Normal job purposes have an ordinary set of practices. You flip in a resume and canopy letter, after which, if chosen, you progress by a number of rounds of interviews and get the job.
Nevertheless, not all potential job alternatives begin with an utility. In truth, many start with initiative from a job seeker.
These job seekers will ship in a letter of intent quite than a cover letter. On this article, we’ll check out what a letter of intent is and spotlight some methods for writing the very best LOI you may. We’ve even included a template that can assist you get began.
Right here’s what you’ll discover:
What’s a letter of intent?
A letter of intent is a much less frequent manner of expressing curiosity in an organization. It targets causes you’re on the lookout for alternatives with a particular group.
A letter of intent does embrace parts of a conventional cowl letter, akin to related expertise and expertise, but it surely’s utilized in barely totally different contexts. LOIs emphasize alignment between a job seeker and a company.
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Letter of Intent vs. Cowl Letter
There are a number of key variations between a cover letter and a letter of intent, together with:
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Context. Whereas a canopy letter responds to a particular job itemizing, a letter of intent targets a company extra typically. It might or could not have a particular job opening on the time that the LOI is shipped in.
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Focus. A canopy letter explains why an applicant is a good fit for a specific role. An LOI, however, addresses a person’s compatibility with an general group or extra common position.
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Initiative. A canopy letter is a reactive doc responding to a job opening. A letter of intent, nonetheless, demonstrates extra initiative and gives info earlier than a company particularly requests it.
Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Curiosity
Letter of intent and letter of interest are sometimes used interchangeably. Whereas there are plenty of similarities between the 2 paperwork, there are additionally a number of key variations:
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Stage of intent. Letters of intent have a excessive stage of intentionality, whereas letters of curiosity are extra exploratory. A letter of intent proposes motion, whereas letters of curiosity are for info gathering.
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Dedication stage. A letter of intent is a high-commitment manner of expressing curiosity in an organization, whereas a letter of curiosity is a decrease dedication. A person is extra prone to ship out a number of letters of curiosity.
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Motion orientation. A letter of intent all the time ends with a name to motion, whereas a letter of curiosity is extra laid-back and should not request something particular from the recipient.
Whereas each letters show initiative and are carefully tailor-made to the corporate, they do serve barely totally different functions.
When to Use a Letter of Intent
There are many eventualities the place a job seeker could need to ship out a letter of intent. Listed here are a number of examples:
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You will have a excessive stage of curiosity in a particular firm, however there’s not an open position.
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You have an interest in networking with an organization in a dedicated manner.
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You need to attain out with a proper follow-up after a networking occasion.
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You’re making use of to a extremely aggressive discipline.
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You’re conscious of a possible job alternative with a company that hasn’t been revealed but.
Moreover, college students or job seekers switching industries could use letters of intent to use to academic alternatives like internships and apprenticeships — although these may be known as cover letters.
The right way to Write a Letter of Intent
There are many methods to method writing a letter of intent for a job. Right here’s a step-by-step course of for writing your LOI draft:
1. Present your contact info.
On the prime of your LOI, you’ll need to present contact info so your recipient can contact you about future alternatives. This may embrace your cellphone quantity, e mail, and tackle.
2. Use an applicable greeting.
For some alternatives, a proper greeting is suitable. In different conditions, a extra casual method could also be best. If attainable, tackle the precise recipient.
3. Present an introduction.
Within the intro paragraphs, you’ll need to faucet into three specifics:
Be at liberty to fluctuate the order of this info. Your LOI intro could also be formal or extra playful, relying on who you’re and the group you’re submitting to.
4. Dive into your strengths and firm alignment.
An LOI is created to obviously convey why you’re a great match for the group. Within the physique paragraphs of your letter, you’ll need to clarify:
- Your strengths.
- What you do.
- How these issues would match with the group.
5. Information the dialog into the longer term.
All LOIs finish with a name to motion, which is without doubt one of the issues that differentiates it from a letter of curiosity or a canopy letter. Map out potential subsequent steps so it’s simple for the reader to take motion. It may embrace:
6. Write a considerate conclusion.
Conclude your LOI by reiterating your curiosity within the firm. Make sure that to thank the recipient for his or her time, too — there wasn’t a job opening request, in order that they took outing of their day to learn your letter.
In case you’re sending your LOI due to an inner referral, you’ll want to reference them throughout the letter.
Letter of Intent Samples
Let’s undergo a number of totally different samples of LOIs and spotlight what every does nicely. Refer to those samples as you draft your individual letter of intent for steering on incorporating the weather of an LOI seamlessly.
Inner Connection
On this letter of intent, Jennifer leverages an inner connection. It is a nice method to earn a number of additional factors when explaining how you realize in regards to the enterprise. Past that, Jennifer’s experiences align nicely with the work that the wine bar does.
What I like: This letter of intent does a fantastic job of personalization, weaving by the interior connection completely in a number of totally different spots. A referral is a robust help to include into an LOI, and Jennifer did a fantastic job dropping hints of her connection.
Making a Pitch
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What I like: On this letter, Mark is making a pitch. He nonetheless covers the bases of a fantastic LOI — discussing his strengths and alignment with the model. However as a substitute of simply calling for a gathering, he makes a pitch that’s particular to the group. This gives worth to the recipient and makes Mark appear like a robust collaborator.
Mark may gain advantage from HubSpot’s CMS Hub to handle his pitches. Lead technology and content material creation are essential elements of freelancing, and Mark wants to remain organized with the intention to do it nicely. Be taught extra about HubSpot’s CMS Hub here.
Diving Into Alignment
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What I like: Jordan is in shut alignment with the group’s values and does a fantastic job of highlighting that in her letter of intent. She’s considerate and well-researched, communicates her alignment clearly, after which closes with a name to motion.
Letter of Intent Template
Letters of intent are normal paperwork, so that you don’t want to fret about reinventing the wheel every time you ship one. Use this template as a useful resource to make sure your letter contains all of the essential elements.
[Your name]
[Your contact information]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s contact information]
Expensive [Recipient or To Whom It May Concern],
My identify is [Your Name], [title/relevant information about yourself], and I heard about your group by [how you know the organization]. I’m reaching out to attach. I’d love to speak in case your group plans on increasing.
I’ve expertise in [skills] that I consider could be a fantastic match on your group. Your values of [company values] are in shut alignment with my strengths, and I consider I may make a fantastic contribution.
I consider that my [abilities/skills/interests] would profit your organization, and I’d love to speak extra about any potential alternatives that come up with [name of organization]. If , please attain out by [phone/email] to schedule a time to satisfy with me.
Thanks for taking the time to learn my letter, and I hope to speak with you additional sooner or later.
Greatest,
[Your name]
In fact, you’ll need to edit the template for tone and specifics associated to your self and the group you’re contacting.
Discovering Success With a Nice Letter of Intent
Sending a letter of intent could be weak, but it surely’s a good way to make new connections and set your self up for employment success.
Refer to those methods, samples, and templates to ensure your LOI goes to be the simplest letter attainable. Emphasize your alignment with the group, and also you’re certain to see success!
