How to Write a Letter of Interest

• A letter of interest can help you find jobs at companies that aren't explicitly hiring.
• These letters should be short and get to the point quickly.
• A letter of interest should describe your skills, accomplishments, and work experience.

Writing a letter of interest can be the key to landing a job. With a well-crafted letter of interest, you may be able to get your foot in the door at a company that doesn't list jobs publicly.

In this guide, we break down the purpose of these letters. We also provide tips on how to write a great letter of interest and offer a four-paragraph sample letter.

What Is the Purpose of a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest expresses your desire to work for a company that is not advertising open positions. This letter should convince someone within the company, usually a hiring manager, that you would be a good fit for the organization when roles become available. To do this, you should provide details about your background and qualifications.

A letter of interest differs from a cover letter in that job candidates send cover letters for publicly listed positions. You should send a letter of interest to companies you want to work for that haven't posted jobs that you want.

What Should You Include in a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest usually follows a standard format and should include several elements. We delve into each of those elements below.

• Contact Information: If your cover letter is convincing, companies may want to contact you when jobs become available. As such, you should provide your phone number and email address so they can get in touch.
• Introduction: In the introduction, you should describe your background and your intent for writing this letter. Explain which job(s) you're seeking within the company.
• Relevant Skills and Accomplishments: Describe your relevant skills and accomplishments to demonstrate why the company should hire you. Now isn't the time to be humble. Stick to quantifiable accomplishments, such as how much money you have raised or units you have sold in past roles. Focus on your strongest skills.
• Relevant Work Experience: Mention prior work experience for any similar companies and highlight any tasks you've performed that could translate to a job at this organization. Many companies prefer experience over education.
• Your Fit for the Job: Ultimately, the goal of a letter of interest is to show a company that you would fit in well on the team. Clearly explain why this is the case.

4 Tips for Writing a Letter of Interest for a Job

Many of the best letters of interest rely on the same strategies. These four tips can help you create a strong letter.

1. Know the Company You're Applying To

To convince a company it should hire you, you need to understand what it does and how it works. Research the company's goals, products, services, values, and culture. This information can help you make the best case for yourself.

Furthermore, try to find out the name of the employee who will read your letter. Hiring managers review many applications each week. Ideally, you should strive for a more personal touch.

2. Seek Out Network Connections

Sending a letter of interest to a network connection can help you land a position. Maybe you met your connection at an event or through volunteer work. Perhaps you share a mutual friend or acquaintance. Hiring managers are more likely to read your letter of interest if they feel some sort of personal connection with you, no matter how tangential or thin.

3. Avoid Simply Reusing a Cover Letter

A letter of interest is not the same as a cover letter. They serve different purposes, as job candidates usually write cover letters for publicly listed positions. In a letter of interest, which does not specifically apply to one job, you should articulate your skills, passion, and work experience more generally. You should also demonstrate your fit for the company as a whole, not just for a specific position.

4. Keep Your Letter Short and Professional

Make sure your letter is concise and direct. It should be one page maximum, or about four paragraphs. Hiring managers often receive many letters and appreciate job candidates who respect their time.

Additionally, check that your letter is polished and professional. Many hiring managers immediately discard letters that don't strike the right tone or include grammatical mistakes. Use a neutral font that doesn't distract from your message.

Letter of Interest Sample

Frequently Asked Questions About Letters of Interest

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