What is it, How to Write, and Templates

How to write a letter of intent

If you intend to write a letter of intent as a result of a networking opportunity or because you were encouraged to submit your resume in support of a specific job search but were unable to find the open role you were looking for, then a letter of intent could be your way in.

When drafting your letter, you should follow this basic structure:

1. Header and hook

The letter header should include your name and contact information. If possible, greet the hiring manager by name. If you really can’t find the hiring manager’s name during your research, or you’re talking to a group of people, you can choose a generic but professional greeting like “Dear HR” or “Dear hiring manager.” Make sure to avoid the generic ‘To whom it may concern’.

A Letter of Intent should be more focused on the company than a cover letter. Therefore, your opener should begin with a statement explaining your interest in a company. For example, you might talk about something that has recently been in the news about the company to show that you are interested in its performance.

2. Overview of your best skills and achievements

Like writing a cover letter, you should provide an overview of your skills and qualifications. If possible, you should discuss this in relation to your expressed interest in the company. Discuss specifically what you can do for them and provide examples of what makes you a good fit for the job. It is also important to show that you also fit into the company culture, including important agreements regarding matters important to the company such as teamwork or environmental awareness.

3. Offer to help the manager

The final paragraph of your letter of intent should bring all of these elements together. Make a specific offer of help to the hiring manager by referring to the skills and qualifications you have mentioned. The idea is to show that you have a genuine interest in the company and position and that you are acting in good faith.

4. Call to action

Once you’ve done this, create a call to action to encourage further discussion, and more opportunities to exchange ideas about how you and the company can proceed. This is an important part of your letter where you demonstrate why you are a good fit for this particular position at a particular company, so make sure your request for further discussion is tailored to the hiring manager’s needs.

5. Summing and closing

The end of your letter should use a simple professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Regards.” You can include contact information such as your phone number if you wish, but also use this space to indicate that you have included your resume and other supporting materials.