A letter of intent for a job is a short letter that tells an employer why you want to work at their company and what you can bring to the team. You can send it with an application, or on your own to a company with no open listing. It reads like a cover letter, but it focuses on the company and your wish to join it. Build yours online with the job letter of intent template below, or start from our general letter of intent template.
Last Updated: October 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current law. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us.
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A letter of intent helps you introduce yourself to a potential employer and stand out from other candidates. A resume gives a “dry” list of your achievements, skills and work history. A letter of intent adds your personality, so a hiring manager can notice and remember you. A good one is one of the keys to getting an interview.
You can send a letter of intent in several situations:
In the last case, the letter is more general and names the desired type of work instead of a job title. It is similar to a letter of interest, which you send to a business that hires people but has no specific openings.
The most important thing in writing one is to be brief, accurate with wording and professional in tone.
If you are interested in a department or team within a large organization, name it in your letter. It shows you did your homework and helps the hiring team route your job application to the right people.
Good letters of intent are informative and catchy, but quite short, so writing one can feel daunting. Whether you are applying for a role as a marketing manager, librarian, dog behaviorist or any other field, these six tips help you get started before you pick up your keyboard or pen.
A job letter of intent works best as part of a complete job application. Whether you are applying for a listed role or asking about future opportunities, make the letter easy to scan and tailored to the person who will read it.
Keep each item to a sentence or two. A reader who skims the letter should still find your name, your interest and the opportunity you are asking about. Applying for several roles? Adapt the letter for each job application instead of reusing the same text.
At first glance, the two letters look very similar. Both use a professional writing style with a greeting and a sign-off, end with a call to action and present you as a suitable candidate for the role. They are written in slightly different ways, as the table shows.
| Cover letter | Letter of intent | |
|---|---|---|
| When you send it | When you apply for a particular job opening | At any moment, with or without an opening |
| Main focus | The job you apply for | The company and your wish to join it |
| What it shows | Examples of results at your previous job, tied to what the employer is looking for | Your familiarity with the company and how your experience could help it |
A cover letter is tailored to an open position as much as possible. It includes examples of work productivity at your previous job that show you as a good fit for the company.
This letter puts more focus on the organization. You might mention facts you know about it, for instance its good sales strategy or the innovativeness of its product. It explains why you consider the company a good workplace and how you could contribute with your background and abilities.
A letter of intent is a formal letter that shows your personality and work history and how both might help the company. Take it seriously and include these five parts, in this order.
When there is no specific opening and your letter works as a “cold call,” tell the organization how your abilities and background could help it. Matching your abilities to the organization’s needs increases your chance of getting an interview.
Here is how the middle parts can look for a sales manager and for a recent graduate:
If you need a good template, use the one on our website. It shows what a successful letter looks like, and you can customize it for your own application.
Most weak letters of intent share the same few problems. Check your draft against this list before you send it, and edit anything that sounds like it could have been written for any company.
Use this sample as a guide for tone and length. The example data is made up, so replace the names, addresses, dates and details with your own. Keep your finished letter to one page. A professional tone and a clear fit for the role matter more than fancy wording.
From: Lisa Lisson
620 Eighth Avenue, New York
NY 10018
April 4, 2021
To: Louis Lovecraft
Human Resources Officer
The New York Times Company
Dear Mr. Lovecraft
I am writing this letter to express my interest in the editorial assistant position at The New York Times. My name is Lisa Lisson, and I am a graduate of journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and a former editor of Texas Monthly magazine. During my employment as editor, our magazine got the Ellie Award in several categories. Unfortunately, however, I had to leave my previous job as I had to move to New York with my family.
In my five years of work in the field of writing and editing, I have honed the necessary skills to become a professional editor. These include creativity, attention to detail, writing and editing, data evaluation, and interpersonal communication. In addition to that, I gained valuable experience in effective writing. Furthermore, I was fortunate to attend several training courses that have also helped me master my editorial abilities and increase my knowledge in the field.
I wish to be a part of your company, which is known as one of the leading newspapers in the country. Not only will it help me progress in my career and switch from a monthly newspaper to a daily one, but it will also bring new ideas and attitudes to your editorial team. Therefore, I have attached my resume for your consideration. I very much hope to be given the opportunity to become a part of The New York Times team. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lisa Lisson
What makes this sample work:
It is a short letter that tells an employer why you want to work at their company and what you can offer. You can send it with an application or on your own.
No. A cover letter responds to a particular job opening and focuses on the role. A letter of intent focuses on the company and your wish to join it.
Yes. Name the type of work you want instead of a job title and explain how your background could help the business. Address the letter to a named person when you can.
Select Create My Document at the top of this page and answer a few questions to build your letter online. The sample above shows what a finished letter looks like.
General information, not legal or tax advice.
