How to Use a Letter of Interest to Land Your Dream Job

Whether you're actively on the job hunt or simply open to new opportunities, there are likely a few companies you've had your eye on. You may admire the work they do and connect with their mission. Or it seems like a fun workplace with a vibrant company culture.

There's only one problem: they don't have any open roles that would fit you well. So what do you do? Wait for the right opportunity, or take the initiative to reach out first?

This is where a letter of interest comes into play. It's a way to let a company know you're interested in working there. It might feel like a bold move, but when done right, a letter of interest can open doors and lead to unique opportunities. In this article, you'll learn how to craft a compelling letter of interest that gets noticed.

What is a Letter of Interest?

So, what exactly is a letter of interest? What are the benefits, and is it the same as a cover letter? Let's break it down.

Definition

A letter of interest is a professional letter written to a potential employer to express your interest in working for them. It's a tool to let the employer know what you like about the organization and why you'd be a good fit and asset to their team so they will keep you in mind for future opportunities. 

Key Benefits

• Stand out from the crowd. With the number of applicants per job growing significantly, competing with hundreds of other candidates can be intimidating. However, if the company isn't actively hiring, sending a letter of interest can help you stand out to a potential employer.
• Learn more about the company. You can only learn so much about an employer from their website and public marketing channels. Getting in touch with a hiring manager can help you get answers to important questions and better understand if the company would be a good fit. 
• Build a relationship. Even if there are no immediate opportunities, your letter can help you build a relationship with the company that could lead to a future role or project. You will also be top-of-mind when they are ready to hire. 
• Show initiative. Sending a letter of interest demonstrates to an employer that you're proactive and genuinely interested — two qualities that every hiring manager wants to see in a potential hire. 
• Land an unadvertised role. Countless roles aren't publicly listed or advertised but filled through internal candidates or referrals instead. A letter of interest can help you tap into this hidden job market and land a role you would have never heard about otherwise.

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

We know what you’re probably thinking: is a letter of interest the same as a cover letter? Here are the main similarities and differences. 

When Should You Write a Letter of Interest?

You should write a letter of interest when a company has no public open position that aligns with your skills and experience. However, you're still interested in connecting with them to see if there might be other opportunities.

For example, if you:

• Admire the company and would be interested in working for them
• Have heard that the company is expanding and could be hiring soon
• Saw that a possible aligned role just closed

Use a letter of interest to introduce yourself to a prospective employer. Share why you want to work for them and what you bring to the table so you’re in their talent pipeline when a role opens up. You can also use it to get your foot in the door and build a long-term relationship with the company.

How to Write a Letter of Interest

A letter of interest has five key parts:

• Header section: Include your contact information (e.g., email address, LinkedIn profile URL, professional website URL) so your recipient can get in touch with you.
• Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name (e.g., Dear Simon Philips) to show that you did your research. If you can't find a direct contact, use "To the hiring team at [company name]." 
• Opening paragraph: Start with a few sentences sharing why you're interested in the company and reaching out. 
• Body paragraphs: Explain why you would be an asset to the company. Share specific career accomplishments, skills, and personal qualities and align them to the company's needs and goals. 
• Closing paragraph: Thank them for their time and let them know you would like to connect with them further or can share additional information. You may also want to share the best way to get in touch. Lastly, add a respectful sign-off like "Best, [Your Name]."

Common Letter of Interest Mistakes to Avoid

Drafting and sending a letter of interest can feel daunting. You don't want to come across as too forward, but you don't want to spend time crafting a personal letter that gets lost in the shuffle.

Here are some common do's and don'ts to remember when preparing a letter of interest. 

• Do your homework. Research the company by checking out its website and social channels. Look out for recent news and upcoming projects, or reference an older campaign to show you're a long-time fan.
• Don't use a generic letter. While a template can help you structure your letter, tailor it to the company by including specific details.
• Do include personal details. For example, are you one of their customers? Or active in the community they serve? Let them know.
• Don't write too much. Since this is cold outreach, you need to get to the point quickly before your recipient loses interest. Your letter should be a page at maximum or roughly 200 to 300 words.

Letter of Interest Template

Letters of Interest: Are They Worth It?

Sending a letter of interest can be nerve-wracking. It's normal to worry about whether it will even get read or if you will get a response. However, as the famous saying goes, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Even if you don't get an immediate response or a response at all, you took the initiative to make yourself known to the company. Plus, rather than waiting for a job to open up, it's a way to make the first move and take charge of your job search.

So, if there's a company you're excited about, consider sending them a letter of interest.  It could be the key to unlocking your next big career move.