How to Write an Expression of Interest (With Examples) (2024)

Writing an expression of interest is an excellent way to show an employer you'd like to work for them. Writing in a professional manner and including relevant details about your skills and experience can make your expression of interest more persuasive. The efforts you make writing your expression of interest can increase your chances of securing your dream job. In this article, we define what an expression of interest is, explain why you can write one, describe how to write an expression of interest and offer examples and tips.

What is an expression of interest?

An expression of interest is a letter that shows your interest in working for a particular company that is yet to publicly advertise a position. Like a cover letter, an expression of interest accompanies an up-to-date resume. However, expressions of interest are more general than cover letters, as they focus on the writer's qualities and the value they'd bring to the company rather than addressing specific criteria.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter

When can you write an expression of interest?

You can write and submit an expression of interest at any time. You can write an expression of interest if:

• You want to work for a company without any advertised job openings

• You are working for a company and interested in a job it advertises internally

Writing an expression of interest can help you access job opportunities before they're publicly advertised. Businesses often look at expressions of interest once positions become vacant. If your expression of interest is strong, they may decide to interview and hire you instead of advertising the position. If your expression of interest is especially compelling, they may even create a new role for you.

How do you write an expression of interest?

You can write a unique expression of interest for each company you're interested in. Follow these steps when writing an expression of interest:

1. Add contact details, date, salutation and letter's purpose

Format your expression of interest like a standard business letter, with the following details aligned to the left, taking a new line for the details in every bullet point:

• Your name

• Your job title, if applicable

• Your phone number

• Your email address

• Your street address

• Your city, state/territory and postcode

• The date written in full

• Recipient's name, if known

• Recipient's company

• Recipient's street address

• Recipient's city, state/territory and postcode

• Salutation

• Re: Expression of interest

Related: How To Address a Cover Letter (With Examples)

2. Introduce yourself

Your first paragraph can tell the employer who you are and why you are writing to them. Discuss why you'd like an opportunity with the company, making specific references to the elements of the business you like, such as its products and values. If you're interested in a particular department or job title, note this in your introduction.

Related: How To Introduce Yourself Professionally

3. Describe your background

Your second paragraph can show the employer the value you'd bring to their organisation. Note your relevant skills and some of your key accomplishments. Mention your qualifications and work history without going into great detail, as the employer can learn more by reading your resume.

4. Write a positive conclusion

Conclude your expression of interest by thanking the employer for reading your letter. Note that you can attend an interview when it's convenient for the company. A positive conclusion can encourage the employer to keep your expression of interest until they're ready to hire new staff. Add a professional sign-off and your signature above your printed name.

Read more: How To End a Letter

How do you write an internal expression of interest?

Follow the same process above to write internal expressions of interest. However, as an internal expression of interest is an application for a specific job, you can emphasise why you would suit that position, rather than your value to the company. As the company is already familiar with you, your introduction can also be relatively brief.

Some companies that call for expressions of interest from their staff have guidelines for these documents. For example, companies may set a word limit. Read the instructions for your company's expressions of interest carefully to make sure your letter meets the criteria.

Expression of interest examples

Here are some examples of expressions of interest. Follow their format and use them for inspiration when writing your own expressions of interest:

Expression of interest in a new employer example

This is an example of an expression of interest someone might send to a new employer they're interested in working for:

Grace Braddock
0402 202 217
graciebee@email.com.au
2/157 Miller Street
Fitzroy North Vic 3068
26 May 2021

Julie MacAlpine
Valerie Designs
22 Northern Avenue
Melbourne Vic 3000

Dear Ms MacAlpine,
Re: Expression of interest

My name is Grace Braddock, a design student at the Melbourne School of Fashion. I was so excited to hear your fashion label is opening a new boutique on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, in the new year. I have worn Valerie Designs clothes for the last three years because I appreciate the way the brand helps plus-size women feel feminine and fabulous. I wanted to reach out now and express my interest in securing a job as a retail assistant when the new shop opens. As a plus-sized woman, I feel I could be a great ambassador for your brand.

I have worked as a retail assistant in the women's fashion department of SuperMart for the last five years. During that time, I've developed strong customer service skills and learned about point-of-sale technology, store presentation and stocktaking. My contributions were recently recognised when I received the employee of the month award. I feel now is the perfect time to apply what I learned at SuperMart to a retail environment like yours, where I'm truly passionate about the products.

Thank you for taking the time to read my expression of interest. You can learn more about me by reading my enclosed resume. I hope you keep me in mind when it comes time to hire staff for your Fitzroy store. I am available to attend an interview at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,
Grace Braddock

Internal expression of interest example

This is an example of an expression of interest someone might send to their employer to apply for an internally advertised position:

Robin Murphy
Bartender at Diggers Leagues Club
0418 340 239
rmurphy@diggers.com.au•
34 Whitehill Lane*
Woy Woy NSW 2256

30 March 2021

Matthew Hudson
Diggers Leagues Club
19 Beach Street
Umina Beach NSW 2257

Dear Mr Hudson,
Re: Expression of interest

After working as a bartender at Diggers Leagues Club for the last six years, I would like to formally express my interest in the bar manager position before it's advertised publicly. I feel I've learned a lot about what it takes to manage a bar observing Clinton during his shifts for all these years. I've also fallen in love with this club and the place it holds in our community. Now that Clinton is leaving the club, I feel it's the right time to take the next step in my career and take over his position.

I feel I'd be a good fit for this position because I am well-liked by the staff and the club's patrons. I have an excellent knowledge of alcohol, including how to make co*cktails and how to pull the perfect schooners. I feel confident I could continue delivering the customer service I'm known for while expanding my responsibilities. My understanding of what's popular with the customers would help me effectively manage stock levels and refresh our bar menu from time to time.

Thank you for reading my expression of interest and considering my application. I've attached my resume which outlines my work history and education. I am available to chat more about the bar manager position whenever it's convenient for you.

Kind regards,
Robin Murphy

Tips for writing an expression of interest

The following tips can make your expressions of interest better:

• Research the company. Researching the company before writing your expression of interest can help you learn more about the business, its products or services and what it looks for in its employees. Read the company website, social media pages and archived job posts, then weave the relevant information you find through your expression of interest.

• Address a specific person. Research the company and address your expression of interest to a relevant person, such as the human resources manager or chief executive officer. Addressing this person by name makes your letter feel more personal.

• Write concisely. Concise expressions of interest feel focused and persuasive. Write a maximum of one page to ensure your recipient stays engaged.

• Choose a standard font. A standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, makes your expression of interest look professional. You can set your font size to 10 or 12 points.

• Proofread your expression of interest. After writing your expression of interest, proofread it carefully to check your spelling, grammar and phrasing. You may want a trusted friend or colleague to proofread your work after you to make sure it's error-free and professional.