Write a Letter of Interest for Your Dream Job
In our competitive job market, job seekers constantly look for new creative ways to stand out from the crowd and get potential employers to notice them. One of these strategies is to send a letter of interest to a company or organization you want to work for, even when there are no current job openings available.
A letter of interest for a job, also known as a letter of inquiry or prospecting letter, is not the same as a cover letter, even though they serve a similar purpose. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of writing a letter of interest. We’ll cover what it is, when to use it, why it is different from a cover letter, and how to research a company and tailor your letter to their mission and objectives.
You’ll also, discover tips that will make hiring managers notice you and a letter of interest sample. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to break into the industry or an experienced professional looking for a new opportunity, a letter of interest can be a valuable tool in your job search arsenal.
What Is a Letter of Interest for a Job?
A letter of interest is a formal document you can use to express your interest in working for a company or organization that has, or is not currently advertising for, no job opening available for your role.
Letter of Interest vs Cover Letter – What’s the Difference?
While both tell a potential employer more about you, the main difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter is the core purpose of the document.
- A letter of interest is typically sent to a company or organization when you don’t have a specific job in mind or when they don’t have openings available for your role.
- In contrast, a cover letter is typically used to accompany a resume when sending a job application in response to a specific job posting.
Consequently, the tone and content of a letter of interest are also different from those of a cover letter. In writing your cover letter you want to highlight your qualifications for a specific job a company is hiring, while in your letter of interest the focus should be showcasing your general skills and experience, as well as your enthusiasm for the company.
Here are five examples of situations when sending a letter of interest for a job is better than sending a cover letter:
- When you want to work for a specific company
- When you are looking for a career change
- When you are relocating to a new area
- When you are applying for a position that does not exist yet
- When you want to build a relationship with a company
How to Write a Letter of Interest
Wondering how to write a letter of interest that gets read, arouses interest, and delivers results? Start by following a professional and formal business letter format starting with your contact information, the date, the recipient’s contact information, a formal salutation, then the body and closing. Pick a professional font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and keep the font size between 10 and 12.
Then, customization is the key. In the first paragraph of your letter of interest, briefly explain why you are writing the letter and introduce yourself to the reader. Mention the company by name and clearly express your interest in working for that specific company or organization.
Describe your strongest skills, including transferable skills if you are acting on a career change, and how these along with your experience can benefit the company. Close your letter by reiterating your interest in obtaining a job for the company and stating your readiness to discuss potential employment opportunities. Also, stay away from the following mistakes:
- do not include salary requirements or expectations
- do not use informal language or slang
- do not address it to a generic or an incorrect recipient
- do not make negative comments about the company, organization, or industry, such as suggesting they need your help because they are doing poorly
- do not write too much, read it back and cut out unnecessary details
- one letter of interest doesn’t fit all situations, so don’t send one that’s too generic and lacking in customization
- proofread the letter carefully for grammar and spelling errors
Successful Letter of Interest Examples
Let us show you two examples of well-written letters of interest. The first is a letter of interest sample from a video game programmer interested in working for a video game company with no current job opportunities. The second is a letter of interest sample from a Seattle attorney who’s relocating and interested in working for a law firm in Spokane.
[Your Name] - [Your Phone Number] - [Your Email] - [Your Portfolio/Website/LinkedIn]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company’s Name and Contact Info]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Drawn to your commitment to creating innovative and memorable games that push the boundaries of what is possible in the gaming industry, I am writing to express my strong interest in working for your video game company. I am a skilled and experienced video game programmer with a passion for creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
With over eight years of experience in video game programming, I have a strong understanding of game mechanics, AI, and user interface design. I have worked on a variety of game genres, including action, adventure, and role-playing games, and I am comfortable working with a range of game engines and development tools.
The last four games on which I helped with programming became Steam’s top sellers and received multiple awards. I am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your programming team, and I would love to explore possible career opportunities with you. I am available, and it would be an honor, to meet or talk with you to discuss further how I could contribute to your team.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Name] - [Your Phone Number] - [Your Email] - [Your Portfolio/Website/LinkedIn]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company’s Name and Contact Info]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I have followed and admired your firm’s many successes over the years, including your pro bono work that I find truly inspiring. While currently working in Seattle, I am relocating to Spokane within the next two months and wanted to personally reach out to express my interest in working with a team of skilled legal professionals like yours.
I have spent the last seven years working as an associate attorney at a boutique law firm in Seattle, where I gained valuable experience in a variety of practice areas, including commercial litigation, employment law, and intellectual property. During my time at [current company name], the client base and the number of cases we won increased by 10% and 25% respectively.
With attention to detail, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills I build solid relationships with clients and colleagues alike. While I enjoyed my time at my current firm, I am eager to take on new challenges and contribute my skills and experience to a new team.
Thank you for considering my letter of interest. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and experience further and to learn more about a potential opportunity at your firm.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Let Your Message Truly Be Heard by Potential Employers
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