Normal job purposes have a typical set of practices. You flip in a resume and canopy letter, after which, if chosen, you progress by means of a couple of rounds of interviews and get the job.

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

These job seekers will ship in a letter of intent moderately 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 possibly can. 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 method of expressing curiosity in an organization. It targets causes you’re in search of alternatives with a selected group.

A letter of intent does embrace components of a standard cowl letter, reminiscent of related expertise and expertise, nevertheless it’s utilized in barely completely different contexts. LOIs emphasize alignment between a job seeker and a company.

Letter of Intent vs. Cowl Letter

There are a couple 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 usually. It could 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 position. An LOI, alternatively, addresses a person’s compatibility with an general group or extra basic position.

• Initiative. A canopy letter is a reactive doc responding to a job opening. A letter of intent, nonetheless, demonstrates extra initiative and supplies info 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 lots of similarities between the 2 paperwork, there are additionally a couple of key variations:

• Degree of intent. Letters of intent have a excessive stage of intentionality, whereas letters of curiosity are extra exploratory. A letter of intent proposes motion, whereas letters of curiosity are for info gathering.

• Dedication stage. A letter of intent is a high-commitment method of expressing curiosity in an organization, whereas a letter of curiosity is a decrease dedication. A person is extra more likely to ship out a number of letters of curiosity. 

• Motion orientation. A letter of intent all the time 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 display initiative and are intently tailor-made to the corporate, they do serve barely completely 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 here are a couple of examples: 

• You may have a excessive stage of curiosity in a selected firm, however there’s not an open position.

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

• 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 may be known as cowl letters. 

The right way 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 info. 

On the prime of your LOI, you’ll need to present contact info so your recipient can contact you about future alternatives. This could embrace your telephone quantity, electronic mail, and tackle.

2. Use an acceptable greeting.

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

3. Present an introduction. 

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

Be happy to differ the order of this info. Your LOI intro could also be formal or extra playful, relying on who you’re 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 a very good 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 may embrace:

6. Write a considerate conclusion.

Conclude your LOI by reiterating your curiosity within the firm. Be sure that to thank the recipient for his or her time, too — there wasn’t a job opening request, in order that they took trip of their day to learn your letter.

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

Letter of Intent Samples

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

Inside Connection

On this letter of intent, Jennifer leverages an inner connection. This can be a nice approach to earn a couple of additional factors when explaining how you realize concerning the enterprise. Past that, Jennifer’s experiences align properly with the work that the wine bar does.

What I like: This letter of intent does an amazing job of personalization, weaving by means of the inner connection completely in a couple of completely different spots. A referral is a robust support to include into an LOI, and Jennifer did an amazing job dropping hints of her connection.

Making a Pitch

What I like: On this letter, Mark is making a pitch. He nonetheless covers the bases of an amazing LOI — discussing his strengths and alignment with the model. However as an alternative of simply calling for a gathering, he makes a pitch that’s particular to the group. This supplies worth to the recipient and makes Mark seem like a powerful collaborator. 

Mark may gain advantage from HubSpot’s CMS Hub to handle his pitches. Lead technology and content material creation are essential components of freelancing, and Mark wants to remain organized with a purpose to do it properly. Be taught extra about HubSpot’s CMS Hub right here.

Diving Into Alignment

What I like: Jordan is in shut alignment with the group’s values and does an amazing 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 customary 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 means of [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 expertise in [skills] that I imagine can be an amazing match on your group. Your values of [company values] are in shut alignment with my strengths, and I imagine I may make an amazing contribution.

I imagine 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]

In fact, 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, nevertheless it’s an effective way to make new connections and set your self up for employment success.

Refer to those methods, samples, and templates to verify your LOI goes to be the simplest letter doable. Emphasize your alignment with the group, and also you’re positive to see success!