How to Write an Impressive Letter of Intent for a Job

A letter of intent for a job is a document that professionals send companies that interest them regarding employment opportunities in the future. Unlike a cover letter, it does not specifically address a position. Typically, this is a general communication that declares a worker’s interest in working for a particular employer, highlights key skills and achievements, and discusses work experience. In relation to its format, it focuses on how the applicant’s qualifications align with the achievements, values, and other features of the company.

You can send this document via email or post. Additionally, you can deliver it to a professional contact in the organization. Employers and employees can enjoy several benefits from using this networking tool, such as:

Employer benefits

If you’re an employer, the benefits of requesting letters of intent or reviewing those sent to you by job seekers include:

• It enables you to identify motivated professionals. Most companies seek motivated workers to build an engaged workforce, and evaluating letters of intent can be a great way to find them.
• It enables you to find workers who address corporate requirements. Using a letter of intent can be particularly beneficial in the event the employer is unsure about which positions are necessary to fill the gaps in the company. Receiving letters of intent provides an opportunity to find people with the necessary skills and create jobs for them.
• It enables you to widen the pool of candidates. Requesting letters of intent gives a company the chance to extend its pool of talented job seekers from which new workers can be selected when necessary.
• It enables you to gauge your appeal among workers. A company focused on maintaining its appeal among the professional fields it recruits from can use the letters of intent it receives to monitor any changes to its brand image. Findings from this research can help the enterprise make any necessary changes in its policies to attract the best talent.

Learn more: How to Write a Proposal Letter: Tips and Sample

Employee benefits

This method of communicating with employers provides many advantages to workers, such as:

• It enables you to initiate a relationship. You can use your letter of intent as the means to connect with a successful company with an attractive work environment. Sending a persuasive communication that includes your qualifications helps you to make a positive impression on the head of the department in which you want to work. Consequently, you can develop a valuable professional contact.
• It helps you to stand out in the recruitment process. The letter can be used to engage the hiring manager of a company that is planning to recruit more workers but has not requested job applications. This gives you the chance to be one of the first people who is considered for a current or future job opening. Getting the timing right is important, and you can do so by asking your professional network about companies that are planning to recruit in the near future and sending your letters of intent accordingly.
• It helps you to get on the radar of your preferred companies. While you may know the companies you dream about working in, their hiring activities may not be concurrent with your job search. You can use a polished letter of intent for a job to send them your resume and lay the groundwork that can lead to interview requests in the future.

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For you to avail yourself of the power of the letter of intent for a job, it’s necessary to have a polished product that targets the right company. You can achieve this by following a process that helps you to use this networking tool effectively. Here are the steps you should use:

1. Do the necessary research

Begin the process of writing a letter of intent by learning about the companies that interest you. You can assess them based on factors like their reputation for being good employers, their training programs for workers in your profession, or the opportunities they offer for career advancement. Here are a few methods you can use to get this information:

• Check the company’s website, social media pages, and current news.
• Do an online search for employee testimonials or reviews of the company.
• Ask your contacts about the employer.
• Shadow a company employer to get an insider’s perspective of the company.

Based on your research, make a list of ten companies that interest you.

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2. Choose companies that suit you

As you’re sending a communication that is unsolicited, it’s best to ensure you’re targeting a firm that best suits your values and vice versa. For example, if you value working independently and having flexible hours, approaching a traditional workplace that values managerial oversight and fixed hours is unlikely to work. It’s also necessary to choose a firm that suits your circumstances. Use the following checklist of questions to choose five suitable employers:

• Does the company culture appeal to you?
• Does the office setup work for you?
• What are the corporate achievements that resonate with you?
• Can you handle the commute cost-effectively?
• Are there jobs that match your qualifications and values at present?
• Are suitable jobs likely to be available in the near future?
• What can you contribute to the company?

3. Identify your best professional strengths

Make a list of your qualifications, including values, skills, academic credentials, work experience, and professional achievements, that best match the qualifications of each company, comprising its values, positions, and achievements. Keep in mind that instead of applying for a particular job, you’re demonstrating your suitability for a job in a specific company. Consequently, choose strengths that best align with what the firm is likely to seek in workers.

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4. Outline the letter of intent for a job

Use your research findings on the company and yourself to develop a structure for your letter that grabs the attention of the person who reads it. For example, including something current about the company in your opening paragraph could help you to achieve this. Your letter should have the following sections:

• Salutation: Address the letter to the head of the department you want to work in.
• Introductory paragraph: Include a strong opening line, your reason for writing the letter, and a statement that summarizes why you would be an asset to the company.
• Body paragraphs: Discuss the points you introduced in your introduction in detail.
• Final paragraph: Restate your motivation to join the company, keep a line of communication open, and thank the reader for their consideration.
• Closing: End the letter with a formal closing phrase and your name.

5. Complete your letter

Write your letter, edit it, and improve it. Aim to develop persuasive communication that expresses your motivation to work in the company, highlights your shared qualifications, and shows your skills.

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Use the following example to develop your letter of intent:

Dear Ms. Sawyer,

Making eco-friendly cleaning products is something I’ve wanted to do since I saw the disastrous effect a bleach spill had on the soil ecosystem of my mother’s yard. Getting my B.S. in Organic Chemistry and certification in Product and Industrial Design has given me the technical knowledge needed to build sustainably. Your latest product update featured in the Natural Products journal for the Green Cleaning range fueled my mission. I’m thrilled to apply to Green & Clean’s product and design team. 

I can use my knowledge in 3D technical sketching, sustainability studies, and 2D and 3D CAD technologies to build products that have real-world sustainability impacts. I have the academic skills to use carbon-based, natural compounds to develop lifestyle products with a minimal or zero carbon footprint, which synchs with Green & Clean’s stellar mission. 

I’m an engaged team player who enjoys collaborative and independent work. I’m passionate about building sustainable products, marketing them effectively to stakeholders, and joining your avant-garde team. 

Please consider me for any entry-level role in your team in the future. I’m contactable at sam.smith@email.com, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you for your time, 

Sam Smith

As discussed, a letter of intent offers several advantages, and it could lead to a new job. Use the process you learned in this article to develop a powerful letter that grabs the interest of a departmental head and advances your career.