If you are interested in a specific company and want to work there of a particular job position, a letter of intent is your best bet to land on a job offer. I know it might sound confusing. So, let me explain a bit more about a letter of intent and how to write it. Let's get started.

What is a Letter of Intent?

You can say that this letter is a type of cover letter. 

Normally, you write a cover letter for an open job position. You describe your skills, experiences, and other aspects. You sell yourself in this letter.

On the flip side, you do all those things in a letter of intent but for a not yet posted job. It is an introductory letter where you highlight your skills, references, and experience and show your interest in a company. You send this letter to the recruiter or hiring manager to demonstrate your passion and interest in a specific job.

When can You write a Letter of Intent?

Here are some situations when you can create this letter.

• When you are interested in a specific company, a job is not posted, but you want the company to consider you if there is a new job opening in the future.
• When you hear from someone in the company that a specific job is available.
• When you have a reference for the job about which internal employees know only.
• The company has posted multiple job ads, but it is also hiring professionals in a specific position you are interested in.

How to Write Letter of Intent?

The format of the letter of intent is precisely like a cover letter.

1. Opening Salutation
2. Introduction
3. Skills/experience paragraph
4. Adding Call-to-action
5. Closing Paragraph and salutation

1.Opening Salutation - You need to address the hiring manager and recruiter. You need to learn how to start a formal application letter. Tons of salutations are in use in the corporate world. Try to use the best one. It's always suggested that the person's name as To Whom it may concern doesn't look great. 

You can get an idea of a hiring manager or recruiter's name from a company's LinkedIn profile. Kindly do some digging and research for getting better results, aka an interview call from your letter of intent.

2. Introduction- You need to write a simple introduction for this letter. Start with your name, current job position, and company name. In the following line, show your interest in a still not open job to the public.

If you are a fresh graduate, write your name, latest degree, GPA, and institute name. Mention some part-time job or volunteer job for a killer job cover letter.

3. Skills and Experience-This paragraph requires extreme importance. You need to mention job-specific skills. Have you done something unique in your current job? Quantify your achievement. Explain a bit of your experience. Try to sell yourself and tell the company how you can add value to their organization through your skills.

4. Call to Action-Share your details and explain how they can reach you, when, and where. Add a few details. Also, write that you would like an interview call if they are interested in knowing more about you. 

5. Closing Salutation - The closing of a letter of intent should be carefully crafted. Know how to close a letter and so that you don't make any silly mistakes at the end of your cover letter.

Tips for Writing Letter of Intent

Here are some tips you need to follow for crafting this job letter.

• To-the-Point- Don't add too many details. Keep paragraphs short with meaningful lines and sentences. Keep in mind that recruiters are busy; they won't read your two-page experience story. So, stick to a one-page format.
• Proof Read- Always proofread your letter of intent. You might be an intelligent person. But we all make mistakes. Overlooking this factor might cost you a new job opportunity. Read your letter of intent loud. If something sounds flimsy, cut it and replace it with catchy lines.
• Keep it Relevant: If you are interested in a job, then your skills, experiences, and achievements should be all about it. You can't get attention from an employer by adding irrelevant details. 

Letter of Intent Example

I'm sharing an example for your guidance. Please follow the same format, and hopefully, it helps you get your interview call.

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Sasha brown. I've been working as a marketing assistant in XYZ firm for the last three years. I am interested in a marketing assistant position in your ABC firm. I have been following your company for almost a decade, becoming a part of your marketing team is one of my dreams.

During my time with XYZ firm, I worked on four different projects. I learned the latest marketing techniques and implemented them to increase sales volume for my clients. I handled both local and online marketing arenas for various clients. I also worked as a freelance marketer for a Globalistic company for almost two months. I created their social media profile and boosted their profit from 120 to 160 percent only in two months.

I'm willing to learn from your team. I believe my skills and experience will be a valuable asset to your marketing department. Please consider me for a marketing assistant role that becomes available. I am also attaching my resume for your due consideration. You can have a detailed view of my skills, interests, and experience in it.

I am looking forward to becoming a part of your marketing team.

Thanks for your time,

Sasha Brown

[email protected]

Wrap up

Letter of intent is a way to reach out to companies. If you have experience and skills for a specific job, you shouldn't wait for an opportunity to pop up. Try a proactive approach of approaching clients who will become your employer only when you well-craft this letter. You can use a letter of intent example and create a letter for your next job. 

Stay hopeful. I believe those who try for their careers land on a position they desire the most, sooner or later.

Instead of doing nothing or keep waiting, the better idea is to try for your better future.

All the best!