. If you are reaching out cold, include your name and a phrase like “Job Inquiry” or “Marketing Expert Looking to Share Expertise.”

If you decide to send the letter via email, you also do not need to include any contact information or the date at the top. Instead, include your contact information in the email signature.

Research the company. Before writing, be sure to research the company to get a sense of the company’s culture , mission, and needs. You need to explain how you would add value to the company, and you can only do this if you know what the company is looking for.

Don’t rehash your resume. Don't simply repeat what is on your resume. Instead, pick out your strongest qualifications and highlight them. Your goal is to showcase your best credentials to the employer so they will be persuaded to read your resume, not to provide a full career history.

Consider using bullet points. A good strategy for formatting your letter of intent is to include a bulleted section that highlights your qualifications for the job. The bullets will help to make your qualifications “pop” on the page, immediately drawing attention to the skills and expertise you offer. A careful use of boldface can also help to catch the hiring manager’s eye.

Keep it short. Your letter should be no longer than a page. If you write a longer letter, the hiring manager will not likely read it.

Proofread your letter. Don’t forget to thoroughly proofread your letter for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Consider asking a friend or family member to read it over before you submit it. Your letter needs to be professional and polished.

This is a sample letter of intent for applying to a job. Download the letter of intent template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Olive Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 olive.applicant@email.com

September 1, 2023

James Lee Head Librarian Acme University 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I am writing to express my strong interest in the position of library aide at Acme University, as listed on Monster.com. I am a recent college graduate with extensive library experience and a record of excellent written and oral communication. I believe I would be an ideal fit for this position at your organization. 

I am skilled at communicating effectively with different people across various platforms. In my position as an administrative assistant at Longmont Library, I greeted dozens of patrons each day on the phone and in person. I also answered patron queries via email and social media. I received recognition from the circulation department head for my friendly demeanor, patience, and ability to communicate professionally with all patrons.

I am passionate about staying up to date with the latest library best practices. I have two years of experience working with some of the most widely used library management software, including Ex Libris and Koha. I am also familiar with the latest OCLC input standards. 

I believe my experience, communication skills, and interpersonal abilities would make me a strong fit for this position. I look forward to speaking with you more about my qualifications.

Olive Applicant

Cold Call Email Example

Subject: Introduction Briana Applicant

Dear Mr. Lee,

Throughout my 15 years of experience in sales and sales management, I have always been impressed with your company’s reputation for exemplary customer service and your excellent sales record. I believe my experience and sales knowledge would make me an asset to Acme Sales.

Qualifications and skills I bring to the table include:

• 10 years of progressive experience  in retail sales management, consistently triggering year-over-year sales increases by  more than 15%  for each year of tenure.
• Proven  leadership and team-building talents , successfully training and guiding teams of 20+ sales representatives to new levels of sales achievement.      
• Keen analytical and strategic planning skills  leveraged to control inventory/costs, reduce churn, and maximize sales productivity. 

I would love to speak with you about how I can contribute to the sales team at XYZ Company. I will call you next week to arrange a time to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to speaking with you.

Briana Applicant

Write a letter of intent to express your interest in a company: Some employers will ask for a letter in job postings. In other cases, you may send a letter of intent to a company with no current job openings.

Don’t rehash your resume: Your letter should be a sales pitch. It should complement your resume and generate interest in you as a candidate.

Be professional: Use business letter format and be sure to proofread your letter before you send it. 

UC Davis. " Write an Effective Cover Letter/Letter of Intent ."

Nice to meet you.

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How to Write a Letter of Intent (+Format and Examples)

November 27, 2018

by Grace Pinegar

Have you seen those videos of Black Friday shopping (an event in the United States in which stores significantly reduce all prices the day after Thanksgiving) where people stand at a store’s front doors in herds, aggressively waiting to snag some of the year’s best deals?

Imagine how much easier it would be to do your Black Friday shopping if you had a secret back-door entrance. If you were able to take a different route and get to the technology without waiting with the herd.

While I don’t know of a secret passageway in regards to holiday shopping, I think I can provide you some lesser-known help in terms of finding and applying for jobs: writing a letter of intent.

A letter of intent is just one of the many types of business letters  you might have to write over the course of your career. 

Letter of intent definition

A letter of intent, also known interchangeably as a letter of interest, is something you send to an employer or manager in consideration for a job that is not posted. In other words, this type of letter communicates your desire and intention to become a part of this organization.

How to write a letter of intent

Say, for example, you find a company you really want to work for. You look up their currently available jobs and come to find none match your experience or education. Being a person of ambition, you don’t want to give up on this esteemed organization.

In this situation, you have the option of writing a letter of intent which outlines your desire to work for that organization. Letters of intent are not the same as cover letters, which accompany your resume and formal job application. Letters of intent, on the other hand, can be sent at any time.

You do not have to be applying for the job when you send out a letter of intent. Rather, you’re making an introduction.

In this letter, you set out to form a connection with the company and inform the hiring manager of your intentions to join their team.

Aspects of a letter of intent

A letter of intent, or a letter of interest, is a hiring manager’s first impression of who you are and what you can do. It’s important to remain cordial and professional throughout the letter as well as any following correspondence.

If you want your letter of intent to inspire a hiring manager to get back to you, you should abide by these guidelines.

Tailor the letter to your desired company

Your letter, even if you send it as an email, should be addressed to a specific person. You have already gone so far as to seek out an organization. You should take one step further by addressing it to a member of human resources, or by addressing the manager of the team you’d like to work for.

Lucky for you, companies these days like to show off their teams. You should easily be able to track down names just by going to a company’s team page. If this doesn’t work, try going to a company’s LinkedIn and perusing their employee list.

Research the role

Letters of intent are tricky because there’s no job description laid before you. However, you should still write this letter with a full and clear understanding of the role you’d like to have.

One easy way to accomplish this is to look up descriptions for this role at other companies. Use the personality characteristics and job requirements listed on those descriptions to inform what you discuss in your letter of intent.

(Visit our Learn hub to read generic job descriptions such as administrative assistant , recruiter , office manager , product marketing manager , and many more.)

Introduce yourself

At the beginning of a letter of intent, it’s important you introduce yourself and clarify the type of role you’re interested in. Additionally, outline why this particular company is of interest. Did you see them in the news? Did a member of their executive team visit your college campus?

Providing such reasons will personalize your letter and help you be remembered.

Detail your experience

Next, you’ll want to detail your relevant work experience. What milestones have you contributed to at past companies throughout your career? Why should the manager or member of human resources be interested in you? This is the paragraph where that research gets to shine.

Include a call-to-action

While it may seem uncomfortable to order another professional around, you may never hear back from a hiring manager if you don’t mention next steps in your letter of intent.

At the end of your letter, it is appropriate to tell the recipient you’d like to schedule a phone call or ask for an informational email. You want to strike a balance that will solicit a response without coming off as either pushy or needy.

A closing paragraph is a place to quickly thank the recipient for their time. You could also include the CTA in the closing paragraph if you don’t want it to be a standalone ask.

Be sure you sign off of the letter in a standard format, using “sincerely,” “best,” or “regards,” before your name. Do not use anything too familiar such as “love,” or “warmly,” as they are not widely considered professional

Letter of intent example

Here are some structural tips and standards that will help you write a rockin' letter of intent. 

Format heading properly

As with most letters, you’ll want to be sure you’ve properly formatted the heading and introduction. Be sure to include both your information and theirs. Your information will look as follows: Your Name

Your Address

Your Email Address

Your Phone Number

Next, address the reader. Their information should be written as follows: Their Name (if known)

Company Name

Company Address

Introductory paragraph

Here is a generic example of an acceptable introductory paragraph in a letter of intent:

I met your CMO Jim McGuire this past summer at my university’s speaker series, wherein he said successful people are not only brave but also ambitious. My ambition has led me to inquire about the possibility of working in your organization’s event marketing department. My experience at Rosehill Farms accustomed me to hosting weddings and events of up to 300 attendees, performing every responsibility save walking down the aisle myself. I view your team as creative and detail-oriented, two characteristics I’ve nurtured over a lifetime.

Body paragraph(s)

Here is a generic example of a body paragraph (or two) that could follow the previous introductory paragraph:

My parents say I was born with a plan, always questioning and organizing and coordinating everything from the colors at my 6th grade sleepover, to the seating chart at holiday meals. I would offer this team intense attention to detail as well as a passion for the event, regardless of genre. I pride myself a critical thinker and have been known to come through for brides and birthdays alike as I sew hems and locate backup cakes. Were I to be added to your team, I’d only serve to strengthen and support the exceptional customer care this company already provides.

Closing paragraph

Here is a generic example of a closing paragraph that could be submitted with the letter previously mentioned:

I would love to answer any additional questions you may have or further discuss the prospect of my employment. If you are available, I can be reached for an informational interview via my cell number 444-444-4444 or email [email protected].

Here is a generic example of an appropriate sign-off to end a letter of intent:

Julie Butler

---------------

If you’re looking for additional resources to help you in the professional sphere, consider learning more with G2 Crowd. We have articles outlining: 

• How to Write a Thank You Letter After a Job Interview
• How to Write a Resignation Letter
• How to Write a Cover Letter

Grace Pinegar is a lifelong storyteller with an extensive background in various forms such as acting, journalism, improv, research, and content marketing. She was raised in Texas, educated in Missouri, worked in Chicago, and is now a proud New Yorker. (she/her/hers)

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