How To Write A Letter Of Intent For A Job (With Examples)

If you’re keen on working for a particular company but don’t see a suitable job listing, submitting a letter of intent could be your best move. This proactive approach demonstrates your enthusiasm and can open doors to potential opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll define what a letter of intent is, provide essential tips for writing one, and share illustrative examples to help you create your own.

Key Takeaways:

• A letter of intent differs from a cover letter, and understanding this distinction can enhance your chances of landing a job.

• When composing your letter, ensure you have a strong introduction, articulate your reasons for wanting to work at the company, and outline your follow-up plan.

• Conduct thorough research on the company before sending your letter, and identify the appropriate recipient for your application.

What Is a Letter of Intent?

A letter of intent is a formal document sent to a company to express your desire to work with them. While you may have a specific role in mind, it is frequently used to indicate interest in any potential openings within the organization.

This type of letter is broader than a cover letter and is typically employed when applying to a specific company rather than a particular job. A well-crafted letter of intent can create a favorable impression on hiring managers.

A letter of intent is often submitted alongside your resume and cover letter.

Instances when you might use a letter of intent include:

• At job fairs

• For freelance opportunities

• Contract positions

How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job

A letter of intent adds a personal touch to your application, allowing hiring managers to see you as a potential team member rather than just a name on a resume.

Even though this might be a more generalized version of a cover letter, it should still be engaging.

1. Start off strong. Open your letter with a personalized greeting to the appropriate person.

   Avoid generic terms like “hiring manager” or “talent acquisition committee.” Instead, research to find the name of the person your letter should be addressed to.

2. Write a flawless introduction. Introduce yourself and briefly state your reason for reaching out.

   If you’re expressing interest in working for the company, mention that along with the types of positions you’re considering, but keep the details flexible.

   The more generalized your statement, the easier it will be for hiring managers to envision you in various roles that may become available.

3. Explain why you’re a great match. Detail how your skills and experiences make you an ideal fit for the company and the specific role or type of work you’re interested in.

   Highlight key skills relevant to the position you’re pursuing, or use bullet points to make your qualifications stand out if you’re expressing general interest.

4. Follow up and conclude. Indicate how you plan to follow up, conclude with a call to action, or express your eagerness to hear back.

   Close the letter with a professional sign-off and your name.

Examples of Letters of Intent

Ready to see how to put all of this together? Check out the following two examples:

1. Email Example

   Subject: Erin Summers – Job Application

   Dear Mr. Flint,

   My name is Erin Summers, and I am a motivated recent graduate from the University of Virginia seeking mechanical engineering positions at Six Flags. Growing up in a family that visited Six Flags parks multiple times each year, I developed a passion for roller coasters and mechanical fair rides.

   I possess the skills and experience necessary to contribute effectively as an engineer at your company:

   • Summer internship experience at Carowinds Park
   • Double major in mechanical engineering and physics, graduating with honors
   • Captain of the robotics team at UVA
   • Internship at Disney World, improving older rides for quality and safety

   Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to discussing opportunities at Six Flags soon.

   Sincerely,

   Erin Summers

2. Letter Example

   Erin Summers
   120 Main Street.
   Charlottesville, VA 24404
   555-555-5555
   Erin.summers@emailaddress.com

   May 4, 2026
   Colton Flint
   Operations Manager
   Six Flags
   Six Flags Park Office
   Town, State Zip Code

   Dear Mr. Flint,

   I am writing to express my interest in working for Six Flags America. I have completed the general application for Six Flags and am seeking entry-level employment as a mechanical engineer with your company. As an avid theme park enthusiast, I have visited Six Flags parks with my family numerous times over the years.

   My passion for roller coasters and mechanical rides led me to pursue and earn degrees in mechanical engineering and physics at the University of Virginia. My experience in the theme park industry makes me an ideal candidate for your team. I have hands-on experience through internships, including a summer at Carowinds and a semester at Disney.

   My internships, combined with my role as captain of the university’s robotics team, have equipped me with transferable skills like project management, team collaboration, and effective communication. My enthusiasm for creating memorable customer experiences aligns perfectly with Six Flags’ mission.

   Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

   Best,
   Erin Summers

Letter of Intent vs. Cover Letter

• A letter of intent is useful when applying to companies with general applications. It serves to express your interest in working for a specific company, particularly when no job openings are listed.

  For instance, if you have a strong desire to work at a company like Disney, you might write a letter of intent to showcase your enthusiasm, regardless of specific job openings.

• A Cover Letter accompanies your resume and provides detailed information about your skills and experiences relevant to a specific position.

  This letter elaborates on your resume and serves as the hiring manager’s first impression of you.

Letter of Intent Tips

When crafting your letter of intent, consider the following tips:

1. Format your letter correctly. Letters of intent should follow business letter format similar to cover letters. Keep it concise—three to four paragraphs and around 250 words is ideal for most hiring managers.

2. Research the company. Before drafting your letter, understand the company’s culture, values, and mission. Knowing what the company values will help you articulate your potential contributions effectively.

3. Focus on accomplishments. This principle applies to resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Quantify your achievements when possible. Clearly explain what you can bring to the company and how you’ve demonstrated this in the past.

4. Decide on bullet points or paragraphs. Consider how you want to showcase your qualifications. Bullet points can be effective for highlighting major accomplishments and grabbing attention quickly.

5. Articulate your interest in the company. Use your research to determine the tone of your letter and express what makes the company appealing to you. If you’re truly excited about the opportunity, share specific reasons that contribute to your enthusiasm.

6. Avoid copying your resume. This applies to cover letters as well. The purpose of these letters is to convey your personality and give hiring managers a sense of what it’s like to work with you. A resume provides qualifications, but it doesn’t showcase your unique attributes.

   Offer insights into what makes you a standout candidate. If you’re an excellent fit for the role, you increase your chances of being invited for an interview.

7. Craft an attention-grabbing subject line. If you’re sending a cold email, it’s crucial to entice the hiring manager or recruiter to open your message.

   Ensure your subject line clearly communicates your purpose, such as “(Job Title) Inquiry” or “(Field) Expert Seeking Opportunities.” Choose a subject that maximizes your letter’s chance of being opened.

Letter of Intent FAQ

1. What is a letter of intent for?

   A letter of intent is a document you send to a company to express your interest in working for them. This letter is more generalized than a cover letter and is used when applying to a specific company rather than a specific job. It can be utilized at job fairs, for freelance work, or for contract positions.

2. When should you send a letter of intent?

   You should send a letter of intent to demonstrate your interest in a company. This is particularly useful when there are no job listings available, or when a company requests it in their job postings. Always accompany this letter with your resume and any other required application materials.

3. How long should my letter of interest be?

   A letter of interest should ideally be one to two pages long. Aim for 400 to 800 words spread across three to four paragraphs. Don’t forget to proofread your letter before sending it.

Final Thoughts

Writing a letter of intent may seem straightforward, but it’s your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on a potential employer.

Be cautious of grammatical errors and avoid generic language that makes it seem like you’re recycling letters.

Tailor each letter of intent to the specific job and company.

Now that you understand how to write a letter of intent and the differences between it and a cover letter, you can approach the writing process with confidence.

A well-crafted letter of intent can significantly enhance your visibility among applicants—so start writing!

References

1. UC David – Write an Effective Cover Letter/ Letter of Intent

Author

Heidi Cope

Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.