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

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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.

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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?

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.

letter of intent example for Publishing Now

Letter of Intent vs. Cover Letter

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.

Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Interest

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.

When to Use a Letter of Intent

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. 

when to use a letter of intent

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. 

how to write a letter of intent

Letter of Intent Samples

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

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

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

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: 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

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 close alignment with the organization’s values and does a great job of highlighting that in her letter of intent. She’s thoughtful and well-researched, communicates her alignment clearly, and then closes with a call to action.

Letter of Intent Template

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.

Best,

[Your name]

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!

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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