How to write a letter of intent?
A “Letter of Intent” is a special letter we write to tell someone our plans in a formal way. Here are some types:
- For Business:
- Partnerships: Two companies want to work together.
- Buying a Business: A company wants to buy another company.
- Supply Deals: A company plans to buy things from a supplier.
- For School:
- University Applications: A student tells a school they want to study there.
- Research Projects: Researchers say they want to work together on a study.
- Scholarships: A student explains why they should get money for school.
- For Legal Reasons:
- Before Court: People say they want to agree without going to court.
- Making Deals: People plan to talk about and make a deal.
- For Employment:
- Job Applications: Someone applies for a job and shows why they are a good fit.
- Job Promotions or Transfers: An employee asks to move to a new job or a higher position in the same company.
- Personal Reasons:
- Buying a House: Someone says they want to buy a house.
- Volunteering or Internships: Someone says they want to volunteer or intern at a place.
These letters are usually not binding, which means they don’t force anyone to do something. But, they should still be clear and correct
Why is a letter of intent important in job applications?
A Letter of Intent in job applications is important for several reasons:
- Shows Enthusiasm and Interest: It demonstrates your genuine interest in the specific position and company, showing that you are not just sending generic applications to multiple employers.
- Highlights Key Qualifications: It allows you to emphasize particular skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job, tailored to the job description and company needs.
- Provides a First Impression: This letter serves as your first interaction with a potential employer. A well-written Letter of Intent can make a positive impression, setting you apart from other candidates.
- Expands Beyond Resume: While a resume lists your experiences and skills, a Letter of Intent allows you to narrate these qualifications and directly relate them to job requirements and company goals.
- Shows Professionalism: Crafting a thoughtful and well-structured Letter of Intent shows your professionalism and attention to detail, which are desirable traits in any job.
- Initiates a Call to Action: You can use the letter to prompt the employer to take the next step, such as inviting you for an interview, thus moving your application forward in the hiring process.
- Personal Connection: If you address the letter to a specific person, it helps establish a more personal connection in the selection process.
People usually choose email for a letter of intent as it is faster, more secure, and practical. However, in some cases, you may need to send it via mail.
Letter of Intent Template for Employment via Email
Subject: Application for [Job Title] Position
Email Body:
Dear [Employer’s Name],
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state your purpose. Mention where you found the job listing and the position title you’re applying for.
Main Paragraph: You can write more than one paragraph.
- Explain why you are interested in the position and the company. Mention something specific about the company that aligns with your professional skills or values.
- Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences that make you a suitable candidate for the position.
- Mention specific achievements or projects that demonstrate your skills.
Conclusion:
- Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company.
- Invite the employer to contact you for further discussion and provide your contact information. (Call to action)
- Thank the recipient for considering your application.
Sign-Off: Use a professional closing such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Please click the link to see more about Sign-Off words and writing Emails.
Writing Tips for a letter of intent
Introduction tips
Example 1: My name is Anakin Skywalker. I graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. I am writing to express my interest in the Aerospace Engineer position at SpaceX, which I found on your company website. I am particularly drawn to SpaceX’s mission of advancing space technology to enable life on Mars.
Example 2: I am Anakin Skywalker, an electrical engineer specializing in automotive technologies. I am applying for the Battery Engineer position listed on Tesla’s careers page on Indeed.com. I am inspired by Tesla’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and believe my background can contribute significantly to your innovative projects.
Example 3: My name is Anakin Skywalker, and I hold a degree in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design. I am interested in the Product Designer role I found advertised on LinkedIn at Tesla. With extensive experience in designing consumer-focused products, I’m eager to apply my skills to help Tesla continue revolutionizing the transportation industry.
Expressing enthusiasm tips
Example 1: “I am thrilled at the prospect of being part of Tesla, where innovative solutions and sustainability meet. Contributing to your groundbreaking projects would not only align perfectly with my professional aspirations but also deeply satisfy my passion for eco-friendly technology. I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to a company that is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive industry.”
Example 2: “Joining SpaceX would be a dream come true for me, providing an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to your mission of making Mars colonization a reality. I am highly enthusiastic about the chance to apply my specialized skills in aerospace engineering to help advance your ambitious space exploration projects. I am motivated by the challenge and excited by the possibility of contributing to such transformative endeavors.”
Example 3: “I am very excited about the possibility of joining your team at SpaceX, where pushing the boundaries of what is possible is part of everyday work. My passion for aerospace advancements and my background in this field makes me eager to contribute to your ongoing projects, helping accelerate innovation and drive new solutions in space technology.”
Call to action tips
Example 1: “I am very keen to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm align with the goals at Tesla. I would appreciate the opportunity to explore this further in an interview. Please let me know a convenient time for you, or I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] at your earliest convenience.”
Example 2: “I would be grateful for the chance to provide further insight into how I can contribute to the pioneering projects at SpaceX. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be contacted by phone or email to arrange a suitable time. Thank you for considering my application.”
Example 3: “I am eager to discuss my application in more detail and share how I envision contributing to your team. Could we schedule a time for a conversation next week? I am flexible with timings and can adapt to your schedule. You can reach me directly at [Your Email Address], and I look forward to your response.”
Closing tips
Example 1: “Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate the time you have taken to review my credentials, and I am hopeful for the opportunity to contribute to such an innovative team at Tesla.”
Example 2: “I am grateful for your attention and consideration. It would be an honor to be part of SpaceX’s groundbreaking efforts, and I thank you for evaluating my fit for the role.”
Example 3: “Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this exciting position. I value your consideration and am looking forward to the possibility of discussing my application in more detail.”
Letter of Intent Example
Subject: Application for Mechanical Engineer Position at Tesla
Email Body:
Dear Hiring Manager,
My name is Anakin Skywalker, and I am very excited to apply for the Mechanical Engineer position at Tesla, which I saw on your careers page. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and three years of experience in car design. During this time, I learned a lot about the basics of engineering.
I really admire Tesla’s work in making cars better and more sustainable. I am especially interested in your new battery technology and self-driving car features. I would love to help work on these projects using my CAD design and systems engineering skills to make Tesla’s cars even better.
I am excited about the chance to work at Tesla and help with your goal to make energy use more sustainable worldwide. I think my skills and experience fit well with what you need for this job, and I am ready to bring my knowledge in car engineering to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to talking more about how I can help with your projects and new ideas. Please, contact me whenever it’s convenient for you to arrange a talk.
Best regards,
Anakin Skywalker
skywalker@gmail.com
+905005005050
