How to Write a Letter of Interest for a Job (2024)

What’s a letter of interest? When do you need to write one? During your job search, you may wish to inquire about a job at a company you would like to work for that does not have an appropriate job posting currentlyavailable.

In this case, you would want to send a letter of interest expressing your desire to meet with or talk to a hiring manager about what opportunities might be available to you.

Review information on when to write a letter of interest, what to include, tips for writing an effective letter, and examples and a template to download.

What is a Letter of Interest?

Thisdocumentis called a letter of interest because you are writing to advise a prospective employer that you're interested in working for their organization. This type of letter is also known as an inquiry letter or cold contact letter.

Letters of interest can be sent via email,LinkedIn's messaging system, or paper mail. Even though paper mail might seem outdated, it’s a way to get your letter and resume noticed and read.

How to Write a Letter of Interest

In your letter of interest, you should include information on the type of job you are seeking, andon how your skills and experience make you an excellent candidateforsuchroles. Your goal is to engage the hiring manager and to get them thinking aboutyou as a prospective employee.

You should include the reasons you feel you would be a great fit for the company in your letter of interest, aswellas any pertinent recommendations you may have from someone connected with the employer.

Thiswillhelp give your letter the best chance of being seen.

If possible, identify a manager in the department where you would like to work and send a copy of your letter to that individual. You can also send a copy to the company's human resources department.

Look for a Contact at the Company

Before you write your letter, review your network of contacts to determine if any of your associates have a connection withyour target company. LinkedIn is an excellent tool for identifying people who are once or twiceremoved from you.

If you're a college graduate, check with youralmamater's career office to see if they can put you in touch with alumni at the company. Do you belong to a professional association? You may be able to find a contact there.

Ask for an Introduction

If you identify a suitable individual, ask your contact for an introduction and approach the person for an informational interview to learn more about the company. If you hit it off with them, ask if they would suggest that you reach out to any of their colleagues in departments of interest.

If they say yes, be sure to mention that you are writing a letter of interest and would like to write in your letter that they recommended you inquire about employment opportunities. Here's how to ask for a referral.

What to Include in Your Letter

A letter of interest should begin with a compelling statement regarding the basis of your interest in that employer and industry.

It's very important to articulate the type of position and department you are targeting, or your communication may get lost in the email or paper shuffle.

Greeting

Your letter should start with a professional greeting. If you have a contact person, address it to them personally.

First Paragraph

Your first paragraph should begin with a strong thesis statement noting two to four key assets that would enable you to make a solid contribution to the role you are targeting.

Middle Paragraphs

Your subsequent paragraphs should reference concrete examples of how you have used those strengths—aswellas two to four additional assets—to achieve success in past jobs, volunteer work, or academic projects.

Final Paragraph

You should express a strong interest in meeting with the employer to explore opportunities in your final paragraph. You might also mention that you would welcome an exploratory meeting even if there are no formal vacancies at the time of your inquiry.

Letter of Interest Example

This is an example of a letter of interest. Download the letter of interest template (compatible with Google Docs and Word) or review more examples.

When You're Sending an Email

When you're sending an email letter of interest, be sure to include your contact information in your signature (email address, phone, LinkedIn Profile URL, if you have one) so it's easy for the reader to get in touch with you.

Here's an example:

More Letter of Interest Examples

Review more examples of letters of interest, prospecting letters, and inquiry letters.