Letter of Interest Sample and Top Writing Tips for 2025

A letter of interest is key in today’s changing job world where it’s important to stand out. Job hunters are always looking for new ways to grab employers’ attention, beyond just sending a resume and cover letter. Writing a letter of interest can help you find chances that you might not see right away. This guide will show you how to write a strong letter of interest, how it’s different from a cover letter, and give you tips to make sure people remember your application.

What is a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest, often referred to as a prospecting letter or a letter of inquiry, is a document you send to employers to express your enthusiasm for working at their organization, despite the absence of a current job posting. It’s an excellent way to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and express your desire to be part of the company. The goal is to make such a strong impression that the employer considers you for future positions or even creates a role for you.

Purpose of a Letter of Interest

Before we dive further, it’s important to understand the purpose of a letter of interest. It serves to:

Introduce yourself to a potential employer.
Highlight your qualifications and achievements.
Express your interest in working for the company.
Inquire about potential job opportunities.
Establish a connection with the hiring manager or HR department.

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter

Understanding the distinction between a letter of interest and a cover letter is fundamental:

Purpose: A letter of interest is sent to a company you admire, aiming to alert them to your interest and availability, even without a current job opening. It’s about establishing a connection and expressing a desire to work with them based on their values and future prospects. On the other hand, a cover letter is a direct response to a job advertisement, detailing why you’re the ideal candidate for a specific position.
Content: The content of a letter of interest focuses on your overall qualifications and how they align with the company’s goals and values. It’s more about what you can bring to the table in a broad sense. In contrast, a cover letter is tailored to match the specific requirements and duties of an advertised role, highlighting how your past experiences make you the perfect fit.
Target Audience: While both letters are addressed to potential employers, a letter of interest is usually directed at a company’s hiring manager or a department head, without reference to a particular vacancy. A cover letter is sent to whoever is responsible for filling a specific position, with content closely aligned with the job’s requirements.

Differences at a Glance: Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter

Aspect	Letter of Interest	Cover Letter
Purpose	Expresses interest in the company for future opportunities.	Accompanies a resume for a specific job application.
When to Send	Any time, regardless of job openings.	When applying for an advertised position.
Recipient	May be addressed to a department head or HR manager.	Usually addressed to the hiring manager or recruiter.
Content Focus	General interest in the company and potential value to them.	Specific skills and experiences relevant to the job posting.
Call to Action	Asks for informational meetings or discussions about future opportunities.	Requests an interview for the specific job applied for.

Letter of Interest Structure

Your Contact Info

What to Include: Start with your full name, mailing address (optional), phone number, and email address. Including a LinkedIn profile or professional website can also be beneficial.
Placement: This information should be placed at the top of your letter, aligned to the left or centered, depending on the overall format you choose.

Date and Company Contact Info

Research: Before writing your letter, conduct thorough research to identify a specific person to address your letter to, such as a hiring manager or department head. Personalizing the letter increases the likelihood of it being read and taken seriously.
How to Format: After your contact information, include the date followed by the recipient’s name, title, company name, and company address. This should be aligned to the left, creating a professional appearance.

Opening Paragraph

Purpose: Your opening should immediately capture the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and succinctly explain why you are reaching out. This is your chance to make a strong first impression, so be clear and engaging.
Content Suggestions: Mention how you came to know of the company and express your admiration for their work, culture, or achievements. Indicating a specific reason for your interest helps to establish a personal connection.

Qualification/Experience Paragraph

Highlight Your Qualifications: Here, you delve into your professional background, skills, and experiences that align with the company’s goals, needs, and values. Choose two to three key qualifications to focus on and support them with concrete examples or achievements.
Alignment with Company Needs: Make a compelling case for how your skills and experiences can benefit the company. Tailoring this section to the company’s known challenges or goals can significantly enhance your letter’s impact.

Closing Paragraph

Gratitude and Call to Action: Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Politely suggest an informational interview or a meeting to discuss potential opportunities and how you can contribute to the company. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and genuine interest in the organization.
Availability: Mention your availability for a conversation and express eagerness to learn more about the company and discuss how you can add value.

Signature

Professional Closing: End your letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Yours faithfully,” followed by your name.
Contact Information Reminder: Optionally, you can repeat your phone number or email address under your name to make it easy for the recipient to contact you.

Final Tips

Personalization: Tailor each letter of interest to the specific company and person you are addressing. Generic letters are less likely to make an impact.
Clarity and Conciseness: Keep your language clear and your letter concise. Aim for a length of one page to ensure your letter is read and retained.

Proofreading: Before sending, thoroughly proofread your letter for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. A well-written, error-free letter reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.

Letter of Interest Sample (Format)

[Your Full Name]
[Your Mailing Address (Optional)]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your LinkedIn Profile/Professional Website (Optional)]

[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Mailing Address]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my deep interest in [Company Name] and the innovative work you are doing in [mention a specific field/area, e.g., renewable energy, software development]. As a [Your Current Position/Your Area of Expertise] with extensive experience in [mention relevant experience, skills, or field], I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team and supporting your growth objectives.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a proven ability to [mention a key achievement or skill that aligns with the company’s goals, e.g., drive product innovation, enhance operational efficiency]. For instance, [provide a brief example of how you applied this skill or achieved a specific outcome]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of [mention a reason related to their culture, mission, projects, etc.], and I believe my background in [mention a relevant field or skill] positions me well to add significant value to your team.

I admire [Company Name]’s commitment to [mention something specific about the company’s values, projects, or achievements] and feel strongly that my [mention a skill or experience] would be beneficial as your team explores new opportunities in [mention a relevant area or project]. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my experience and vision align with the goals of [Company Name] and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

Thank you for considering my interest in joining your esteemed company. I am eager to potentially discuss how I can contribute to your team and am available at your convenience for a conversation. Please find attached my resume for more detailed information on my background and achievements.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

(Text Version) Sample Letter of Interest

Alex R. Applicant

456 Community Lane

Sometown, TX 78901

alexr@email.com

555-314-1592

January 15, 2024

Samantha Greene

Head of Talent Acquisition

Global Innovations Inc.

789 Industry Parkway

Techville, CA 98765

Dear Ms. Greene:

I was thrilled to come across an interview with Global Innovations Inc.’s CEO discussing your pioneering sustainability initiatives in TechWorld Magazine. This prompted me to reach out to explore potential openings within your marketing department.

With over five years of experience as a Marketing Coordinator for a leading eco-friendly apparel brand, I have successfully spearheaded campaigns that doubled our online engagement and reduced digital advertising costs by 25%, contributing to a 40% growth in online sales within a single fiscal year.

Enclosed, you’ll find my resume detailing my professional journey, educational background, and key accomplishments. I am keen to discuss how my expertise in sustainable marketing strategies and passion for environmental advocacy can support Global Innovations Inc.’s mission. I appreciate your consideration and am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team’s success.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am excited about the possibility of discussing my application with you further.

Warm regards,

[Handwritten Signature for hard copy]

Alex R. Applicant

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When crafting your letter of interest, steering clear of common pitfalls can greatly enhance its effectiveness. Here are key mistakes to watch out for:

Using Generic Greetings: Starting your letter with “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” shows a lack of effort to research the company. It’s crucial to personalize your greeting by finding out the name of the hiring manager or the head of the department you’re interested in.
Lack of Specific Offerings: Focusing solely on what the company can do for you rather than what you can offer the company is a common error. Highlight how your skills and experiences can address the company’s needs and contribute to their objectives.
Failure to Tailor Your Letter: Sending the same letter of interest to multiple companies without customization may seem efficient, but it’s ineffective. Tailor each letter to reflect your genuine interest in and knowledge of the specific company and role.
Not Being Concise: Keeping your letter brief and to the point is essential. Long-winded letters may lose the reader’s interest. Aim for a maximum of one page to communicate your interests and qualifications effectively.

Key Tips for Success

Express Your Enthusiasm: Start by explaining why you admire the company and its mission.
Showcase Your Unique Offer: Highlight how your skills can address the company’s needs and contribute to its goals.
Grab Attention Early: Use a compelling fact or achievement as a hook in your opening.
Align Your Skills with Their Needs: Make clear connections between your experiences and what the company is looking for.

To make a great letter of interest, write it in a way that’s just for the company you’re reaching out to. Show how you can help them and share why you really like them. Keep it short and make sure it sounds like you. This helps you stand out and might lead to a job in the future.

About iCareerSolutions

iCareerSolutions, America’s #1 Executive and Professional Resume Writing Services, Reverse Recruitment, and LinkedIn Profile Development Company. 28X award-winning resume writers deliver professional resumes that get interviews. We have successfully landed our executive clients senior-level leadership positions at companies like Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Google, Facebook, DoJ, Gap, and 2U just to name a few. iCareerSolutions has 200+ 5-star reviews and offers a 60-day interview guarantee. Every resume template created is Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your unique needs.