A letter of interest is a proactive tool for job seekers, allowing them to connect with companies they admire even when no specific job is advertised. It serves to introduce your skills and enthusiasm to an organization, aiming to get on their radar for potential future opportunities. By expressing genuine interest in a company’s mission or work, you position yourself as a motivated candidate who has taken the initiative to reach out.
Differentiating a Letter of Interest from a Cover Letter
The primary distinction between a letter of interest and a cover letter lies in their purpose. A cover letter is a reactive document, written in direct response to a specific, advertised job opening. Its content is tailored to match the qualifications and requirements listed in the job description, arguing why you are the best fit for that role.
A letter of interest, conversely, is proactive. You send this letter when a company you wish to work for is not actively advertising a position that suits your skills. Instead of targeting a specific job, it focuses on your admiration for the company and its goals. The aim is to showcase how your skills align with the organization’s mission for future consideration.
Pre-Writing Research
Before writing, conducting thorough research is an important step, as a generic letter is unlikely to capture attention. Personalization makes this document effective. Your research should go beyond a quick look at the company’s homepage to include their mission statement, core values, and recent news to understand their priorities.
Investigating recent projects or community initiatives can provide specific points to reference in your letter, showing genuine engagement. Look into the company culture to understand their work environment and the qualities they value in employees. A part of this research is identifying the correct person to address the letter to, such as a department head in your field of interest. Professional networking sites and the company’s website are good resources for finding this information.
Structuring Your Letter of Interest
Header and Salutation
Your letter should follow a standard business letter format. At the top, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Below your contact information, add the date and then the recipient’s information: their full name, title, company name, and company address.
Avoid generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern,” which can feel impersonal. Address the letter to the specific individual you identified during your research. Use a formal and respectful title such as “Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name]” to demonstrate initiative.
The Opening Paragraph
The first paragraph must capture the reader’s attention and state your purpose. Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. Mention the company by name and express your admiration for a particular aspect of their work, such as a recent project, their innovative approach, or their corporate values.
This opening should establish your genuine enthusiasm for the organization. Make it clear that you are not responding to a job advertisement but are proactively reaching out because of your strong interest in contributing to their team.
The Body Paragraphs
The body of your letter is where you make the case for your value to the company. Without a specific job description to guide you, connect your most relevant skills and accomplishments to the company’s perceived needs or goals. For instance, instead of stating you have “strong project management skills,” describe a project you led and the successful outcome you achieved.
Each paragraph should focus on a different aspect of your qualifications, such as technical skills or leadership experience. Use the insights from your research to align these examples with the company’s mission or recent initiatives. The goal is to illustrate how your background could support their objectives.
The Closing Paragraph and Sign-Off
Your closing paragraph should reiterate your strong interest in the company and your enthusiasm for future opportunities. Propose a clear next step without being demanding, such as an informational interview or a brief discussion to explore how your skills might benefit their team.
Thank the reader for their time and consideration. A professional closing like “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your typed full name is appropriate. If sending a physical letter, leave space between the closing and your typed name for your signature.
Best Practices for Writing
Maintain a tone that is both professional and genuinely enthusiastic, ensuring your language remains polished and respectful. The entire letter should ideally be kept to a single page. This forces you to be selective about the information you include, focusing only on your most compelling qualifications. Finally, proofreading is important, as any spelling or grammatical errors can undermine your credibility.
What to Do After You Send the Letter
After sending your letter of interest, a follow-up can reinforce your candidacy. It is appropriate to wait one to two weeks before making contact again. This demonstrates patience and respect for the recipient’s schedule.
Your follow-up should be a brief and polite email. In the message, remind them of the letter you sent and reiterate your interest in the company. The goal is not to pressure them for an answer but to keep your name top-of-mind. This professional persistence can distinguish you from other potential candidates.