A job letter of intent, complementing a resume, is crucial for showcasing an applicant’s interest and fit for a position. It’s a platform to articulate how one’s work and academic background align with the company’s mission and values.
Effective letters of intent delve into specific experiences that demonstrate a candidate’s readiness and enthusiasm for the role. It’s not just about highlighting skills but also showing an understanding of the company’s culture and objectives.
Letter of Intent vs Cover Letter
While similar to a cover letter, a letter of intent has its unique purpose—it showcases your interest to potential employers, encouraging them to consider you during recruitment.
Job Letter of Intents – By Type
Used to seek advancement to a higher role, detailing the justification and potential operational benefits for the employer.
Promotion
Use to offer employment, outlining job details, salary, duration, and terms, allowing for acceptance or negotiation.
To Hire
Use to request management for relocation within the organization due to dissatisfaction or an impending move, highlighting mutual benefits and personal achievements.
Transfer Department/Job
Used to signal an employee's desire to renew their contract by highlighting achievements and starting discussions on extension benefits for the employer.
Continue Working
Use to detail an individual's educational background, professional experience, and skills for non-teaching school positions, highlighting their contribution to school objectives.
School Position (non-teacher)
Use to signal an employer's intent to hire a physician post-interview, detailing key negotiation terms, with advice against signing if unsatisfactory, as recommended by legal counsel.
Physician
Use to express a nurse's interest in a healthcare position, highlighting their background, experiences, and qualifications.
Nursing
How To Write a Job Letter of Intent
Step 1: Contact Information and Greeting
Start your letter by providing your contact details at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s address. Use a professional greeting, targeting a specific individual whenever possible to personalize your letter.
Step 2: Introduction
Introduce yourself succinctly, mentioning your current role, educational background, and the reason you’re applying. State your intention clearly and respectfully, avoiding any negative comments about your current or past employers.
Step 3: Highlighting Your Qualifications
In the main body, focus on your skills and experiences, preferably using the STAR method to tie your capabilities to real-world examples. Ensure you align your strengths with the company’s goals and needs, showcasing how you can contribute.
Step 4: Call to Action and Closing
Propose the next steps, such as a meeting or follow-up email, providing your contact details for ease of communication. Conclude with a polite closing statement, thanking the recipient for their time and consideration, and sign off professionally.
Tips For Writing a Job Letter of Intent
- Key Skills: Highlight broad, transferable skills: leadership, coordination, cash handling, communication, software, and languages.
- Company Interest: Show personal alignment with company mission and values; demonstrate in-depth research.
- Current Events: Reference recent news or initiatives of the company to show engagement.
- Format: Use business letter format; concise subject line for emails; contact info in the email signature.
- Research: Deep dive into company culture and needs.
- Content: Focus on top qualifications, not resume rehash. Use bullet points for clarity.
- Length & Proofreading: Keep to one page. Proofread for errors.
Job Letter of Intent Sample
Eliza Green
456-12th Ave, Portland, OR
[email protected]
(333) 903-1234
Date: August 25th, 2019
Julian Morales
Chief Marketing Officer
Green Earth Produce
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Position Name] at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a background in [Your Major/Field] and relevant experience in [Industry/Field], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and align with your company’s mission and core values.
I am currently working as a [Your Current Job Position] at [Your Current Company], where I have honed my skills in [mention one or two relevant skills or experiences], directly contributing to [a notable outcome of your work]. My educational background in [Your Degree] from [Your University] has solidified my foundational knowledge and ability to thrive in roles that require [mention a broad skill or area, e.g., strategic thinking, project management].
During my tenure at [Your Current or Previous Company], I successfully [describe a specific achievement or project], which resulted in [mention the result]. This experience, among others, underscores my capacity to adapt and excel within dynamic environments and to effectively meet and surpass objectives.
I am drawn to [Company Name] because of its commitment to [mention what you admire about the company—could be its innovation, community involvement, leadership in the industry, etc.]. I am eager to bring my blend of experience, dedication, and passion to [Position Name] and contribute to continued success and growth.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed company.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
