Letter of Intent Examples & How-to Guide
Is there a specific company you would like to work with? Want to introduce yourself in case there are any open positions? A letter of intent will do the trick! Below is a step-by-step guide to writing a letter of intent, templates, examples, plus a few tips.
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What Is a Letter of Intent?
A letter of intent formally introduces you to an employer you want to work with. In the letter, you should explain your interest in the organization and emphasize the skills and experiences that would benefit them.
Want a better letter? Try our cover letter templates. Simply edit and download. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click using our Cover Letter Builder.
Why is a letter of intent important?
While mapping out your career, you may identify specific companies you want to work for because you believe in their mission or because they’re a strategic step in reaching your goals.
A letter of intent is essential to building a relationship and getting your name to the right people. It allows you to express your desire to join the team and advocate for yourself without committing to a specific role.
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Letter of Intent vs. Cover Letter
While a cover letter focuses on convincing the employer you’re the right fit for a particular position, a letter of intent communicates your intention to join a company even if there are no current job openings.
A cover letter may lead to an interview, but a letter of intent may not lead to any subsequent steps. However, it’s an excellent way to get ahead of the competition when the time comes.
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What to Include in a Letter of Intent
With just four primary elements, writing a letter of intent is a breeze. You’ll want to include:
- Greeting: A letter of intent should always start with a formal salutation.
- Introduction: This is your chance to introduce yourself and quickly grab the reader’s attention.
- Body: Use up to two paragraphs to elaborate on your skills, work experience and why you’re interested in joining the company.
- Call to action: It’s always best to end with a thank you and an open invitation to talk further.
Free letter of intent template
Subject line: [Your Name] – [Current Title] Looking to Share Expertise
[Date]
Dear [Recipient’s Full Name or Hiring Manager],
Introduction and hook: [Introduce yourself, state your intent and add an exciting hook to grab the reader’s attention.]
Motivation and alignment: [Explain why you are interested in the opportunity and how your skills, values and goals align with the company’s. Highlight specific aspects of the organization that resonate with you.]
Contribution and value proposition: [Describe what you can bring to the business. Share any unique strengths or perspectives that set you apart and how these attributes will contribute to the company’s success.]
Closing: Thank you for considering me to join this great team. I am eager to discuss further how my skills and experiences align with the goals of [Company/Institution]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Call to action: My resume is attached for your reference. I am available at [your phone number] or [your email address] to schedule a conversation as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
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How to Write a Letter of Intent
Now that you know how to format a letter of intent, it’s all about giving it your unique touch. Follow these five steps to write your letter of intent:
1Research the company.
Researching the company is crucial to crafting your letter of intent. How else will you know if you’re interested in working there?
Try to learn everything about their mission, culture, achievements and competitors. This information will help you include specific details about the company that encouraged you to reach out while showing them your genuine interest.
Additionally, you can find the name of the person you’re writing to and personalize your letter further. It’s important to display your initiative and due diligence.
2Address your letter.
If you find the full name of the person you’re writing to, address your letter with the formal “Dear, [recipient’s full name].” Other appropriate letter of intent greetings are:
- Dear [Job Title]’s Hiring Manager,
- Dear Head of [Job Title’s Department],
- Dear [Department] Recruiter,
- Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Greetings,
3Hook your reader.
Knowing how to start a letter of intent is critical to ensure your reader stays until the end. Quickly introduce yourself, state your purpose, and follow with a comment on recent company news or updates. This is a clever way to grab their attention and show you’re keeping up with the latest developments.
Use your hook to move on to the next paragraph to highlight how you identify with the company’s mission, values or goals. Elaborate on the qualities that make them your ideal workplace and connect them to your own.
4Advocate for yourself.
Because you wrote such a strong introduction, transitioning into talking about your qualifications and accomplishments should be straightforward.
Showcase your most impressive hard and soft skills and expand on how your work style and career goals align with the company’s vision. Add specific examples of quantifiable achievements to emphasize the value you can bring.
5Close with a call to action.
In your final paragraph, thank the reader for their time and express your interest in continuing the conversation. Let them know you’re open to potential job opportunities. Always remember to include your contact information!
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5 Letter of Intent Examples
General letter of intent sample
Subject line: Olivia Mendez – Account Executive Looking to Share Expertise
Jan. 16, 2024
Dear Margaret Smith,
Congratulations on your collaboration with Radiant Tech! Bloom’s commitment to revolutionizing the wellness industry inspired me to reach out. My name is Olivia Mendez, and I’m writing to express my sincere interest in contributing to the vibrant and innovative environment at Bloom Wellness.
Bloom’s emphasis on holistic health, mindfulness and community engagement resonates with my values and aspirations. I’m drawn to Bloom for its commitment to client success and dedication to employee growth and satisfaction. In my five years of experience in the industry, I have consistently demonstrated a passion for promoting wellness and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives.
My background in product development, advertising and influencer marketing has equipped me with the tools to contribute meaningfully to Bloom’s mission. My relevant skills include:
- Launching a new meditation app that resulted in 3 million downloads in its first week, beating out our top competitor.
- Adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and passion for creating a positive work environment align seamlessly with the values I see reflected in Bloom.
- My unique blend of skills and experiences makes me an ideal fit for contributing to the continued success of Bloom Wellness.
Let’s discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team’s needs or schedule an informational interview. My resume is attached for your reference. I am available at 555-555-5555 or oliviamendez@email.com to schedule a conversation at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Olivia Mendez
Letter of intent in real estate
Dear Josiah Berman,
I am writing to express my intent to purchase your beautiful home at 1427 Irving Street and create a loving family home. My goal is to provide a comfortable and nurturing multigenerational environment where my parents can enjoy their retirement years surrounded by family and the warmth of a supportive household.
With deep personal roots and a commitment to familial harmony, this property is an ideal space to foster connection and security for current and future generations. The design will incorporate functional, accessible living spaces tailored to a multi-generational family’s diverse needs, ensuring comfort, privacy, and community under one roof.
Our plans also emphasize sustainability, aligning with modern environmental standards and promoting a healthier, eco-friendly living experience. I am committed to approaching this project with the utmost respect for the property and neighborhood, fostering positive relationships with local stakeholders and ensuring a seamless integration into the community.
Thank you for considering this letter of intent. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.
Sincerely,
Sadie Johnson
Letter of intent for a residency
Dear Sophia Torres,
I am writing to express my strong interest in joining Hughes Spalding Hospital in Orthopedics, with a particular focus on pediatric practice. I am deeply committed to the specialized care of young patients and driven by a passion for restoring mobility and improving quality of life through compassionate, evidence-based treatment.
During my clinical rotations, I gained invaluable experience in musculoskeletal care, sparking my enthusiasm for the precision and patient-centered approach required in pediatric orthopedics. I am eager to build on this foundation within your distinguished program, known for its comprehensive training, innovative research opportunities, and commitment to nurturing well-rounded orthopedic specialists.
My dedication, teamwork and genuine interest in nuanced care for pediatric patients make me a strong candidate. I look forward to contributing to and growing within your program’s esteemed legacy.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Callie Warren
Letter of intent for medical school
Dear Miranda Lincoln,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in attending The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. My academic background, with a double major in Biochemistry and Human Physiology, has provided me with a strong foundation in the principles of medical science and a holistic understanding of the human body’s intricate systems.
My passion for medicine stems from my rigorous academic pursuits and meaningful experiences in clinical volunteering, research, or clinic rotation. These opportunities have solidified my commitment to a career dedicated to compassionate patient care and scientific inquiry.
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s reputation for fostering medical innovation, supportive and collaborative learning environment, and commitment to its free clinic align perfectly with my aspirations. I am eager to contribute to and grow within this community, developing the skills necessary to become a well-rounded, empathetic physician.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to pursue my medical education at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Sincerely,
Alex Yosuda
Letter of intent for graduate school
Dear Warren Kingsinton,
I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a graduate degree at Santa Clara University, focusing on environmental law. My academic background and passion for advocating sustainable and equitable environmental practices motivated me to dedicate my career to this dynamic and impactful area of law.
With a double major in Political Science and Biology, I profoundly understand the complex intersection between environmental policy and legal frameworks. I participated in the school’s gardening club and my city’s local Sierra Club, which further reinforced my resolve to specialize in environmental law and contribute to protecting our natural resources and communities.
Santa Clara University’s distinguished faculty, rigorous curriculum and commitment to environmental legal research align perfectly with my aspirations. I am eager to gain the analytical skills and practical experience necessary to address environmental challenges through advocacy, litigation, and policy development.
My dedication, critical thinking, and commitment to sustainable solutions will enable me to thrive and contribute meaningfully at Santa Clara University. I look forward to the opportunity to grow as a legal professional within your esteemed program.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Richmond
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5 Tips to Write a Letter of Intent
Need more help? These expert tips can help impress recruiters:
1Use active language:
Action verbs will help you convey a stronger message and demonstrate your value.
2Make it brief:
Your reader likely receives dozens of emails daily, so keep your letter to one page.
3Establish a connection:
If you have a friend or colleague in the company, ask their permission to mention them as a reference.
4Stay relevant:
Only mention skills or experience pertinent to the company’s mission or goals.
5Always proofread:
Before sending your letter of intent for a job, ask a friend to review your letter.
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Key Takeaways
Now that you have all the tools you need to write a letter of intent let’s review some key points:
- A letter of intent is ideal for starting a relationship with a potential employer, even with no current positions.
- Researching a company’s mission, culture and values is crucial to create a compelling letter of intent.
- Stay on top of industry news or company updates to have a strong hook for your introduction.
- Always include specific examples of your achievements to show your value.
- Don’t forget to close with a call to action and your contact information!
Letter of Intent FAQ
How serious is a letter of intent?
Although a letter of intent is optional, this professional business letter is a significant document that can express your genuine interest and commitment to an employer, business deal or education.
A well-written letter can strengthen your application by highlighting your qualifications, goals and enthusiasm. This helps create a personal connection between you and the decision-maker, helping you stand apart from other applicants.
Is a letter of intent worth anything?
Yes, a letter of intent is valuable. It showcases your commitment, qualifications, and enthusiasm for a program or position, helping you stand out.
These letters can influence decision-makers by highlighting your knowledge of shared values and goals.
What are the risks of a letter of intent?
A poorly written letter of intent can do more harm than good.
- Be confident, not arrogant.
- Use polite power words.
- Use a cover letter guide to influence your writing style.
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[Letter of Intent: How to Write + Template, Example & Tips]
Last edited by: Ami Icanberry, CPRW, Manager, Content Editing, - November 6, 2024
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
