Five Tips for Writing A Letter of Intent

When responding to job listings, it’s important to provide the employer with all of the information they require. Sometimes, applicants will see a request for a “letter of intent” in addition to a resume or other application materials.

The “letter of intent” is essentially a comprehensive cover letter, and it’s a good idea to include one with a resume even if it is not explicitly requested. A letter of intent introduces the applicant and calls to the employer’s attention those things that make him or her uniquely suited to the job. The letter can be used to personalize an application and make it stand out in a mountain of resumes.

Here are five essential things to focus on when writing a letter of intent:

1. Include Requested Information. Many job listings will tell you what basic information the employer wishes to see in your letter of intent. Make sure you follow instructions and incorporate all of this information into your letter. While your letter should call attention to yourself, you do not want to be so unique that you forget to tell the employer what he or she wants to know.

2. Verify the recipient of the letter. Make sure you address your letter to the proper individual and that you have his or her correct address. If you do not know who is in charge of the hiring process, contact the company to find out prior to submitting your letter.

3. Format the letter properly. By properly formatting your letter of intent, you will show your potential employer that you understand and are able to conform to the conventions of the business world. Your letter should be no longer than a single page. Place the date in the top left corner. Skip a line and then type the name and address of the person to whom you are addressing the letter. Begin with a salutation such as “Dear ____” followed by a comma. Leave a blank line between the greeting and the body of the letter. Conclude with “Sincerely,” followed by your full name on the next line.

4. Highlight your qualifications. The first, introductory paragraph should state the position for which you are applying and why you are interested in this particular employer. In the next paragraph, highlight your relevant qualifications. In the last paragraph, indicate something that you feel makes you uniquely suited for the job.

5. Proofread! The letter of intent does more than introduce you to a potential employer. This document may well be used to judge your writing ability and communication skills. Therefore, make sure you proofread the letter carefully to avoid any mistakes of grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Improve your style by varying sentences lengths, avoiding passive voice, and eliminating excess verbiage. You may want to have a friend, former teacher, or co-worker read over your letter as well. Sometimes, people fail to catch mistakes in their own writing that leap off the page for others.

Following these five simple tips will help to ensure that your letter of intent rises to the top of the pile.