cover letter or letter of interest

Cover Letter vs. Letter of Interest vs. Letter of Intent

By Status.net Editorial Team on October 1, 2023 — 12 minutes to read

So, you’re job hunting and wondering about the difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people are often confused about these two seemingly similar yet distinct job application tools. In this article, we will delve into the definitions, tips, and examples of each, providing you with the know-how to confidently use them in your job search.

 Cover Letter vs. Letter of Interest vs. Letter of Intent

• A cover letter is a document that you submit alongside your resume when applying for a specific job. This letter allows you to describe your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the position. It’s a chance to tailor your application to the requirements of the job.
• Learn more: How To Write a Cover Letter [Best Templates]
• A letter of interest (sometimes called an inquiry letter or prospecting letter) is a document expressing your interest in working for a company, even if there isn’t a specific job opening. This letter serves as an introduction to who you are, your expertise, and how you could be a valuable asset to the organization if an opportunity arises. In academic contexts, a letter of interest may be used when contacting potential research advisors or expressing interest in a particular research project.
• Learn more: Letter of Interest: Best Templates and Tips
• A letter of intent (LOI) is a document that expresses an individual’s or organization’s serious intention to engage in a particular activity or formal agreement. It is often used in legal and business contexts. In the context of academic applications or research proposals, an LOI may outline the applicant’s intention to apply for a specific program or funding opportunity, providing an overview of their plans and qualifications.
• Learn more: How to Write a Letter of Intent (Best Templates)

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: Real Life Examples and Tips

When you’re on the job hunt, it’s essential to understand the difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter. Here are some real-life examples and tips to help you navigate these two valuable tools in your search for employment:

• You come across a job posting that catches your eye. Before you apply, you’ll need to prepare a cover letter tailored to the specific requirements mentioned in the job listing.
• However, when researching companies you’d like to work for, you might not always find an active job posting fitting your skills or interests. In this case, you’ll want to craft a letter of interest to communicate your desire to work for the company in the future.
• For example, imagine you are interested in working for a newly expanding company but are unaware of current job openings. In this situation, you would send a letter of interest highlighting your desire to be a part of their growth, offering your value and what you can bring to the table. This could potentially lead to an informational interview or being considered for future opportunities not yet advertised.
• On the contrary, if you come across an open job listing that fits your skills and experience, you will create a cover letter tailored to that specific position. In this case, your cover letter should discuss why you are the ideal candidate and how your experience aligns with the requirements of the listed job opening.
• While both tools are essential for your job search, remember to adjust your approach based on the situation. If you’re responding to a specific job posting, write a detailed cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience. Alternatively, when reaching out to a company that may not have any openings, focus on crafting a compelling letter of interest to signal your genuine desire to work for them.
• Related: Get More Interviews: Follow Up on Job Applications (Templates)

Key Elements of a Cover Letter

Introduction segment in a cover letter.

Start your cover letter with a strong intro that grabs the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and briefly mention the job opening you’re applying for. This is your chance to make a strong first impression, so be concise and engaging. You can also establish a connection with the organization by stating how you found out about the job application or any previous encounters you had with them.

Job Tailored Statement in a Cover Letter

In this section, focus on the specific job opening and explain why you are the right fit for it. Highlight your relevant professional experience by discussing your achievements and how they align with the role you’re applying for. Don’t simply repeat your resume – instead, provide context and connect the dots for the reader. Show your enthusiasm for the role and your knowledge of the organization’s values and objectives.

Qualifications Showcase in a Cover Letter

Now it’s time to showcase your qualifications. Go beyond listing degrees and certifications by detailing the relevant skills and experiences that make you uniquely suited for this role. Relate your qualifications to the job requirements and provide examples of how you’ve applied them in your previous experiences. This will strengthen your case and give the reader a better understanding of your capabilities.

Closing Remarks in a Cover Letter

End your cover letter on a confident and positive note. Reiterate your interest in the role and briefly summarize your main points. Include a call to action, such as expressing your desire to discuss your candidacy further in an interview. This can solidify your proactive attitude and showcase your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, thank the reader for considering your application and sign off with a professional closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Key Elements of a Letter of Interest

The passionate beginning.

When composing your letter of interest, start confidently and make sure to show your enthusiasm right from the beginning. Focus on conveying your genuine passion for the company’s mission and your interest in the role. A compelling opening sets the stage for the reader to engage with the rest of your letter.

For example:

As a long-time admirer of X Corporation’s commitment to sustainability, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to express my interest in joining the environmental team and contributing to your company’s expanding eco-initiatives.

Desire for the Role within the Company

Discuss your dedication to the industry and highlight your relevant work experience which demonstrates your commitment. By displaying your knowledge about the company, you showcase your investment in becoming a valuable team member. Align your skills with the company’s goals and reflect on how you can contribute to its growth.

Your mission of reducing waste and promoting environmental awareness aligns perfectly with my own career aspirations. With five years of experience as a sustainability coordinator, I believe my expertise in waste reduction programs could bring significant value to X Corporation.

Why You Stand Out

Now’s the time to sell yourself by emphasizing your unique qualities and achievements. Highlight relevant work experiences, educational accomplishments, and significant contributions you’ve made in previous roles. Make sure to connect the dots between your experiences and the job or company.

During my tenure at GreenTech, I was awarded the 2022 Eco-Innovator award due to my successful implementation of a recycling program which increased waste diversion by 75%. I desire to bring my innovative mindset and dedication to sustainability to X Corporation as we work together towards a greener future.

The Strategic Conclusion

In the final section of your letter of interest, reiterate your excitement about the role and the company’s mission. Leave an impression that you are a great fit for future opportunities and maintain a forward-looking approach. Include a call-to-action inviting a meeting or further discussion.

Thank you for considering my interest in X Corporation. I am eager to discuss further how my skills and experiences align with your environmental objectives. Please find my resume attached for your review, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team in the future.

Key Elements for Every Professional Written Document

When crafting a professional document, whether it’s a Letter of Interest or a Cover Letter, there are several critical components to consider. These elements will help you present your skill set and experience effectively, showcasing the best version of yourself to potential employers.

• Clarity is crucial in written communication. Make sure your document is easy to understand and well-structured. Use concise sentences and avoid jargon whenever possible. Address your letter to the appropriate person, title, and department so that it reaches the right hands.
• Next, highlight your skills and experience as they relate to the position you’re applying for. When listing your accomplishments, try to focus on specific instances where you achieved measurable results. This will give hiring managers a clear picture of your capabilities and demonstrate your potential for success in their organization. Present your work history and educational background in a manner that showcases your growth and progress.
• Then, focus on customization . Tailor each document to the particular company or role you’re applying to, instead of using generic templates. Research the company’s culture, values, and mission, and incorporate them into your writing. This will show genuine interest and demonstrate how your skills align with their specific needs.
• Lastly, consider using formatting options like bullet points, bold text, or tables. This can help emphasize important information and provide visual relief within the document, making it easier to read and understand.

Pitstops: Review and Follow Up

As you craft your letter of interest or cover letter, it’s essential to review your work to ensure it speaks to the recruiter, hiring manager, or potential employer. Double-check for any errors in grammar or formatting and that you effectively communicate your qualities and suitability for the position or company.

Make sure to address the letter to the appropriate person. Use the hiring manager’s name when possible rather than resorting to “To whom it may concern.” If you’re unsure of the correct name, try researching online or tapping into your professional network for details.

Tailoring your letter to the specific company and position is key. Research the organization’s values, mission, and goals to align your content with the employer’s expectations. Demonstrate how you can benefit the organization and express enthusiasm for the potential opportunity.

A strong call to action at the end of your letter provides an opportunity for further conversation. Don’t be hesitant to express your interest in an interview or follow-up conversation. This shows initiative and helps you stand out as an active and motivated job seeker.

Once you’ve sent your letter, be patient but proactive. If you do not receive a response within a reasonable time frame, it’s acceptable to follow up with a polite email or phone call. This demonstrates your continued interest and persistence, both qualities that are likely to be appreciated by employers.

Remember, the key is to be confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear. Your professionalism and attention to detail will be noticed, and your efforts may pave the way to new opportunities in your professional journey.

Final Thoughts on Crafting a Solid Letter of Interest and Cover Letter

When it comes to showcasing your career aspirations and abilities, creating a great letter of interest and cover letter is essential. By understanding the differences and strategically using them, you can stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

In your letter of interest, focus on the company’s mission statement, culture and values. Researching their social media presence and website will help you align your own career goals with the company’s mission. Highlight your education, portfolio and any skills that might be relevant to their job description. Be sure to include specific numbers and examples that showcase your expertise to make your letter stand out.

For the cover letter, make sure you tailor it specifically to the job description and the company you are applying to. Emphasize how your professional background and hard skills make you an ideal candidate for the position. Remember to incorporate relevant achievements from your resume to add weight to your application.

Properly formatting both your letter of interest and cover letter is crucial. Employ various formatting techniques like tables, bullet points, and bold text to make it easy for the reader to understand and grasp the information you’re presenting. Be succinct and to the point; clarity is vital when explaining your career goals and professional expertise.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting engaging, professional letters that will enhance your career search and open doors to new opportunities.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter [Best Templates]

Letter of Interest (Best Templates and Tips)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the key elements to include in a letter of interest.

When writing a letter of interest, make sure to include these key elements:

• Your contact information: name, phone number, email, and address.
• Salutation: address the recipient with their formal title, such as “Dear Mr. Smith”.
• Opening paragraph: grab the reader’s attention and state the purpose of your letter.
• Qualifications: mention your relevant background, experience and skills.
• Connection to the company: express your enthusiasm and knowledge about the company.
• Closing paragraph: reiterate your interest and provide a call to action, such as requesting an informational interview.
• Complimentary close and signature: use professional terms like “Sincerely” and sign your full name.

2. How does a cover letter differ from a letter of intent?

A cover letter is typically written in response to a specific job opening, where you highlight your qualifications and tailor your experiences to the job requirements. Meanwhile, a letter of interest (also known as a letter of intent) is written when there isn’t a specific job advertisement, but you’re interested in a particular company or field. A letter of interest reveals your passion for the company/industry and explores potential opportunities.

3. Can you provide examples of effective cover letters?

You can find examples and templates here: How To Write a Cover Letter [Best Templates]

4. What are some essential tips for writing a letter of interest for a teaching position?

To write an effective letter of interest for a teaching position, follow these tips:

• Research the school: gather information about the school’s mission, goals, and programs to tailor your letter.
• Emphasize relevant experiences: describe your teaching background, classroom management skills, and student-centered approach.
• Showcase your passion: express your enthusiasm for teaching and relate it to the school’s objectives.
• Provide specific examples: use anecdotes to demonstrate how you’ve made a positive impact in students’ lives.
• Proofread carefully: ensure your letter is free from errors and professionally written.

5. How do you tailor a letter of interest for an internship or promotion?

To tailor your letter of interest for an internship or promotion, consider these steps:

• Address the recipient appropriately: find out the name and role of the person responsible for internships or promotions.
• Include relevant experiences: mention previous accomplishments or projects you’ve taken part in that align with the internship/promotion.
• Showcase your motivation: display your eagerness to grow and learn from the opportunity.
• Highlight company-specific knowledge or skills: show that you’ve done your research and understand the company’s culture or industry.

6. Are there any helpful templates for creating a letter of interest in Word?

Yes, there are several useful templates for creating a letter of interest in Microsoft Word. To access these templates, follow these steps:

• Open Microsoft Word and click on “File”.
• Select “New” from the menu on the left.
• In the Search bar, type “Letter of Interest” or similar keywords.
• Browse the available templates and choose one that suits your needs.
• How to Write a Letter of Intent (Effective Examples)
• Letter of Interest (Effective Examples and Tips)
• How To Write a Cover Letter [Inspiring Examples]
• Impactful Teacher Cover Letter (Inspiring Examples)
• How to Write a Letter of Employment (Templates, Examples)
• A Perfect Letter of Recommendation [8 Templates]

Letter of Interest vs Cover Letter: Differences & Which Is Best

A letter of interest is sent as an open job application. Meaning, you're interested in applying for a job even if it’s not being promoted but cover letters…

Cover letters and letters of interest are both for job applications. A cover letter supports your resume and responds to a job description. It’s written for a specific role and company, explaining why you’re a good fit. A letter of interest is more like a cold call—you use it to apply and connect to a particular company you admire, even if they aren’t currently hiring. In it, you focus on why you want to work for them and how you can contribute toward their growth.

Cover letters are for companies actively hiring for a certain position. Letters of interest are for companies that aren’t actively hiring. 

A letter of interest is for inquiring about potential roles for a certain company that you’d love to work for. It tells hiring managers how your skills, experience, and aspirations can make you valuable asset. 

Use a cover letter when you want to secure a job title that a company is hiring for. But if there's no advertised job opening and you still want to connect, send a letter of interest.

What is a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest is also known as a letter of intent. It's a formal letter where you express your interest to potentially work for a certain company. You send this to connect with an organization that greatly inspires you. It allows you to inquire about potential career and work opportunities for a specific company, even when they’re not currently seeking new employees. 

Letters of interest are typically sent to employers of an organization that isn’t hiring. You most likely won’t find them hunting for candidates for your job position. 

You might want to use a letter of interest to introduce yourself to your dream company. There’s a chance it could lead to opening an opportunity.

What is a Cover Letter?

Cover letters are typically sent with your resume. 

The aim of your cover letter is to secure a job interview by explaining how and why you’re a good match for the position that the company is hiring for. This means highlighting your professional skills and experience in relation to the job description.

The Difference Between a Cover Letter and Letter of Interest

The biggest difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest is their purpose. 

• Letters of interest focus on your intentions and why you want to work for the company. 
• Cover letters focus on why you’re the best person to hire for the job position they’re hiring for.

A letter of interest is a documented letter that’s sent as an open job application. You’re expressing interest to work for a certain company, but usually not for a specific role. You do this by highlighting your skills, experience, and interests. 

Letters of interest aren’t limited to one type of job position. You could get matched to an alternative or similar role. It all depends on your skill set and how the organization can get the most value from you. 

In contrast, a cover letter is sent as a targeted job application to secure a position at a company. They target a job vacancy. They’re also sent along as a secondary document to complement your ATS resume . 

The Essentials of a Letter of Interest

In terms of the format for a letter of interest, it’s pretty much similar to a cover letter as it’s made up of the following:

• Header section
• Opening paragraph
• Closing paragraph

What makes it different from a cover letter though, is the contents within each section. 

You’re not writing for an available vacancy. Instead, it’s tailored towards a specific position that isn’t currently being advertised or promoted. Therefore, there should be more emphasis on why you’re interested in working for them specifically and what makes you a good company fit. 

Letter of Interest Sample

In the above cover letter template , the candidate states the position and company they’re interested in. Then, they introduce themselves by providing a brief background of their professional skills. They also make it clear why they’re making an application. 

At this stage, hiring managers aren’t actively looking for a new employee. That’s why it’s important to set the agenda and make the purpose of your letter clear. 

After the opening paragraph, they begin to focus on showing why they match the job position they seek. This is shown throughout the letter while displaying interest by describing the value they have to offer in phrases such as:

• “My ability to work as a team player… have allowed me to excel in the field of Human Resources”
• “What I would bring to the position includes…”
• “I would come to work every day determined to fulfill Amazon’s vision…”
• “In review of your team’s objectives…”

In the closing paragraph, they’ve tied it all back to the company objectives. You’ll notice too that they’ve referred back to the company’s mission statement alongside their business culture.

This time, we’ll analyze how cover letters are written and pick up on some key points. 

You’ll find that there are no huge differences between the two and that they’re both pretty similar to one another.

The Essentials of a Cover Letter

The format of a cover letter includes:

Compared to a letter of interest, you’re more focused on explaining why you’re best suited for the role. There’ll usually be more emphasis on the job description criteria rather than the company values (although this is an area that should still be focused on).

Cover Letter Sample

Compared to the letter of interest example, the format is quite similar. 

You’ll notice the cover letter still talks about where the candidate’s enthusiasm comes from. 

However, it doesn’t revolve around the candidate’s interest and the company values as much. It revolves more around how and why they’re the best person for the job. As opposed to focusing on the company culture, it mainly focuses on their skills and what to write in a resume for work experience . 

How to Write a Letter of Interest

This is how to write a letter of interest: 

• Do your research into the company’s background.
• Address the hiring manager or head of department. 
• Start with a hook by introducing yourself and expressing why you look up to the company. 
• Showcase your skill set by highlighting your top career achievements and significant projects you worked on. 
• Make a direct statement about how your background allows you to uniquely contribute to the company. 
• Express your availability for new opportunities and willingness to learn.
• Politely inquire about potential job openings or career opportunities.
• Thank the reader for their time and consideration. 
• End with a formal sign-off.

Your letter of interest lets employers know how you can uniquely contribute to their organization and help them reach their goals. Sharing an emotional story on how the organization inspires you isn’t always enough to get a response or secure a position—you’ll have to emphasize key skills that would strongly benefit the company.

1. Know the Background Information

The background information includes the following:

• Company culture
• Mission statement
• Social media profiles
• Team members

It also includes being familiar with some of the content the organization has posted. This is important for not just showing you’re genuinely intrigued by what they’re doing. But to match their values. 

2. Use the Background Information in Your Letter

It’s time to put your research to use. 

For example, greet your employer by their name. On top of getting their attention, it indicates your level of interest alongside your research skills. 

Since you’re inquiring about working for an organization that isn’t actively hiring, you need a good reason why you’re making the application. That doesn’t just mean endlessly telling them about yourself and flattering them. It’s about showing how you’d be a committed asset that can help them reach their goals. 

3. Share Where Your Interest Comes From

What was the driving factor that made you reach out? 

This is a good way to get your reader curious from the start of your letter. Yes, you know a thing or two about them… 

But the next part is to focus on what that’s got to do with you. 

For instance, was there a recent post or project you saw that’s relevant to your skillset or career goals? Essentially, you’re using some of the details from the previous step with your reason for wanting to work with them to hook your hiring manager in. 

4. Clarify Your Interest

You’ve already mentioned where your interest comes from. 

Clarifying it means making it clear what you’re after (i.e. seeking a job opportunity) and why you’re after it. Be as specific as you can because it’s likely that they’re receiving all types of requests left and right. 

That said, do keep your letter of interest concise. Respect the company’s time and get straight to the point. 

5. Showcase Your Career Highlights

You’ve shown you know your stuff about the company. 

The next step is to showcase your career highlights to prove you’re someone that’s a good fit. Without any evidence of how you’d be beneficial, it won’t make yourself compelling enough to consider hiring. 

So, sell yourself. Demonstrate how you’d be valuable to their organization by sharing the following:

• Workplace achievements
• Qualifications

6. Link Back to the Company’s Needs

How will your strengths help to meet the needs of the company you’re applying for?

Reflect on what the company is working towards. It’s effective to link your skills back to their mission as well as what they’re looking to achieve. If you emphasize the fact you know what it takes to get results, it can make you stand out as a professional.

7. Make the Next Steps Clear

State how you’d like to proceed. That could mean following up via email or requesting a meeting to discuss further. 

Try to avoid using standard generic phrasing to reiterate your interest. On top of exuding self-confidence, it can impress your employers by the fact you’re not only skilled. But that you’re passionate enough about wanting to be of service. 

Do Letters of Interest Actually Work?

Yes, they work. It’s a good route to take when you’re looking to make a targeted application for a dream company you want to work for. To maximize your chances, you’ll need to show you’re an ideal fit in terms of both professional skills and company culture. 

Should You Use a Cover Letter or Letter of Interest?

If you’re applying for a specific position in the company that isn’t currently available but you’re open to future opportunities, use a letter of interest. But if you’re applying for an open job vacancy, use a cover letter . Even if they’re not requested by your employer, you can still send them along with your resume. 

In other words, only send a letter of interest to a company that isn't marketing an available job vacancy. Compared to a cover letter, this type of application is more long-term.

Tips for Writing a Letter of Interest

Showing no enthusiasm for a potential career opportunity doesn’t leave a good impression on your hiring manager. 

At the same time, you don’t want to sound too desperate. That’s what the tips below are for. 

Align With The Company Culture

There’s better chemistry and engagement when employees are fulfilled. It also helps to cultivate a positive environment, which leads to better work performance.

Part of the criteria of an ideal employee is someone that cares about the company’s success. These are the people who are passionate about achieving the set targets and goals. They’re also the type of people who are more likely to stay.

Use Your Personal Background 

Outside of your professional summary , do you have other relevant life experiences?

Personality traits or hobbies that align with the job and company values position you as someone who matches the role. It helps you stand out because you have something new to bring to the table. 

State Your Intentions & Motivations

Why are you applying for this specific company?

Let your employers know what you’re after. When your resume objectives correspond with the company’s goals, it can spark an interest in wanting to read the rest of your application. Even better if you could support your answer with previous experiences and accomplishments that prove your value. 

Action Verbs and Power Words 

Weak action verbs resume are words that convey action. It’s an easy yet effective way to add spice to your letter. These emphasize your impact and contributions when describing previous duties and responsibilities. 

Likewise, resume buzzwords to avoid make certain points stand out. 

Both types of words can improve your letter by making it twice more engaging when used in the right context. 

Include a Personalized Call to Action

Personalize your call to action at the end of your letter by tying it back to your intentions and the company’s needs. 

Here are a few example sentences:

• “I believe that my proven experience and passion for digital marketing will…”
• “I am confident that my skills, experience, and enthusiasm will be a great asset to…”

Then, clarify the next steps moving forward. 

For instance:

• “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience would be…”
• “I am available to discuss this position in more detail at a convenient time”

Use Rezi AI Cover Letter Writer to Speed Up the Process 

Do you need a cover letter? If so, you can use Rezi AI Cover Letter Writer . 

Here’s how it works:

• Enter the name of the company you’re applying to. 
• Add the job title you want to highlight. 
• List key skills that are relevant to the role.
• Press “AI Writer Ready.” 

Then, you’ll have a full cover letter generated based on your background. 

Explore Rezi 🔥 Comes with 5,000 AI Credits, and is free forever, no credit card required.

Or, see below for a live demonstration of how to instantly generate a cover letter or letter of interest.

Let’s recap on the differences between a cover letter and letter of interest:

• Cover letters are used to apply for job openings at a company. They’re tailored to the company’s job description and cultural values. 
• Letters of interest are used to inquire about career opportunities at your dream company. They’re focused on showcasing how your skill set and interests can make you a valuable contributor.  
• A letter of interest isn’t as commonly used as a cover letter. Although they may not immediately lead to an interview, they can help you get your foot in the door and make a connection. 

While there’s a clear distinction between their purposes, both will still highlight your value as a professional. 

Don’t be afraid to send your application details to a company that’s not currently recruiting. There’s no harm in trying to get in front of your dream company. At the very least, you’ll get to introduce yourself with the possibility of getting a positive response. 

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

How To Write A Letter Of Interest (Sample Templates Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 5/9/2022

We’ve all been there… You’ve combed all of the job boards in search of the perfect job but, alas, haven’t been able to find anything that’s a great fit. Fortunately, there’s still one more lifeline you have at your disposal, and if used properly, it can end up being one of the most rewarding things you do for your career.

So what is this secret weapon I speak of? A letter of interest, of course!

With a letter of interest, you can connect with more opportunities. Here’s how.

What Is a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest is a letter you send to your target company, letting them know that you’re interested in working with them. It’s also a way to see if there are any potential job opportunities that match up with your skillset that aren’t openly advertised, allowing you to tap into the hidden job market . Since over 80 percent of jobs go unadvertised, that’s a big deal.

Generally speaking, a letter of interest can be sent at any time regardless of whether a company is actively hiring, as it isn’t sent in response to a specific job opening. Rather, it’s a way of introducing yourself to a company you’re interested in and seeing about the possibility of employment with them.

Letters of interest are sometimes also called letters of inquiry for just this reason. You’re inquiring if they might have a position for you. This is the part of the equation that can be very rewarding. Rather than applying to jobs that aren’t a stellar match, you get to handpick the companies that you contact. Pretty awesome, right? We think so.

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter

In many ways, a letter of interest is like a cover letter. However, when it comes to a letter of interest vs. cover letter, there are differences, too.

Generally speaking, cover letters typically target specific, open jobs. With a letter of interest, you’re reaching out even though there isn’t an advertised vacancy.

Since that’s the case, cover letters are more targeted. They speak to a specific position, referencing details from the job ad. Letters of interest are a touch more general, highlighting your strengths in a field and how you could benefit the company in a broad sense without connecting it to a particular role.

How To Write a Letter of Interest

Much like any correspondence you send any employer, you have to make sure that a letter of interest for a job is well crafted and appropriate. You’re introducing yourself to a potential employer, so you want to put your best foot forward.

A poorly written letter of inquiry can potentially make any possibility of working at your dream job with your target company a solid “NO” in the “Do you like me?” boxes. That means you need to ensure you take the time to do it right.

If you do it correctly, a letter of interest is a great way to demonstrate your ability to market yourself and highlight your best qualifications. Plus, it can lead to real opportunities.

Tailoring Your Letter of Interest

As you’ve no doubt seen in our other blog posts, we’re very big on tailoring. Your letter of interest is another opportunity (actually, the first opportunity!) for you to find out exactly what the company is looking for and present yourself as that person.

When applying for a specific position, you have the benefit of using the job description to comb through in search of the qualities that the company puts a lot of value in. But since this is a letter of interest, you are traditionally not applying to a specific position, so you need to be a little more creative. Since that’s the case, you need to do some hardcore research, taking the time to learn about the specific type of people the company likes to hire.

Researching a Company Through Their Online Presence

There is a virtual treasure trove of information available about a company when you peruse its various web properties. Since you’re looking to learn more about the people who get hired to work there, it’s wise to spend time digging into each web property in search of clues.

Quite often, there are “day in the life” videos featuring employee interviews that are incredibly useful. You can also go to the employee list on the company’s LinkedIn page and go through the profiles to see what experience and skills they have.

Putting the “Tailoring Method” To Work

Once you have figured out the types of people that your company hires, you want to do your best to emulate them in your letter of interest. Choose a few skills and abilities that you want to highlight that align with what your research revealed about the employees. Then, start thinking up a quick supporting statement for each one that you use. After all, if you can’t back it up, there is no point in even mentioning it.

Once you have done the research and have uncovered the qualities that you want to showcase, you are ready to begin writing your letter of interest.

Best Letter of Interest Format

Half of the battle is making sure that you nail your letter of interest format. After all, you won’t exactly be making the best first impression if your letter is a convoluted mess that is hard to read and makes no sense.

Here is the basic format for you to follow, which you can see in the three examples we use below:

Your Contact Info

No surprises here. Name, address, telephone number, email, and your website. If you’re not comfortable providing your address or any other information, don’t worry about it. Just make sure they can get in touch with you!

Use a traditional format for the date, writing out the month, followed by the day, and ending with the year.

Company Contact Info

Please don’t start the letter with “to whom it may concern.” Do the research and find a specific person to address the letter to. A good place to start would be a hiring manager, another person in HR, or even better, the manager or director of the department you envision yourself working in.

Opening Paragraph

Introduce yourself and your intentions.

Qualification/Experience Paragraph

Attack this paragraph with two purposes in mind:

• Showing how you add value
• Demonstrating you have the qualities they value

This is your time to shine. Keep it brief and succinct, picking two to three qualities and supporting them with facts.

Closing Paragraph

Thank them for their time and offer your availability for an “informational interview” at their earliest convenience.

What’s an informational interview? It’s both an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and the various positions within the company AND a great way for you to meet the right people in the organization you are interested in.

More importantly, it’s an opportunity for you to let your award-winning personality shine, and if executed properly, it can help you land a job at the company of your dreams!

Stick with “regards” or just “sincerely,” add your name, and you’ll be good to go.

Common Mistakes

Many people fall into the same traps and make some of these classic letter of interest mistakes. Do your best to avoid these if you want to get your foot in the door!

1. You don’t send a letter of interest at all

Too often, people find a company they’d like to work for and just blindly send in a resume with nothing else attached. Sure, it might be a super impressive resume, but if you don’t include a letter of interest discussing why you’re sending it in and who you are, you might as well just be throwing those resumes away.

On the flip side…DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR RESUME!

2. Sending your letter of interest out with a generic heading

As mentioned above, you need to take the time to do a little digging and find out to who you should address your letter. Sending out a generic “Dear HR Director” or “To Whom It May Concern” isn’t going to win you any brownie points.

3. Not saying what you can do for them, but what they can do for you

Regardless of why you’re interested, remember, it’s about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you! Tell them what you can do to help them achieve their goals.

4. Not tailoring your letter

If you’re going to show initiative by writing a letter of inquiry, make sure that initiative extends to your research as well! Supercharge your letter by highlighting qualities that align with the company values, increasing your odds of success.

5. Being boring

You’re shooting for your target company and your dream job, so don’t simply make a list of all of your skills and abilities. Instead, make sure to dazzle them with what you bring to the table, adding something extra to generate interest.

6. Being too long

Your goal is to catch their attention and leave them wanting more…which means short, sweet, and to the point. Keep your letter under a page.

7. Being sloppy

There is no excuse for typos or sloppy writing. You’re trying to get an informational (or even a full-on) interview, so get these basics right. Check. Double-check, and then check again!

8. Not following up

Yes, you should treat your letter of interest exactly like and job application and follow up.

Sending a letter of interest is a proactive step, so keep being proactive! Ask for a job interview, an informational interview, or a meeting HR director to talk about potential roles you might fill. Then, follow up on that request.

A Few Great Letter of Interest Sample Templates

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s take a look at a few examples so you can get your own started! Here are three different scenarios from which you might decide to write a letter of interest to a company.

Choose the best letter of interest sample that fits with your situation, but don’t simply copy the example word-for-word. You need to input your own experiences and personality, so think of this letter of interest sample as more of a template that will guide you to success!

Letter of interest for your target company following a positive encounter:

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Your Phone Number

City, State Zip

Dear (remember, make this specific!):

I recently had the opportunity to interact with a few members of your customer support team while conducting research for a project. My time with them was brief but memorable. Your team was friendly, poised, and professional, and I was impressed with their willingness to help and their quick responses to my questions.

It is clear customer satisfaction is an integral part of your company’s core values. It is for this reason that I am writing to you. I feel my own personal values and special talents might benefit your customer service department. I believe in personal accountability and integrity and have always made sure to act in a professional and ethical manner. Attention to detail is similarly a priority, ensuring that my work is nothing short of my best at all times.

If I were to be hired by your company, I would be dedicated to delivering the same kind of high-quality customer service I myself experienced. Both a motivated self-starter and an enthusiastic team player, I feel I’d be an exceptional fit.

In the hopes of scheduling an interview with you or answering any questions you might have, I will call you [upcoming date]. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at any time at [phone number] or email, [email address].

Thank you for your time in considering my qualifications.

Letter of interest following a write up of the target company:

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

While reading through a trade publication last week, I came across an article outlining why your company has been recognized as one of the best places to work in the country for tech professionals. Your entire focus has been on making sure that your company is not only a leader in the industry but also an innovator, pioneering new and emerging technology. For this reason, I am sending you my resume in the hopes that I might be able to join your team.

I have worked exclusively within the technology field for the past five years. During that time, I’ve worked in a variety of positions, giving me experience in accounting, including finance and budgeting. I was also responsible for inventory control and vendor relations. I have been instrumental in my past positions in bringing new and emerging technology into our business processes, and I am actively looking for opportunities with companies that would allow me to continue that practice. I believe strongly in always being at the forefront of technological development, a perspective I feel your company has, too.

As a team leader, I am proud of the fact that not only have we never missed a deadline but that we have come in under budget while delivering superior results every time. I firmly believe in the integrity and professionalism of my work, striving to ensure that every aspect of what I do also upholds the company’s core values.

I will call you on [date] to answer any questions about this letter or my resume in the hope of scheduling an interview. If you prefer, please contact me by phone [phone number] or email, [email address].

Letter of interest for a recent graduate looking for work:

I read about [company name]’s retail management training program in [publication name], and I would like to inquire about the possibility of openings. As a recent graduate from the University of California with a degree in Business Management, I am very interested in a career in retail management, and think your program is a perfect match for both my skills and my experiences. I have over five years of retail experience, including time as a Sales Associate and a Manager.

Along with this letter, I have included my resume, which contains additional information on my experience and skills. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the training program with you and to provide further information on my candidacy. I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, [phone number], or by email at [email address].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this exciting opportunity.

Putting It All Together

Now, you should know all you need to about the amazing letter of interest! Remember, each sample letter of interest above is meant to serve as inspiration. When you create yours, remember to keep it targeted, short, and professional. That way, you increase your odds of getting a response.

And as always,

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Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: What Is the Difference?

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What is a letter of interest?

What is a cover letter, letter of interest vs. cover letter, how to write a letter of interest.

Although they have similarities, a letter of interest and a cover letter are two distinctly different documents. While both are used for the end goal of obtaining a job, they have varying purposes and should have different content. Learn more about the differences between a letter of interest and cover letter, when you should use each type of letter and what to include in them.

A letter of interest is a document that someone seeking a job sends to a company that they wish to work for. The letter explains the sender’s interest in working for the company, introduces the sender and usually asks for information about job opportunities. A letter of interest can also be called a prospecting letter or a letter of inquiry.

A cover letter is a document that a job candidate sends as part of an application for a certain position. A cover letter accompanies the applicant’s resume and should detail the sender’s explanation for why they are a good fit for the open position.

The main differences between a letter of interest and a cover letter include:

Timing of the letter

A letter of interest can be sent at any time. It is usually sent when the company has not advertised any open positions, but the sender wants to communicate their interest in working for the company anyway. Since many jobs are filled internally or through networking before they are posted publicly, sending a letter of interest can help you discover job opportunities that are not public yet or will not be made public.

A cover letter is sent in response to an open position advertised by a company. 

Purpose of the letter

The purpose of a letter of interest is to communicate the sender’s desire to work for the company and to ask for information about whether there might be job opportunities available now or in the future. Occasionally, a letter of interest is used to ask for more information or additional opportunities besides the open jobs that are already posted.

The purpose of a cover letter is to apply for a specific open position at a company.

Accompanying material with the letter

Since a letter of interest is not applying for a certain position, it can be sent as a stand-alone document or with a resume.

A cover letter should always be sent in addition to a resume and any other application materials the job advertisement requested, such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, proof of certifications, portfolios or other qualifications.

The content of a letter of interest is more general than a cover letter. It should express the sender’s interest in the company and provide a general explanation of skills and experience that could add value to the company.

A cover letter’s content should be specific to the open position, explaining in more detailed terms than the accompanying resume why the applicant is an excellent candidate for the role. It should include a statement of what position the sender is applying to and focus on their education, work experience and skills that are relevant to that position.

If you want to send a letter of interest to a company, consider using these steps:

1. Firstly, research the company

Before composing your letter of interest, you should thoroughly research the company you want to send it to. Your letter will be more effective if you understand the company’s purpose and needs and can tailor its content to that information. It will also be more effective if you can find a specific person to address your letter to, instead of ‘To Whom It May Concern’ or ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’

You should also research whether you have any contacts at the company or know anyone who has contacts there and could assist you. You could ask your contact to introduce you to someone at the company or ask their permission to use their name as a way of introducing yourself in your letter.

2. Secondly, begin with a brief introduction

After the opening greeting of your letter, you can begin by briefly stating your name and who you are. This should only be one or two sentences, as you will explain more about yourself later.

3. Thirdly, state and explain your interest in the company

Immediately after your brief introduction, you should explain the purpose of your letter by stating your interest in the company. Use your research to show that you understand the company’s current state, mission and goals. It is good to be complimentary in this section (without overpraising) to communicate your sincere admiration and interest in the business. Explain why you are interested in working for the company by giving details about the work the company is doing. Focus this section more on the company than on yourself.

4. Fourthly, describe how you can add value to the company 

The most important part of a letter of interest is connecting your interest in the company with your value to the company. Include a general description of your background, including education, work experience and skills, but focus on transferable skills or employability skills to communicate that you could be an asset to any area of the company. You can include your resume with the letter to provide the recipient with more particular details of your qualifications.

You can also use your knowledge of the company to propose a specific way that you could help or benefit them or solve a problem within their business.

5. Then, request to be considered  

After explaining your interest and value, directly request information about possible job opportunities and to be considered for those job opportunities. You can also ask for a meeting or phone call with the letter’s recipient to discuss your value proposition and any opportunities in person.

6. Next, use a professional format 

When you have composed the main content of the letter, take some time to make sure it’s presented professionally. Use a business letter format, including a formal heading, greeting, closing phrase and signature. Make sure your contact information is accurate and easy to find on the page. Keep the letter to the length of one page only.

7. Finally, proofread carefully

Before sending the letter, closely edit and proofread it. Revise any typos, grammatical mistakes or inaccurate information to ensure that you make a good impression on the reader.

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Letter Of Interest Vs. Cover Letter: What’s The Difference?

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• Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter
• Cover Letter vs. Resume

Find a Job You Really Want In

So, you’re considering getting a new job. You’re weighing your options and are looking around at the companies you’d like to work for, all while polishing your resume . Now the question is: do I add a cover letter or letter of interest? Or do I need to add any sort of letter at all?

In general, it’s best to err on the side of including a letter. However, that still begs the question of which one. And, for that matter, when do you use each type of letter? The answer will depend on the circumstances of your application.

If you’re applying for a listed opening, then you want to enclose a cover letter. However, if you’re just looking to throw your hat in the ring at a particular company, then you’d send a letter of interest. Letters of interest show that you are interested in a position at that company and hope to be thought of and notified as soon as one becomes available.

Key Takeaways:

What Is a Letter of Interest?

Letters of interest are a lot less common than cover letters. You may have also heard them called an inquiry letter or a letter of introduction . As the various names imply, letters of interest are much more abstract than a cover letter.

The idea behind a letter of interest is that you’re letting the company know that you’re interested in them specifically – not so much in a particular job or getting a new position right now. What you’re looking for is being remembered – positively – so that they’re likely to think of you should a position come open.

Letters of interest are also sometimes used when you have a contact that informs you of a job that will open soon. You can send in a letter of interest as a sort of pre-application before the job opening is actually posted. That’ll put you in the running right away – if they like your letter – and show that you’re interested enough to jump on the opportunity right away.

As you’re aiming to make an impression, you want to make sure that you get a letter of interest right. That also means it should be pithy; letters of interest aren’t usually longer than a page. Make sure you:

Do your research. The point of this letter is to tell the company that you want to work for them in particular. Make it clear that you know some about the company in question, e.g., their goals, their culture, and their achievements.

Learn who the right person to send it to and address it to them. This just further shows that you’re the type of person who does their homework. It’s also important not to send it to someone who won’t even bother to read it, as it isn’t their job. In addition, making letters more personalized makes them more likely to be remembered.

Showcase your qualifications. Don’t be shy in a letter of interest. Think of it as a sales pitch; you’re telling the company why they want you in particular.

Bring up any relevant experience. Experience is a major selling point in job applications, and letters of interest are no exception. Be sure to point out what experience you have that will make you a good addition to their team.

And don’t be afraid to talk about yourself. In a letter of interest, you’re looking to be remembered and showcase yourself rather than point out how well you fit into a particular position.

This means that you need to introduce yourself and point out how your personality meshes well with the company culture , the job opening you’re expecting, or how your skill set is especially impressive.

Thank the recipient for their time. This is especially important with a letter of interest. This won’t be for a job that they’re looking to fill right now, so they’ll be taking time out of their schedule for something that isn’t immediately relevant.

That’s also why it’s important to make a letter of interest punchy – you don’t want them to feel that you wasted their time.

For example:

Dear Mr. Stanley Jones, My name is June Cooper, I’m a recent graduate from Mary Baldwin University with a degree in English, and I’m looking for a position in the marketing department. For the past five years, I have heard a tremendous number of positive things about Bright Electronics. Your innovative way of thinking and attention to detail in the field is precisely the environment that I would love to work in. For the past two years, I’ve been working as an administrative assistant . I’m sure that my ability to keep track of deadlines and my writing skills will make me an ideal candidate for this position and your company. I’d love to be considered for this position and the opportunity to work closely with you. Please let me know if you have any questions or need me to provide any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, June Cooper LinkedIn [email protected] 555-555-5555

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a letter that is included when you submit an application for a particular job opening. Often it goes with your resume and does the job of fleshing out your soft skills a bit, as well as showing your interest in the company you’re applying to.

Cover letters tend to be short and to the point; they shouldn’t be longer than a page. That means it’s vital to put in what’s important and leave out anything extraneous.

In a cover letter, you should:

Address it as personal as possible. If you know the manager’s name, address it to them directly. If not, then try to find out. This is a way of showing that you research the company you’re applying to.

Not all businesses will list the right person, or it may be unclear. So, if you’re unsure, then address it as best as you can, following business letter etiquette.

List soft skills and experience that didn’t fit well in your resume. Don’t be a braggart, but don’t forget that you’re trying to sell yourself to the company. Not all skills and experience will fit nicely inside a resume due to the format of them, so don’t be afraid to list relevant skills and experience here.

Mention why you think you’ll be a good fit. This generally goes in the last paragraph. Talk about the job or the company and how you think you’d be an asset to them. Hiring managers go through a lot of cover letters and resumes – they’ll take note of those who make an effort to personalize them.

Thank the recipient for their time. It’s important to realize that the person you’re writing to is taking time to read your letter. Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration. They’re likely to remember the polite gesture, even if they choose not to hire you. And it’s never good to be remembered as rude or unthoughtful.

Samantha Gordon 4200 Cypress St. Charlottesville, VA 22903 Phone: (847) 445-9607 Email: [email protected] University of Virginia School of Medicine Dear Mr. James Freeman, I am writing about the intermediate administrative assistant position listed on your human resources site. Administration is an area where I believe I will be very effective. I am organized, enjoy challenges, and have a level of autonomy, as well as strong interpersonal skills. Being an aspiring novelist , I am used to long-term projects and have spent considerable time strengthening my written communication and typing speed, as well as being extremely proficient with Microsoft Word and OpenOffice Writer . I am also practiced at altering plans and problem-solving, as I’ve had to come up with the most effective techniques and lessons for each client I’ve had in dog training. I have long wished to work at the University of Virginia, as I have great respect for institutions of learning. I am hoping to make a lasting career with an institution I respect. The field of medicine has always interested me, and I would enjoy learning more about it in my occupation. Working in conjunction with the pediatrics department would also be a fulfilling role to be in, as it would give me a sense of being able to help make a difference in people’s lives. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you. Samantha Gordon

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter FAQ

How do you address a letter of interest to the hiring manager?

It’s best to address a letter of interest directly to the hiring manager by using their full name. As a letter of interest implies a special interest in this company, in particular, using a generic “to whom it may concern” or “dear sir/madam” is likely to make them think that you didn’t do your research.

Most company websites will list who their hiring managers are, but if that fails, you can always try LinkedIn. If you can’t find it that way, then you can always try calling the company. If you’re willing to take the time to do that so that you can properly address your letter of interest, it’ll likely reflect well on you.

What are informational interviews for letters of interest?

Informational interviews are interviews done with current employees to find out more about the company. If it’s specifically for a letter of interest, then it’ll be focused on finding out how to write an excellent letter of interest.

That means you want information about the company and the hiring manager so that you can address it properly and highlight relevant skills and experience that you possess.

How often should I send letters of interest?

Letters of interest should be sent out regularly. Any time you run into a company that you believe you’d like to work for, you can send them a letter of interest. However, be sure to see if they have a relevant position already listed before doing this, as it could reflect poorly on you if they do; it’ll show a lack of attention to detail .

It should also be noted that many online systems don’t have any real way to send letters of interest. Be sure to check the company guidelines to make sure that they don’t ask prospective employees not to send letters of interest. Ignoring their request will not endear you to the hiring manager.

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Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.

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Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: Difference, Tips and Examples

Applying for the job of your dreams can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools by your side, you will stay focused and composed even through the toughest application process.

But where do you start? We suggest you start at the beginning and build a strong application base — this includes a strong resume, cover letter and letter of intent. Below, we will look into the differences between a cover letter and a letter of interest and focus on the best practices for writing them both.

Table of Contents

What is the difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest?

The primary difference between a cover letter and a letter of interest is the purpose for which the letter is written.

A letter of interest is sent as an open offer and indicates that you are interested in working for a specific company in a potentially available role that matches your skillset and experience.

A cover letter, on the other hand, is typically sent out alongside your resume in response to a specific vacancy advertised by the company.

Basically, letters of interest focus on why you want to work for this company. Cover letters aim to explain why you are the best candidate for a specific job.

Cover letter example

Letter of interest example

How to write a letter of interest?

As we’ve mentioned above, when you write a letter of interest, you are not applying for a specific position. Instead, you are expressing your interest in working for a particular company.  Because of this, your job with the letter of interest is to emphasize that you have the overall skillset that would be beneficial to the company you are applying for. If there is a specific position you are aiming for, you can also try to tailor your letter of interest to that specific post and highlight relevant qualifications.

So, then what is the purpose of a cover letter?  Compared to the letter of interest, a cover letter is typically sent alongside your resume ( here’s how to write a resume ) and is used to apply for a specific position — you will typically send the resume and cover letter combo in reply to an advertised job offer. A cover letter is basically a collection of selling points that will get the recruiter interested in reading the rest of your application. Here’s how to write a cover letter . 

Let’s see how to best structure a letter of interest

First paragraph: introduction.

You should start off your letter of intent by introducing yourself and explaining what kind of work you do. This is also where you should explain why you are passionate about working for this company and what problems you can help them solve.

You can mention here that you know that they are not currently recruiting — but you may have the skillset and expertise that they wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Second paragraph: work experience

In this paragraph, you will need to pull out all the stunts to impress the recruiter with your experience and expertise. The goal is to make yourself as memorable as possible so that the recruiter will think of you the moment a position opens up.

In this part of your letter of interest, it’s best to focus on concrete achievements you’ve had in previous positions. You can mention the biggest projects you’ve worked on and how they’ve benefited the company, a crisis situation that you’ve handled, the amount of new business you’ve brought to the company — and more.

It’s also a good place to mention your most valued skills (foreign languages you speak, software you can use, personality traits that make you a good professional, etc.).

Third paragraph: call to action

Now it’s time to ask the reader of your letter to act. Think of what kind of outcome you are expecting out of your letter. Do you want them to email you, invite you for an interview, offer feedback on your letter, etc.

Include your most reliable contact information. Even if you have your email and phone in the header of your letter, you can repeat them here.

Tips for writing a letter of interest

When reading your letter of interest, the hiring manager should feel your enthusiasm and passion for working for their company. The tips below can help you make sure your enthusiasm and passion come through in your application.

• Personalize your application . This is one of the most important factors when it comes to the success of your application. Make sure you study the company you are applying for, learn about their mission and company culture. Then, do your best to make these elements come through in your letter of intent to illustrate that you are a good match for the in-company environment.
• Leverage your background . Include specific examples from your work experience that have allowed you to become a better professional. Avoid generalities and be as specific as possible — this will let the hiring professional see that you are genuinely passionate about your job and plan to bring all of your expertise to the new position.
• Explain your motivation . Another important piece of information to include is what has motivated you to write this letter and why you want to work for this specific company. This can include your career goals and how they align with the position you are applying for.

Letter of intent vs letter of interest

Even though these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is actually a slight difference between the letter of interest and the letter of intent. This difference lies in the nature of commitment.

Basically, a letter of intent shows a higher degree of commitment compared to a letter of interest. It states your intentions to work for this particular company — and you may even have a particular role in mind. It’s very similar to a letter of interest in the sense that you should focus on why you want to work for this specific company. However, a letter of intent is more “serious” than a letter of interest and signifies that this company is your first and sometimes only choice.

Summing thins up

• A letter of interest is a letter that aims to express your interest in working for a particular company and inquire about potential employment opportunities.
• A cover letter is a letter that you send together with your resume when applying for a specific position. It serves as a brief introduction of your best qualities and aims to “sell” your application and get the recruiter interested.
• A letter of intent is similar to the letter of interest but presupposes a stronger level of commitment.

We hope that this has been helpful and you are now one step closer to landing the job of your dreams. Learn more about the application process in our blog. Here’s the next read we suggest: Cover Letter vs. Resume: What’s the Difference ?

Letter of Interest Vs Cover Letter (The Difference with Examples)

Hrideep barot.

• Workplace Communication

Letter of interest vs cover letter comes down to whether an open position is there for what you wish to apply for. If not, it’s a letter of interest and you do not have a job description to go by. Consequently, if an open position is there, then it’s a cover letter and you have a concrete job description to frame your content around.

We will first consider the definitions and how to write a letter of interest and a cover letter. Following this, we will talk about the main focus of this article- letter of interest vs cover letter and use examples to make this clear.

What is a letter of interest?

It is a letter that expresses interest in working for an organization. The main characteristic of this letter is that it is sent in the absence of an open position that fits what you’re looking for. For instance, you are trained as a software engineer but the current job openings do not include it, so you write a letter of interest.

It is also called a letter of inquiry or intent.

How do you write a letter of interest?

You start off with an introduction where you also state where your interest is coming from. Then you move on to the main body where you talk about what sort of role you’re looking for and how you’re what the organization needs. Lastly, you conclude by adding how you can be contacted for any details and that you look forward to hearing from them.

Before we delve into the structure, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Focus on the company and what makes you apply to them in particular as opposed to some other company
• Introduce your background briefly
• Talk about your skills and experiences in terms of how they can benefit the company generally as well as in terms of any specific difficulty it has been facing
• make sure to mention that you’re open to a discussion because the lack of job openings means they will need to evaluate you properly to find out what fits you

Now, let’s see the structure:

Introduction

Should include, in brief:

• Why you have written the letter (i.e., are there any job opportunities?)
• Current employment status (e.g., grad of B.Tech, working in tech for x years)
• Where your interest came from (e.g., saw on television, connected with a current employee, heard from college)

Should include, in some detail:

• What role you’re interested in
• What skills, experiences, certifications, etc make you suitable (attach CV or Resume to support this)? You would be able to create or rewrite a letter of interest using ChatGPT as well. Here is an article on how to use prompts to get that done.
• Lastly, if you’re flexible about the role, mention that and give them a good idea of your skillset so they can check if they have something that you do qualify for.

Should include, very concisely:

• Your interest in discussing this further
• How you can be contacted
• How you’re looking forward to being contacted

What is a cover letter?

It is a letter that expresses interest in working for an organization. In this case, there is a job opening available . Hence, the reason you write it is to make the employer interested enough in you to read your resume or CV. For instance, you saw that the company is hiring for a position through their site so you email them with a cover letter.

How do you write a cover letter?

This is very similar to when you write a letter of interest. The main difference is that since the job requirement is clear, you can also be clear about how your skills and experiences match those requirements. You can frame your cover letter on the basis of the job description.

Here’s an article on how you can write your own cover letter along with examples.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind when writing a cover letter:

• Make sure your skills, experiences, and interests all relate back to the job description. This will indicate to the hiring personnel that you’re right for the job.
• Focus on how you can contribute to the organization with your characteristics. This should give an idea of what you can do well.
• Add characteristics about yourself that set you apart from other applicants, be it soft skills or technical skills.
• Use formal communication, being informal in a cover letter can appear unprofessional.

Also, note that headlines can have a powerful impact when writing cover letters. Check out this article to know more about headlines and examples for the same.

What is the difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter?

As mentioned earlier, a letter of interest conveys interest in working for a particular organization in the absence of any explicitly mentioned job openings that you fit into. On the other hand, a cover letter addresses a particular position that the company has declared to be vacant in a posting.

Example 1: a letter of interest and then a cover letter to Google as a person with an engineering background.

I’m writing to say how eager I am to join Google. Coming from an engineering background, I have been working jobs in this field for 5 years now. My intrigue with your company dates back to my college days when I attended several of your eye-opening seminars, and I also keep hearing great things about the work culture from current employees. 

I am interested in the role of software engineering lead because I am highly specialized in [your specialization] and have been trained in this field comprehensively over the years. In my work journey, I have always been passionate about creative solutions, which I understand is a driving force at Google. I am proficient with [various engineering-related skills]. As evidenced by my past experiences, I am good at working with teams and my co-workers usually consider me to be quite reliable as a leader. Having worked in highly diverse work environments, I’m good at collaborating with others and getting things done.

I am attaching my resume for your reference and would love to discuss this further and demonstrate to you how my skills can prove valuable to the team. Please get in touch at [email] or [phone number] if needed. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your time.

[Your Full Name]

[Attachment: Resume/CV]

Now, see the cover letter of the same, with changes being bolded:

I’m writing to say how eager I am to join the software engineering lead role at Google. Coming from an engineering background, I have been working jobs in this field for 5 years now. I have always taken a keen interest in your company after attending a few of its seminars back in college, and keep hearing great things about its work culture from current employees. 

I am interested in the role of software engineering lead because I am highly specialized in [your specialization] and have been trained in this field comprehensively over the years. In my work journey, I have always been passionate about creative solutions, which I understand is a driving force at Google. I am proficient with [various engineering-related skills mentioned in the job description] . I also think I would be a good fit for this role because [mention how your experience matches job requirements]. As evidenced by my past experiences, I am good at working with teams and my co-workers usually consider me to be quite reliable as a leader. Having worked in highly diverse work environments, I’m good at collaborating with others and getting things done.

I am attaching my resume for your reference. I would love to discuss this further and demonstrate to you how my skills can prove valuable to the team. Please get in touch at [email] or [phone number] if needed. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Example 2: a letter of interest and then a cover letter to a company as a fresher.

I’m writing to say how eager I am to join [company name]. As a recent graduate of [course name] from [university name], I’m incredibly passionate about [field name]. I have always taken a keen interest in your company because [mention reasons]. 

I am interested in the role of [role name]. My coursework including [module names] has helped me be proficient in [skills]. I have always been passionate about [write based on the role you’re interested in]. Although I do not have concrete work experience yet, I take an active role in learning and work well in teams.

Now, see the cover letter variant (changes have been bolded)

I’m writing to say how eager I am to join the role of [role name] at [company name]. As a recent graduate of [course name] from [university name], I’m incredibly passionate about [field name]. I have always taken a keen interest in your company because [mention reasons]. 

My coursework including [module names] has helped me be proficient in [skills mentioned in the role description] . I have always been passionate about [write based on the role you’re interested in]. Although I do not have concrete work experience yet, I take an active role in learning and work well in teams. [Try to mention a few more things that you can contribute well to based on the job description].

We covered what is a letter of interest and a cover letter, how to write these, and the difference between these along with examples to demonstrate it. We hope that the letter of interest vs cover letter distinction is clear by now.

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Letter of Interest Writing Guide in 2024 [+Sample Included]

Most job seekers at least have a sense of their ‘dream position’. That, or a perfect company they would like to work for.

But monitoring career pages or LinkedIn in hopes that a posting for the right job will magically appear one day can mean a loooong wait.

So what to do? How do you take charge and angle yourself for getting hired into your ideal role with the ideal organization? Enter the letter of interest.

This brief guide gives you the run-down on this oft-overlooked piece of the job application puzzle. We’ll cover:

• What a letter of interest is and isn’t 
• What to include in your letter of interest
• Keys to a successful letter of interest
• Letter of interest example

With the advice below, you will come to realize that job searching isn’t only about reacting to job openings: forging your own opportunities is also an effective strategy.

Call it what you want: a letter of interest, expression of interest, prospecting letter, statement of interest…They’re all the talking about the same document. We’ve chosen the ‘letter of interest’ label in this article.

A letter of interest is a letter that expresses your interest in learning more about a particular organization’s employment opportunities and/or working for that organization.

It is NOT a cover letter ! The difference is that a cover letter is sent along with your resume or CV in response to a specific advertised position. Meanwhile, a letter of interest is not tailored to a specific job posting. It is sent unsolicited to employers to make it known that you are interested in learning about future opportunities.

As a job seeker, you’ll often run into the situation of an organization not having any current job openings listed on its website. But their career pages often include a message encouraging you to submit your resume or CV for future consideration. This is precisely when you want to use a letter of interest.

Of course, there are plenty of other scenarios when you should make use of a letter of interest. In fact, the point of this article is to help you realize that whenever you find an organization that you really want to work for, you should find a way to get on that organization’s radar using a letter of interest.

What Content to Include in a Letter of Interest?

Unlike a cover letter, when writing a letter of interest you don’t have an exact job description along with its list of requirements and qualifications to guide you.

However, the reason you are writing to the employer in the first place is because you think you are a good fit for their team. So, you need to show them why. 

In terms of the basic structure of letter of interest, a three-paragraph format is your best bet. Here’s how that looks:

1) Introduction

Introduce yourself, where/how you heard about the organization, and why you are contacting them (I.e. to inquire about job opportunities).

This is where you prove that you have skills and experience that are valuable to the employer. At the same time, you want to be clear about what types of work you are pursuing. You don’t just want any job with the organization, but rather a position that suits your background and interests.

3) Closing Statement 

Here’s where to include a call to action. You want to make it crystal clear that you are interested in speaking more about the organization and work opportunities. Keep in mind that the employer may not have any openings at the moment, so what you are asking for is essentially an informational interview.

Writing an Effective Letter of Interest

Besides a solid structure, there are several elements that make for an effective letter of interest. In other words, if you want your letter to get read and to actually make someone at your target organization excited to get to know you, be sure to follow the principles below.

Personalize it

Please, please do not send a letter of interest with a salutation like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Human Resources Manager”. Put in the extra effort and find an actual person to whom you can address your letter, specifically someone who is in a position to actually help you get what you want. 

Your letter can be sent to someone in human resources who is responsible for recruiting, or a manager in the department that you see yourself working in. Either way, it’s much easier to persuade someone to give you the time of day by establishing a personal connection.

Find a Hook

You need to find a way to grab the attention of your recipient. Keep in mind that the person on the other end probably isn’t expecting to hear from you. And that same person is under no obligation to help you get what you want.

Your job is to convince your recipient that you are worth his/her time. And a great way to do that is to show off how much you know about the organization and the value you can contribute.

This is where in-depth research of your target organization comes in handy. Try to find a project, event, person, etc., that can connect you with the organization in some way. For example, you may have heard a news interview with CEO who mentioned plans to expand operations. Well this is a great entry point for you to articulate how your skills and experience might support those plans.  

Be Specific

Again, the letter of interest is about persuasion ( just like a cover letter ). So the more specific you can be about what you have to offer, the better your chances that a recruiter will be able to picture you working for his/her organization. 

Once you’ve done your research and identified the main attributes that your target organization want in their employees, focus on two or three of these and relate them to your work history or skill set. 

Qualify your statements as much as possible by pointing to specific examples of your achievements . For example, if you are interested in working for a sales team, highlight an example of how you’ve achieved exceptional sales results in the past. Use metrics to illustrate your point.  

Keep it Concise

You may feel the urge to share as much as possible about yourself in your letter of interest so the employer sees you as the total package. Here’s the problem with this strategy: 1) your reader isn’t expecting your email and may be deterred by large amounts of text 2) you risk losing focus on the most important attributes that the employer values 3) you are attaching a resume or CV along with your letter, which already offers a more complete story.

Like we said before, keep your letter of interest to a tight three paragraphs, and really home in on two or three points that convey the most relevant contributions you can make.

One final thought: Remember that there is a good chance that your letter doesn’t receive an immediate reply. So be ready to follow-up with a phone call to the employer, especially if you say you will in the contents of your letter. Now go find your ideal job or company, and then put your new letter of interest writing skills to the test.

Suggested reading:

• Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews [Best Answers]
• How to Write a Resume | Beginner's Guide
• 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume [With Tips + Tricks]

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10 Letter of Interest Examples + How to Write One in 2024

• Letter of Interest Examples by Profession
• Letter of Interest Examples by Circumstance
• What is a Letter of Interest?

How to Write a Letter of Interest

Letter of interest faqs.

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through a company’s website and thinking, “This is where I want to work,” but then found no jobs advertised or none that matched your skills , you may still be in luck. You don’t have to wait aimlessly until a fitting job listing pops up—you can just write up a letter of interest.

A letter of interest, also known as a prospecting letter or statement of interest, is what you send to companies, schools, or communities that you want to join, even if they’re not actively seeking new employees or students. This is how you can display that “proactive” attitude that everyone’s always talking about.

But how do you go about writing a letter of interest? No worries—we’ll help you. Check out our guide to get your foot in the door first and land the role of your dreams.

Letter of Interest for Teaching Position Example

Janine Lewis 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

February 7, 2024

Mr. Alexander Rivera Director, Human Resources Roosevelt Elementary School 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Rivera,

I am writing to express my interest in a teaching position at Roosevelt Elementary School. I was drawn by your Global Cultures project, where students explore different countries and traditions. As an educator with over 10 years of experience, I share the same unique student-centered approach that enables young children to thrive and discover themselves.

Following the completion of my master’s degree in Education, I joined the team at Sunnydale Elementary as a teaching assistant before being promoted to a full-time teaching position. I have been instrumental in developing an inclusive curriculum that supports diverse learning styles, enabling students with disabilities to excel and grow. My approach to education is to foster a creative, supportive learning environment that helps each child feel comfortable at all times.

Roosevelt Elementary School’s mission aligns with my core values as a teacher and I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute in a teaching role. Thank you for your consideration.

Janine Lewis

Why this letter of interest works

• Going the extra mile like this, in the very first paragraph, shows the employer that you genuinely care and took the time to learn more about the company or the institution.

Letter of Interest for Medical School Example

Prakhar Singh 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

February 27, 2024

Dr. Helena Pendleton Director of Admissions Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Dr. Pendleton,

I am reaching out to express my desire to join the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for the upcoming academic year. After reading about the groundbreaking study on personalized cancer therapy conducted by your institution, I became deeply fascinated by its innovative approach to medicine. As an aspiring physician who one day hopes to specialize in oncology, I cannot think of a better place to learn and grow.

During my undergraduate studies, I sought opportunities that aligned closely with Johns Hopkins’ ethos of integrating scientific inquiry with patient-centered care. One of my proudest achievements is the community health initiative that I spearheaded during an internship at a local clinic, increasing access to preventative care services in underserved areas.

Thank you for considering my letter of interest. I am eager to elaborate on my passion for medicine during an informational interview and how I can contribute to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the incoming class of 2025.

Prakhar Singh

• Mentioning anything that shows you’re a good fit in a letter of interest is a great idea. This includes volunteer work, school projects you’ve worked on, or papers you’ve read that inspired you.

Letter of Interest for Law School Example

Camilla Johansson 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

March 29, 2024

Dr. Radimir Krupin Director of Admissions Harvard Law School 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Dr. Krupin,

I am writing to apply for the upcoming class of 2025 at Harvard Law School. Having just completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science, bolstered by experience as a legal assistant, I am finally ready to fulfill my lifelong dream of studying at Harvard and contributing to your unparalleled commitment to legal excellence.

Following my mother’s career as a lawyer exposed me to the transformative power of the justice system at an early age. With a clear goal in mind, I refined my natural interest by involving myself in volunteer work for non-profit legal aid organizations. I am particularly inspired by Harvard Law School’s initiatives centered around public policy, which is an area where I hope to make a significant impact in my career.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my experiences, drive, and aspirations align with the values and goals of Harvard Law School. Thank you for your consideration.

Camilla Johansson

• Those in charge of admissions will want to know why this school is your first choice, so if you can effectively highlight your personal journey, you’ll already be one step ahead!

Sorority Letter of Interest Example

Marina Thompson 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

December 14, 2024

Ms. Angela Simmons Recruitment Chair Alpha Beta Gamma Sorority University of Southern California 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Simmons,

I am reaching out to express my great enthusiasm for joining the Alpha Beta Gamma Sorority at the University of Southern California. I first learned of it through the yearly “Aid the Elderly” campaign, and I was immensely impressed by the sorority’s commitment to bettering the lives of seniors. As a freshman with a long-standing history of community service and a drive for personal growth, I would love to contribute to your mission.

My college journey is only just beginning, but have built a steady foundation of experience in various service projects and leadership positions during my high school years. I have been volunteering at the local animal shelter since I was 13, and this experience has instilled in me a sense of empathy for those less fortunate, which I know that your sorority shares in full.

I am excited about the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how I can contribute to the legacy and vibrant community of Alpha Beta Gamma. Thank you for your consideration.

Marina Thompson

• Make your letter of interest convey how much you care about that particular sorority, and don’t be afraid to express your excitement. Don’t forget to also use a resume builder and resume checker to create the perfect sorority application.

Letter of Interest for Coaching Position Example

Willem Van Buggenum 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

January 23, 2024

Coach Denise Bowen Athletic Director University of California, Los Angeles Athletics Department 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Coach Bowen,

I am thrilled to express my interest in being able to work with the track and field team at the University of California. The University’s rich history of producing Olympic athletes and fostering a culture of support and commitment has always been a source of inspiration for me. With a decade of coaching experience and a keen interest in performance analytics, I am ready to contribute to the Bruins’ legacy.

I honed my skills during a bachelor’s program in Physical Education followed by a master’s in Sports Science. During my career, I led the team to three consecutive regional championships and worked closely with my students on their athletic performance.

I would be immensely grateful for the opportunity to discuss how I could help further UCLA’s commitment to student-athlete success during an informational interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Willem Van Buggenum

• As a coach, discussing the success of your team and your approach to coaching is a good way to let the employer know what you’re made of.

Letter of Interest for Internal Position Example

Penelope Taylor Quality Assurance Department Google 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

April 8, 2024

Mr. Colin Newman Director of Product Development Google 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Newman,

I am writing to express my interest in the Product Manager position within the Product Development Department. When I heard of Ms. Lee’s upcoming retirement, I instantly knew that the role aligned with my extensive background in quality assurance. I am eager to contribute my knowledge of our products, customer needs, and technological challenges to further Google’s leadership in the industry.

In my current role, I’ve spearheaded cross-departmental initiatives to streamline testing processes, leading to a 20% reduction in product defects and a significant improvement in launch timelines. Having been promoted three times in the past six years, I have been recognized for my drive and experience in user design, product planning, and market positioning.

I am confident that my background in quality assurance and my in-depth understanding of Google’s vision will be an asset to the Product Development team. I look forward to discussing my candidacy during an informational interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Penelope Taylor

• Penelope highlighted her journey at this company throughout the entire letter, and this is the right approach. Talk about your climb up the ladder and the relevant work experience you’ve gathered that led you to where you are now.

Internship Letter of Interest Example

Laura Chen 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

May 16, 2024

Ms. Elena Martinez Internship Coordinator Tesla 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Martinez,

As a junior majoring in Environmental Science at New York University, I would like to express my keen interest in the summer internship program in Tesla’s Renewable Energy Projects division. Throughout my studies, I have always been motivated by the urgency of climate change and its global impacts. Tesla’s groundbreaking work in this field spurred me to offer my commitment to environmental stewardship.

I have participated in over a dozen local sustainability initiatives, including a university-led project that focused on implementing solar-powered charging stations across the campus. Spearheading this initiative taught me more about the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, but also helped me develop my skills in leadership and analytics.

I cannot think of a better team of environmental experts to learn from than those within Tesla’s Renewable Energy Projects division. I am eager to discuss how my enthusiasm and background in environmental science can contribute to Tesla’s mission this summer. Thank you so much for your consideration.

• Just like you should be adding some key resume skills to your application, don’t forget to mention them in your letter of interest. It gives the hiring manager a better idea of what you can contribute during the internship.

Letter of Interest for Promotion Example

Emanuel Kováč Senior Analyst Omnicom Group 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

June 13, 2024

Ms. Eleni Antoniou Vice President of Operations Omnicom Group 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Antoniou,

I am reaching out to express my interest in the recently announced position of Director of Operations. In the past seven years, I have worked in three different departments at Omnicom Group, giving me a unique perspective and a deep understanding of our operational processes and client needs. I am eager to contribute my vast background and skills in data analysis and strategic planning to the success of our team.

My journey with Omnicom began in the Marketing Analytics Department, then moved on to the Digital Media Department, only to finally settle in the Operations Department as a senior analyst. I became intimately familiar with our product stack and honed my skills in operational analytics, process optimization, and strategic planning.

I believe that my background in operations, along with my proven track record of improving processes, positions me well to step into this leadership role. I would love to discuss how my skills align with this position during an interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Emanuel Kováč

• Highlighting your career journey in the company, complete with what you’ve learned, shows the employer that you value the road you took to get to where you are now. It also shows growth, which is a key aspect of getting promoted!

Letter of Interest Residency Example

Dr. Philip Crane 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

March 25, 2024

Dr. Gregory Jesse Residency Program Director Cleveland Clinic 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Dr. Jesse,

I am writing to express my interest in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic for the upcoming 2024-2025 cycle. Your institution’s Heart Transplant Program has been a source of my fascination and inspiration. Having studied it extensively during my cardiology rotation at Columbia University, I believe I am well-positioned to contribute to your world-class team of physicians who share my commitment to innovative medicine.

During my clinical rotations, I had the privilege to work in diverse healthcare settings. My rotation in internal medicine, during which I worked with excellent, driven physicians, taught me the importance of proper patient care and having an inquisitive mindset to get to the bottom of every ailment.

I am eager to bring my enthusiasm, academic curiosity, and tireless mindset to Cleveland Clinic this year. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Dr. Philip Crane

• Philip’s short and quick “I look forward to hearing from you soon” works well as a closing line after a list of the qualities he’ll bring to the program, expressing eagerness and a dash of confidence.

Letter of Continued Interest Example

Jordan Michalski 123 Pretend Ave Anytown, CA 12345 [email protected] 123-456-7890

April 17, 2024

Ms. Valentina Newton Program Manager Stanford University 123 Pretend Rd. Anycity, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Newton,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to reaffirm my unwavering interest in Stanford University. As an applicant currently on the waitlist for entering the class of 2024, I remain deeply committed to pursuing my dream of learning from Stanford’s esteemed legal community.

In addition to affirming my interest, I wish to provide an update on my accomplishments. I have recently completed an internship with the District Attorney’s Office, where I had the privilege of observing courtroom proceedings and gaining first-hand knowledge of the justice system.

My wish to pursue a legal career that champions equity is solidified by Stanford University’s excellent and diverse program. I am hopeful for the opportunity to join the class of 2024. Thank you so much for your continued consideration.

Jordan Michalski

• Providing an update on your relevant experiences and skills adds weight to your refresher, putting you at the top of the application pile.

What is a Letter of Interest ?

If you thought that a letter of interest was like a cover letter in disguise, we can’t blame you—but it’s really not. It serves a different purpose, and, as any good cover letter generator would show you, it follows an entirely different format.

A letter of interest is your way of showing true enthusiasm. You’re pulling ahead of the crowd and finding opportunities for yourself where there may be none. It’s the easiest way to say that you truly care about a given company, internship, community, or institution.

There are lots of different types of letters of interest, each with a different format and required information. For instance, when applying for a promotion, you’ll highlight your career at that company. On the other hand, applying for an internship calls for a focus on your education and skills.

Letter of interest vs cover letter

You write a cover letter in response to an existing opening, be it an internship or a job. A letter of interest, on the other hand, is kind of like throwing a dart at a board and hoping that it sticks.

Knowing how to write a cover letter is similar to knowing how to write a resume. You’ll discuss your skills and your background, and add some quantifiable metrics to make an impression. You know that the job exists, so all you need to do is to make the employer pick you for the opening.

In a letter of interest, you may not know whether the vacancy exists or if it’s open to you. Instead, you’re letting the recipient know something along the lines of, “Hey, I love this place, and I’m a great fit!”

It’s a targeted and proactive approach that shows you don’t want to work anywhere, you want to work there . That’s one way to cut the line!

Why & when do I write a letter of interest?

Writing a letter of interest, or a prospecting letter, is a good idea in many circumstances.

Here’s why a letter of interest might be a good idea:

• You found a company you love, but it’s not hiring for your position. Sure, you could wait and see if and when they do, but a letter of interest is a good first step that gets you on their radar before they’re flooded with resumes.
• You’re applying for a residency or an internship. A letter of interest is often required for residencies and internships. Sometimes, you may be asked to submit a longer version referred to as a “personal statement.”
• You’ve already applied and want to reaffirm your interest. Whether you’re waitlisted at your dream college or want to remind a company that you’re still out there, this can help.

The good thing is that it’s almost never a bad idea to send one. Worst case scenario, you won’t get hired. Best case? They’ll know how much you care and pay more attention!

Unlike a personal statement, a letter of interest needs to be brief. Its sole purpose is to be attention-grabbing, so it can’t go on for too long.

Keep it concise at three paragraphs. Be highly professional and enthusiastic, and make sure that you’re only communicating key details.

A good way to stand out is to make a connection with the company, such as by including a relevant personal story.

Write a professional letter of interest

This isn’t the right time to play a risky game—always use a professional, formal tone in your letter. Being eager is a huge plus, but joking or using colloquialisms is a no-no.

You’ll have to do some digging to familiarize yourself with the company’s culture, mission, and projects.

Find the right contact for your letter of interest

You’re already ahead of the curve by even sending this letter, so don’t lose that unique opportunity by not using the most powerful tool in your arsenal: opening with the recipient’s name. Try to find their name and address them directly.

Research your target company

You care about this company—that much is clear. Now, show this to the employer or admissions officer by researching their projects and what they might need. Even if your exact role isn’t currently open, perhaps there are other openings in the same department?

Demonstrate your value

Pure enthusiasm will only get you so far. Throughout your letter of interest, emphasize your skills and your background to express why you’re the right fit. Discuss your career highlights and key abilities that align with the job.

Write a powerful and concise letter of interest

It might be tricky, but make sure to stay on course throughout your cover letter. Keep it concise and reread every line to ensure that it sends the right message. Focus on just two or three of your greatest strengths—you can always list more skills in a resume.

Letter of interest format

Just like finding the right resume format is crucial, so is the way you format your letter of interest. You want it to be readable and follow a logical flow of information that drives the point home. The body of the letter should be no more than three paragraphs, so this is important!

Contact information & date

Start by including your contact information, such as your name, email, phone number, and address. Do the same for the recipient’s information, but also add their job title, company, and their name. Lastly, don’t forget the date.

Introduce yourself

Briefly introduce yourself to let the recipient know who they’re dealing with. This goes beyond your name; it’s more about your current job or your experience. You could say, “As an engineer with 10 years of experience…” to get the ball rolling.

Why you’re writing a letter of interest

Letters of interest often come as a surprise, so it’s a good idea to mention this in the first line of your letter. Include the position you’re interested in and state your enthusiasm for the role. If you have a personal reason for this, such as an interest spurred by a particular project, mention it here!

Matching your qualifications with the company’s needs

This is something you should do throughout the letter—yes, even in the first paragraph. Right off the bat, drop a couple of reasons why your qualifications align perfectly with the company’s needs.

Highlight your skills and experience

Use a paragraph or two to dive into your skills and experience . Talk about jobs, internships, or volunteer work, all depending on the type of letter of interest.

Call to action: requesting an informational interview

Seal the deal with a simple “I am eager to discuss how I can contribute to your company’s mission during an informational interview.”

Letter of interest tips

Even writing the perfect letter of interest and sending it in at the most opportune time doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the job. There are a few things that you can do to improve your chances of success, though.

• Make it personal. There’s a reason why you chose this particular company, and even if it’s just “I need a job,” try to make a personal connection to show that there’s more to it.
• Do your homework. Grab the reader’s attention by mentioning relevant projects or products that the company has worked on recently.
• Identify what matters. Browse through the company website and available job openings to get a feel of what they need, then match up your skills against that.
• Stay on point. Highlight only a couple of your strengths that truly align with this role.

What to avoid when writing a letter of interest

There are some things that even the most perfect applicant cannot get away with. Steer clear of the following:

• Don’t be too generic. It’s important to keep it professional, but sending something that sounds robotic is the equivalent of sending an unedited ChatGPT resume, and no one wants that.
• Don’t make assumptions. Confidence is great, but don’t slip into the vicinity of rudeness. Express enthusiasm without being pushy.
• Don’t rush. Sending a letter of interest that has typos or is repetitive, is a surefire way to never get called. It’s sometimes hard to catch your own typos , so be thorough with your checks.
• Don’t give up. If you don’t hear back, it’s a good idea to follow up a week or two later to reaffirm your interest.

Start with deep research. Read up on the company or the school, find the name of the recipient, and identify what the role might demand. Next, express why your qualifications make you the perfect fit.

A letter of interest serves as an introduction to a potential employer except you’re not responding to any specific job posting. It’s similar to writing a cover letter to accompany a job application, but is sent when there are no fitting job openings and you’re interested in working for the company or institution regardless.

Begin by addressing the recipient by name. Follow that up with a strong introduction that tells them who you are and why you’re interested in working with them.

No, not at all. A cover letter is an important part of the job application process; you send it in when you know there’s a job that’s waiting for you. A letter of interest is something you send even if there are no job openings right now, but you like the company.

Your letter of interest needs to fit a single page, so keep it concise. Apart from the contact info, the greeting, and the signoff, you shouldn’t go over three paragraphs.

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The Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Letter of Interest

According to Zety , a service that creates professional communication templates, you use a cover letter to accompany your resume when you’re applying to a specific job, and use a letter of interest to put yourself forward for a job that isn’t advertised. Essentially, you’re pitching yourself to a company of interest, telling them your qualifications, and hoping they’ll identify a spot for you instead of waiting around for them to post an opening that aligns with your skills and experience.

Letters of interest are also helpful when someone has tipped you off to an opening that hasn’t yet been made public, according to Indeed . The goal is to introduce yourself to hiring managers and get your talents on their radar, even if it means they only keep you in mind for future opportunities.

A cover letter is reserved for when a specific job is available, so it might get you more immediate results. A letter of interest, on the other hand, could take months for results—but will help those in charge of hiring find a job that’s just right for you, should one become available.

What to include in a letter of interest

Your letter of interest should be full of background information highlighting why you’d be a great fit for the company. Unlike with cover letters, you won’t have a clear job posting or description of what the company wants right now, so you should first research the organization and identify what they do well, what they could use help with, and how your specific talents fit in somewhere. During your research, be sure to identify the most likely hiring manager, recruiter, or the manager of the team you want to be on, and address the letter to them.

Introduce yourself briefly by sharing your name and a one- or two-sentence description of your background. Then explain why you’re writing to that specific company. Share specific things about the organization that appeal to you, and then explain how you fit into what you described, sharing your experience, skills, training, and interests. If your research turned up anything about the company culture, describe how you’ll fit in and what benefits you’ll add. Finally, end your letter with a request for an informal interview. Having a chat with the hiring managers or recruiters will help them get to know you and better ensure you stick in their memory in case a job opens up in the future.

Like a cover letter, it shouldn’t exceed one page and should include your contact details. Also like a cover letter, you should try to make it as specific to the company as possible and not use a boilerplate template. In fact, in this instance, you should be even more specific about your interest in the company. Make sure you point out the details about the organization that interest and excite you, so they know you did your research.

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Academic Affairs Manager (Remote)

🔍 school of medicine, stanford, california, united states.

To be considered for this position, please submit both your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the role.

Reporting to the Vice Dean of the School of Medicine, the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) is comprised of nine faculty Associate Deans, one Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and twenty-four staff members who serve a total population of approximately 2455 faculty members. The primary mission of OAA is to serve as a resource in preserving and enhancing the excellence of the School of Medicine through the appointment, reappointment, promotion and retention of a distinguished and diverse faculty. The Academic Affairs Manager reports into the Director of Academic Affairs- Professoriate, School of Medicine and will be responsible for the full spectrum of actions and activities related to faculty in the University Tenure Line, University Medical Line and Non-Tenure Line for a specific set of departments in the School.

The core duties for this position will include, but are not limited to:

• Monitoring compliance with and interpreting School and University policies for department chairs, division chiefs, faculty search committees and faculty affairs administrators.
• Critically evaluating and making recommendations on initial faculty search initiations and subsequent search reports; waivers of search; offer letters; and referee, trainee and peer set lists.
• Critically evaluating and making recommendations to improve the quality of appointment, reappointment and promotion long forms.
• Planning and prioritizing file review in response to appointment end dates, departmental appointment and retention needs and in compliance with School and University deadlines; staffing School review committees.
• Implementing process improvements and providing training to faculty affairs administrators.
• Overseeing the documentation of annual counseling for assistant and associate professors and senior faculty annual meetings; participating in organizing and conducting faculty workshops on reappointments and promotions.
• Advising faculty and staff on policy for sabbaticals and other leaves and, when necessary, drafting exception requests to the Provost’s Office.
• Managing the process for endowed professorship nominations.
• Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with Faculty Compensation, the Provost’s Office, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Dean of Research, other schools, and other administrative and academic units.
• Representing the School of Medicine on University-wide committees convened by the Provost’s Office or other central units.

Duties include*:

• Provide necessary operational support to search/review committees and to mentoring and/or annual counseling of faculty, and make recommendations for process improvement. 
• Ensure quality of faculty employment activities. Interpret university and school policy, and guide process for all faculty affairs situations and lines; develop and implement best practices for all faculty affairs activities. 
• Serve on school or Provost's Office committees to provide input on faculty affairs issues.
• Establish and manage processes and relevant communications for completion of faculty actions.
• Ensure compliance with school and university policies. Manage university faculty conflict of interest requirements for the department or school, as needed. 
• Review submitted appointment and promotion (A&P) materials from a critical perspective, and advise dean, department chair, or faculty lead as appropriate.
• Manage the administration of joint appointments. 
• Provide reporting and analysis for various faculty activities and programs to support strategic planning.
• Act as liaison for other university departments including, but not limited to, the Provost's Office, General Counsel Office, Office of Technology Licensing, Dean of Research Office, and other schools.
• Perform any of the following duties, as needed: draft sections of the appointment and promotion form and correspondence for the dean or department chair, including recommendations for appointment, offer letters, etc.; serve as primary point of contact in orienting new faculty to the department, school, and university; and/or supervise staff.
• The ideal candidate will be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and will be able to work independently within a close-knit team.  

*- Other duties may be assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in the area of academic affairs.
• Ability to multi task in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor's degree and five years of experience working with administrative processes, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrate experience in managing complex administrative processes.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrate problem solving and analytical skills.
• High level of independent judgment and sensitivity.
• Demonstrate ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Demonstrate commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety, shown through communication of safety concerns and use and promotion of safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, frequently sitting, stand/walk, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally twist/bend/stoop/squat; reach/work above shoulders; grasp forcefully; use a telephone.
• Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, kneel/crawl, twist/bend/stoop/squat, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Extended hours.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures . The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.

The expected pay range for this position is $64,000 to $110,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU: Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.  We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community. Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and  unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak. A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources. A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits. Discovery and fun . Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4173
• Employee Status: Regular
• Requisition ID: 103174
• Work Arrangement : Remote Eligible

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 School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States

📁 Administration

Post Date: Apr 23, 2024

Post Date: Sep 06, 2023

Post Date: Apr 22, 2024

Global Impact We believe in having a global impact

Climate and sustainability.

Stanford's deep commitment to sustainability practices has earned us a Platinum rating and inspired a new school aimed at tackling climate change.

Medical Innovations

Stanford's Innovative Medicines Accelerator is currently focused entirely on helping faculty generate and test new medicines that can slow the spread of COVID-19.

From Google and PayPal to Netflix and Snapchat, Stanford has housed some of the most celebrated innovations in Silicon Valley.

Advancing Education

Through rigorous research, model training programs and partnerships with educators worldwide, Stanford is pursuing equitable, accessible and effective learning for all.

Working Here We believe you matter as much as the work

I love that Stanford is supportive of learning, and as an education institution, that pursuit of knowledge extends to staff members through professional development, wellness, financial planning and staff affinity groups.

School of Engineering

I get to apply my real-world experiences in a setting that welcomes diversity in thinking and offers support in applying new methods. In my short time at Stanford, I've been able to streamline processes that provide better and faster information to our students.

Phillip Cheng

Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Besides its contributions to science, health, and medicine, Stanford is also the home of pioneers across disciplines. Joining Stanford has been a great way to contribute to our society by supporting emerging leaders.

Denisha Clark

School of Medicine

I like working in a place where ideas matter. Working at Stanford means being part of a vibrant, international culture in addition to getting to do meaningful work.

Office of the President and Provost

Getting Started We believe that you can love your job

Join Stanford in shaping a better tomorrow for your community, humanity and the planet we call home.

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Walton City Council seeks interim mayor after resignation

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“I think everyone in the city building feels a weight lifted,” Martin said.

3 big takeaways from Day 15 of Trump's hush money trial

Four custodial witnesses set the stage for Michael Cohen's upcoming testimony.

After two days of dramatic testimony from Stormy Daniels, the hush money trial of Donald Trump finished up the week with a businesslike string of custodial witnesses.

Before that, Friday started with the conclusion of the cross-examination of former White House aide Madeline Westerhout, who spoke glowingly of the former president and said she felt he was hurt by hush money revelations due to concerns for his family.

MORE: Trump trial updates: Judge rebukes Michael Cohen ahead of expected testimony Monday

Trump is on trial for allegedly falsifying business records to hide the reimbursement of a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election. The former president has denied all wrongdoing.

The proceedings will resume Monday, when Cohen, the state's star witness, is expected to take the stand. He earned a rebuke from Judge Juan Merchan before proceedings ended on Friday for commenting about the case on social media.

Here are three big takeaways from Day 15 of the trial.

Ex-White House aide scores points for defense

During her morning testimony, Madeline Westerhout said Donald Trump "was very upset" with a 2018 Wall Street Journal story that reported on the hush-money payment to Daniels -- adding that "my understanding is he knew it would be hurtful to his family."

It was an important moment for Trump's defense counsel, who have repeatedly sought to frame Trump's motive in suppressing negative stories about him as a means to protect his family -- not his campaign.

In another moment of testimony favorable to Trump, Westerhout described him as someone who signed a "tremendous amount of documents" -- including "commissions, proclamations, executive orders, memos, letters" -- and often signed them while handling other tasks.

"Sometimes he would sign checks without reviewing them?" defense attorney Susan Necheles asked.

"Yes," Westerhout said, possibly undermining prosecutors' contention that Trump would have been keenly aware of signing the checks to Cohen reimbursing him for the hush payment to Daniels.

Custodial witnesses set the stage for Cohen's testimony

After Westerhout, a parade of custodial witnesses took short turns on the stand, introducing evidence to set the stage for Michael Cohen's testimony.

They included an AT &T employee, a Verizon employee, and two paralegals from the district attorney's office, who testified about phone logs and business records associated with the case.

Among them was paralegal Georgia Longstreet, who guided jurors through text messages between Stormy Daniels' former agent and an editor at American Media Inc. regarding the hush payment negotiations between Daniels' and Trump's representatives in the weeks before Election Day.

Cohen earns rebuke ahead of Monday appearance

Before court wrapped on Friday, Judge Merchan asked prosecutors to instruct Michael Cohen to cease making comments about Trump or the case on social media.

Trump attorney Todd Blanche argued that the judge should restrain Cohen "the same way President Trump is," referring to the limited gag order the prohibits Trump from speaking about witnesses and jurors in the case.

Instead, Merchan said, "I would direct the people to communicate to Mr. Cohen that the judge is asking him to refrain from making any more statements about this case."

"That comes from the bench," he added.

Cohen's name and voice have already come up repeatedly in the first three weeks of testimony -- but on Monday, jurors are expected to get a firsthand look at the man at the heart of the state's case.

Whether they find him credible could dictate the outcome of the trial.

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