Suppose you have your eye on a particular company. You have the skills and expertise to work in a position at the company; however, the only problem is that it is not hiring. Rather than waiting for the company to advertise an open position, which can take a long time, you can set yourself up to get the position using a letter of interest. This will give you an advantage as you are able to cut the line by applying in advance. However, to use it, you must first understand what it is and how to write it.
A letter of interest is a formal document to express your desire to work for a company, even if it has not advertised a specific job opening. It outlines your skills, experiences, and qualifications for a recruiter. The main aim is to introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in working for the target company. It is also referred to as a letter of inquiry, prospecting letter, letter of intent, or statement of interest.
Templates and Examples
A letter of interest template is a fillable document that, after being filled out, serves the same purpose as a handwritten or typed LOI does. Below are free templates that can be edited as per your needs:
Letter of Interest Vs. Cover Letter
There are several apparent differences between a letter of interest and a cover letter. First, a letter of interest is an unsolicited document. In contrast, a cover letter is sent in response to an advertised job opening by the company and is therefore expected by the recruiter. The cover letter must be sent along with other application documents, such as your resume or CV, whereas a letter of interest can be sent as an independent document.
A cover letter is only used when applying for a specific position. It explains why you believe you’re the best candidate for the job advertised. On the other hand, the letter of interest is not tailored to any specific position within the company, as it mainly focuses on expressing interest in working for the organization. It can be written by anyone at any level, whereas a cover letter is usually written by individuals who have the experiences, skills, and qualifications required for the position.
LOI Template
Pre-Considerations
Before you can begin writing the letter, there are a few considerations you should make. The following pre-considerations will help ensure that you compose a compelling letter. They will also help ease the writing process:
Research the company
It would be best to start by researching the company using various means, such as visiting their website, reviewing their mission statement, social media, current press releases, or company news. Next, find out the company’s goals and values to help make your letter more relevant to the hiring manager. Finally, show how your core values tie into the reasons for your interest in working for the target company.
Find connections
Next, you should look for connections within the target company who can help you with an informational letter. This will help you learn more about the company and the position you may be interested in occupying. It will also help you tailor your letter to the target company, therefore ensuring that it stands out.
Learn your recipient’s name
Finally, learn the name of the recipient. Addressing the recipient by name is a clear sign that you have taken time to learn about the target company. You can find the name on the company website or even in your connections. You may address the recipient as ‘Dear Hiring Manager” if you are unsure or unable to find their name.
How to Write It
A well-written letter can lead to rewarding results, enabling the hiring manager to see your potential. Therefore, you must understand how to write a compelling letter. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring that your interest is appropriately conveyed.
You can use the following guidelines when writing the letter:
Header
The header should begin by outlining your full name and contact details, the date of writing, and the employer’s name and contact information. These details help ensure that it follows the appropriate business format. It also gives the letter a professional look.
Greeting
The letter of interest should address the hiring manager by name and therefore avoid ineffective greetings like ‘To whom it may concern or ‘Dear Sir or Madam.’ The hiring manager’s name can be obtained from the company’s website, LinkedIn, or Google. You can also call the company to politely request the hiring manager’s name.
Introduction
You should then begin it with a brief introduction. The introduction provides the hiring manager with basic information about who you are and the letter’s purpose.
The following elements should be highlighted in your introductory paragraph:
Introduce yourself
Start the introduction by outlining who you are. You should also state where and how you heard about the company. The self-introduction should be straightforward.
Why are you writing
Next, outline your reason for writing it. Express enthusiasm about the possibility of working for the target company. You can relate the reason to the company’s goals, products, and policies, among other qualities that have attracted you to it.
Find a hook
The hiring manager is not expecting your letter; therefore, it is crucial to grab their attention to ensure that they get your message across. You can hook the hiring manager by outlining how much you know about the company and the value you can contribute. These details help ensure that your introduction makes an excellent first impression.
Body of the letter
The body outlines the skills and experiences that the company may find valuable. It would help clarify what area you’re interested in pursuing within the company.
These details can be broken down into the following elements:
Include recent skills you’ve developed
The body should outline the skills you have developed from recently held positions. These skills should be broken down into both hard and soft skills. Indicate these details in a list to make them more noticeable and impactful.
Write about your strengths
Showcase your strengths by outlining your qualifications and key accomplishments. Provide quantifiable data when outlining your achievements. You should also combine the data indicated with a compelling story to help strengthen your message.
Describe your employment background
Briefly describe your employment history to show you have experience. While describing your background, you can highlight how your experience positively impacted past companies or projects you worked on. It would be best to include any experiences that may be of value to the company.
Explain why this job is the right fit
You should explain why you are the right fit for the job by linking relevant skills and values to the company. The statements used should convey your confidence in yourself. Be specific when demonstrating how you may fit into the organization.
Conclusion
The letter’s conclusion should include a call to action that highlights your interest in further discussion about the company and the possibility of having an informational interview. You can also indicate that you are willing to send your CV or resume upon request by the hiring manager. Finally, it would be best to express gratitude for the hiring manager’s time and consideration.
Signature
Sign it off with an appropriate word or phrase, such as ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Kind Regards.’ Below, it indicates your signature. Finally, end the letter by indicating your full name.
When Should I Write It?
Several occasions may warrant the need to write a letter of interest. For instance, if you read about a company that you believe can be a good fit for your skill set, then you should write about it. You can also write it if you see or hear about a new business opening or expansion that you would be interested in working at.
You may also consider writing it if your contact informs you of a job opening that is yet to be advertised to the public or if you’re looking to specialize in a particular area. Finally, you should consider writing it if you find a company with an appealing work culture, location, mission statement, or values that you admire.
Template
[Your name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[Date]
[Hiring manager’s name]
[Job title]
[Company name]
[Address]
Dear Mr. Ms. Mrs. [ Hiring manager’s Last Name],
My name is [indicate your name]. I am a [state your line of work]. I want to inquire about working for [name of the company] one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. For the last [period], I have been following your company’s growth. The thought of working for a company that [outlines information about the company] fills me with joy.
I have acquired [ indicate time] experience in [name of the industry]. During this time, I have honed my [outline skills and relate them to the company]. In addition, [outline achievement or specific experience]
I admire the [outline of what I admire about the company]. I believe that my willingness to subject my work to open criticism from my superiors and team members makes me the right fit for a job in your company. I would be glad to have a one-on-one discussion about the company and what I have to offer your organization. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your Name]
Sample Letters
Presented below are some sample letters of interest written for various pistons and industries. These letters are tailored to show a strong and personalized interest in specific roles and companies.
Sample Letter of Interest 1
Dear Ms. Emily Thompson,
I am writing to express my keen interest in joining SolarTech Innovations, particularly in the Renewable Energy Analyst role. Your company’s groundbreaking work in sustainable energy has always inspired me, and I believe my expertise in data analysis and environmental policy would greatly contribute to your team. I have three years of experience at Green Solutions Inc., where I developed my skills in environmental impact assessment and policy implementation, contributing significantly to our sustainability initiatives.
What excites me most about the opportunity at SolarTech Innovations is your commitment to reducing carbon footprints through innovative technologies. At Green Solutions Inc., I led a project that developed a new model for predicting the environmental impact of urban development, which aligns well with SolarTech’s goals. I am particularly interested in how I could bring this experience to your team, contributing to your ongoing efforts in sustainable urban planning.
I am eager to bring my analytical skills and environmental policy knowledge to SolarTech Innovations and collaborate with your talented team to further your impressive work in sustainable energy solutions. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you and exploring opportunities within your esteemed company.
Sincerely,
Jordan Smith
Sample Letter of Interest 2
Dear Dr. Alan Grant,
I recently came across your groundbreaking work in machine learning applications at Quantum Computing Corp and was immediately captivated. As a dedicated software engineer with a passion for artificial intelligence, I am very interested in the opportunity to contribute to your team, particularly in the role of AI Developer. With a background in computer science and substantial experience in machine learning algorithms, I am confident in my ability to add value to your innovative projects.
During my tenure at TechFront Solutions, I played a key role in developing an AI-based predictive analysis tool, which mirrors the challenges faced in your current projects at Quantum Computing Corp. My approach to algorithm optimization has always been centered around efficiency and scalability, aligning closely with your company’s methods.
I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Quantum Computing Corp and am keen to explore how my expertise in machine learning can contribute to your ongoing and future projects. I would be delighted to discuss how my experience and skills could align with the ambitious goals of your dynamic team.
Best regards,
Lisa Fernandez
Sample Letter of Interest 3
Hello Mr. Marcus Johnson,
I am reaching out to express my strong interest in the Marketing Strategist role at Creative Edge Advertising. Your company’s reputation for innovative marketing campaigns and client success is well-known, and I am excited about the prospect of being part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking team. At my previous job at MarketMovers Inc., I honed my skills in strategic planning and digital marketing, playing a pivotal role in several successful product launches.
At MarketMovers Inc., one of my key achievements was leading a campaign that successfully introduced a new health product into a competitive market, gaining significant market share within the first six months. This experience, I believe, aligns perfectly with the challenges and opportunities at Creative Edge Advertising. I am particularly interested in bringing my strategic insight and creative thinking to your team, contributing to your renowned client projects.
Joining Creative Edge Advertising would be a significant step in my career, and I am eager to contribute my marketing expertise to your esteemed company. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing how my background and skills can help achieve the ambitious goals of your marketing team.
Warm regards,
Rebecca Turner
Absolutely, here are two more letters of interest with fictitious details:
Sample Letter of Interest 4
Dear Ms. Rachel Lee,
I am writing with great enthusiasm about the Project Manager position at Bright Innovations. Your firm’s cutting-edge approach in the tech industry is highly inspiring, and I am confident that my experience and skills in project coordination and team leadership would be an excellent fit. With over five years of experience at TechPioneers Ltd., I have mastered the intricacies of project lifecycle management and cross-functional team leadership, significantly enhancing project efficiency and team collaboration.
What particularly excites me about Bright Innovations is your dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning. At TechPioneers Ltd., I led a cross-departmental project that integrated agile methodologies into our standard operating procedures, a change that led to a 30% increase in project delivery efficiency. I am eager to bring this experience and mindset to Bright Innovations, contributing to your renowned project management practices.
I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to Bright Innovations’ growth and success. I am keen on discussing how my background in project management and passion for technology innovation can align with the exciting projects at your company.
Kind regards,
David Wilson
Sample Letter of Interest 5
Dear Mr. Henry Ford,
As an avid follower of the advancements in renewable energy, I was thrilled to learn about the opening for an Environmental Engineer at EcoSolutions. Your company’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices and innovative waste management solutions aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations and expertise. In my recent role at GreenTech Industries, I specialized in developing sustainable waste management systems and have led initiatives that reduced industrial waste by 40% over two years.
I am particularly impressed by EcoSolutions’ recent project on converting industrial waste into renewable energy. In a similar capacity at GreenTech Industries, I was part of a team that developed a groundbreaking process for converting agricultural waste into biofuel, an initiative that received the Green Tech Award in 2022. My experience in sustainable engineering and waste-to-energy conversion would be highly beneficial in advancing EcoSolutions’ ambitious projects in this field.
I am excited about the prospect of joining EcoSolutions and contributing my knowledge in environmental engineering to help achieve your company’s vision for a more sustainable future. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my expertise in waste management and renewable energy technologies can contribute to your innovative projects.
Best wishes,
Samantha Green
Analysis
The sample letters are structured in a way that makes them useful as guides for writing a similar letter. They are crafted with a professional tone, which is essential in making a positive impression, and the language used is simple yet engaging, ensuring clarity and accessibility. What makes these letters particularly effective is their tailored content; each letter is specifically written for a particular company and role, demonstrating the writer’s thorough research and genuine interest. This personalization is key in making a letter stand out.
In terms of specific information, the letters excel in:
- Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience: The writers mention specific roles and skills pertinent to the job and provide examples of past achievements relevant to the potential new role.
- Alignment with Company Values and Goals: The writers showcase an understanding of the company’s values and goals, aligning their interests and experiences with these aspects.
Furthermore, each letter concludes with a clear expression of the writer’s intent to join the company and a call to action, such as inviting further discussion or an interview. This direct approach is crucial in encouraging a potential employer to engage with the applicant. Overall, these letters serve as good samples, combining professional language, personalization, relevant skill and experience highlights, alignment with company values, and a clear call to action – all vital elements of an impactful job application letter.
Do’s and Don’ts
When writing a letter of interest, there are several do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind. Knowing and understanding them will help you compose a more compelling letter.
The do’s and don’ts include:
Do’s
Note down a list of considerations that you should make when writing it:
Include versatile skills
It should contain a versatile set of your skills, experiences, and qualifications because, unlike a cover letter, you are not responding to a specific job description. Instead, it provides an overview of what your abilities are. Indicating versatile skills also helps set you apart from other peers in the industry.
Be specific
It should contain specific experiences that help showcase your ability to use your skills. They help show what you have to offer. The hiring manager can also form a picture of how you would fit into the company.
Personalize it
Personalize the letter by directly addressing the individual responsible for receiving the letter in the organization. It enables you to establish a personal connection with the recipient. It also shows that you put effort into writing.
Keep it concise
Your letter should be concise so as not to deter the recipient. It also helps you stay focused on key attributes that the company may value. It should have at least three paragraphs.
Don’ts
There are a few mistakes that can render your letter ineffective. They include the following:
Generic letter
Avoid writing a generic one. The recruiter may think that you’re not taking the opportunity seriously. This can result in the letter being discarded.
Overly confident
Do not indicate statements that demonstrate overconfidence. They can sound demanding and unprofessional. You should instead show your confidence in your skills and abilities with a statement such as, ‘I believe that my skills and experiences make me a good fit for your company.’
Use of humor to stand out
It is a formal document that should not contain humor. Though humor can help you stand out, it can make the letter seem unprofessional. It may also be offensive if thought is not put into the expression indicated.
No proofreading
You must proofread it upon completion. It helps you identify both grammatical and typographical errors. It also ensures that your letter is polished.
No follow up
If a significant period has passed without a response, you should be reaching out to the recipient. It will help show that you are proactive. For example, you can make a phone call to the company or write a follow-up letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mention why you are interested, how you learned about the company, and how their new and innovative changes interest you. Simply mention, “I came across your company, and upon researching, I noticed it matches my values. I would love to discuss this further in an informational interview.”
Mention your name, your education, your skills, and your employment background.
Minimally why you wrote the letter, who you are, your skills, your education, employment, how your skills assisted the company, and your interest in an informational interview or further discussing employment.
Always strongly. Mention you’d like to discuss how you can help the company, ask for an informational interview, and include links to your site and work.
While writing a letter of interest, make sure to add the following essential information:
1. Date
2. The Greeting, mentioning the person’s name if possible
3. Why you’re writing this (include maybe you found out about the company through an article or through reading their mission statement)
4. Tell them who you are and your skills, education, and employment, and why it could benefit their company
5. Ask for an informational interview or a chance to discuss this further
6. Closing
7. Your links to your LinkedIn, email, and pertinent websites
Final Thoughts
The letter of interest is a document that conveys your desire to work for a company even though it has not advertised an open job position. It aims to compel the hiring manager or employer that the company requires your skill set.
Though some elements are similar to those of a cover letter, there are apparent differences, such as that a cover letter is written in response to a job posting, whereas the letter of interest is unsolicited. When writing this letter, ensure you introduce yourself, outline your skills and qualifications and explain why you are interested in the company.
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