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What is a letter of interest and how to write one.
Discover what is a letter of interest, what to include in one, and how to get noticed by hiring managers.
What is a letter of interest?
A letter of interest is a way to introduce yourself to a target company without applying to a specific position. Also known as a letter of inquiry or statement of interest, a letter of interest is like a cover letter you’d include with a job application. Still, in this case, the target company has no open positions that fit your qualifications.
By sharing your background and skills, you give recruiters a chance to determine whether any existing or upcoming roles align with your expertise. Since job titles and responsibilities can vary across companies, a letter of interest also helps hiring teams understand how your abilities fit their needs. If you’re able to connect with a recruiter or hiring manager beforehand — such as through an informational interview — they may even recommend mentioning their name in your letter to improve your chances of consideration.
When to send a letter of interest.
A letter of interest has multiple uses relating to your job search. If a professional connection refers you to a job posting that fits your skill set but hasn’t been released publicly yet, you can use a letter of interest to inform a recruiter of your interest before other applicants. If you plan to relocate or pursue a more specialized job search, or you discover a company with a mission and values that align with yours, you can use a letter of interest to introduce yourself. Show the Human Resources department how eager and prepared you are to work there, regardless of current job openings.
A letter of interest can be a valuable tool when you want to express your enthusiasm for a company and explore potential opportunities. Here are some situations where sending one makes sense:
- You admire a company and want to work there, but no relevant positions are currently open.
- You’re making a career shift or location change and want to introduce yourself to potential employers.
- You’ve heard about upcoming opportunities through networking but haven’t seen formal job postings.
- You’re interested in a specific department within a company and want to inquire about future roles.
- You recently met a hiring manager or recruiter and want to follow up with a formal introduction.
How to write a letter of interest in 4 steps.
If you learned how to write a cover letter, then you know personalization is important. Ideally, each letter of interest is unique and customized for the company you’re interested in. However, every letter of interest should include the following four key elements.
1. Start with contact information.
As in a cover letter, introduce yourself while also letting employers know how to get back to you. Include your name, date, phone number, email, website, and address.
2. Introduce yourself.
Introduce yourself and your intentions in the first paragraph. Before you start, think about why you would like to work at that particular company, and incorporate that into your opening.
The opening paragraph should show enthusiasm, so be sure to include reasons why you are excited about the idea of joining the company and why you admire its goals, products, or other relevant qualities.
3. Describe your experience and qualifications.
In the body of the letter, state how you can contribute value to the organization. With no job description to base it on, you have to be broader in the explanation of your skills and interests. Still, you should be straightforward and succinct; choose two or three of your best qualities and offer supporting examples from your work experience.
4. End with a powerful closing.
Thank the reader for their time, and offer your earliest availability for an informational interview. Informational interviews are great opportunities to learn more about the company and make connections. Set up as many as possible to learn as much as you can about the organization.
Make sure your letter is one page. Recruiters and managers are busy, and they will move on if your letter is too long.
Letter of interest example.
Based on the tips above on how to write a letter of interest and what it should include, here is an example that you can easily download and customize to fit your needs.
Robert McCallister
123 Maple Street
Hometown, USA 12345
(555) 123-4567
March 4, 2025
Catherine Walker
Director of Human Resources
ABC Technologies Inc.
456 Innovation Parkway
Tech City, USA 67890
Dear Ms. Walker,
I am writing to express my keen interest in exploring potential opportunities with ABC Technologies Inc. While I am aware that there may not be a current opening that perfectly aligns with my background, I have long admired your company’s innovative approach and industry leadership. I would be excited to contribute my skills in the future.
With over eight years of experience in software development and project management, I have honed my ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive technology solutions that improve business efficiency. I am particularly drawn to ABC Technologies’ commitment to advancing cutting-edge technologies and believe my experience could complement your team’s efforts as new opportunities arise.
I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the chance to discuss how my expertise might fit within your organization. Thank you for considering my letter of interest. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to ABC Technologies’ continued success.
I can be reached at either rmccallister@email.com or (123) 456-7891.
Sincerely,
Robert McCallister
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