An employment (job) letter of intent is a document used by an individual to communicate interest in a particular position of employment at a company. Similar to a cover letter, an LOI allows the applicant to mention their qualifications and demonstrate their suitability as a candidate.

Aside from qualifications, the letter should include previous work experience, education, and skills that are applicable to the position. While these elements are also included in a resume or CV, a letter of intent is a more personalized document and enables the writer to express passion for the job and appreciation for the company and employer they wish to work for.

By Type

Job-Specific (4)

• Nursing
• Physician
• School Position (non-teacher)
• Teacher

For Employees / Applicants (4)

• Continue Working
• Internship
• Maternity Leave
• Promotion

For Employers (3)

• Demote
• Hire
• Terminate

Contents By Type Job-Specific (4) For Employees / Applicants (4) For Employers (3) When to Use a Letter of Intent Requested by Employer Sample Tips for Writing a Letter of Intent Application Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When to Use a Letter of Intent

Letters of intent are most commonly used when an individual discovers a job opening they are passionate about or when they are interested in working for a particular company or employer. They are also suitable for situations when an employer is looking to hire but has yet to create a job posting.

In some cases, an employer might employ professionals in the applicant’s area of expertise, but they are only hiring for positions unrelated to the individual’s field. A letter of intent in this instance shows initiative and demonstrates how the applicant could fit in and add value to the company if a position opens up.

Requested by Employer

Some employers ask for letters of intent to be submitted during the application process. This is typically required only when companies are looking to hire high-level employees in executive and upper-management roles, specialized workers, and other important positions.

Sample

Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument

Tips for Writing a Letter of Intent

What to include and exclude in a letter of intent will differ greatly depending on the applicant, the employer, the company, the type of industry, and other factors. All applicants looking to write a competent letter of intent would be wise to observe the following recommendations to maximize the effectiveness of the letter:

1. Compelling Introduction. Creating a strong and succinct introductory paragraph or sentence will help grab the employer’s attention.
2. Descriptive Language. Applicants should appropriately describe their skills, qualifications, past experience, and desire to work in the position for which they are applying.
3. Enthusiasm. A letter of intent that demonstrates true passion and intrigue for the job, as well as the company and industry overall, is more likely to lead to serious consideration by the employer.
4. Professionalism. The letter should be detailed and personal, but the applicant should maintain a formal tone, one that demonstrates professionalism and courtesy.
5. Final Words. It’s helpful to end the letter with language that expresses clear interest in the position the applicant is applying for.

Application Process

When applying for a job, it’s important to find out what forms and documentation will be required in addition to the letter of intent. Below is a list of common documents to include in an application.

1. Application Form. Some companies have their own application forms that must be filled out and submitted along with a letter of intent, resume, etc.
2. Resume. A 1 or 2-page document focusing on an individual’s education, work experience, skills, and contact information.
3. CV (Curriculum Vitae). Generally reserved for jobs in academia, medicine, science, and related fields, a CV is longer and more detailed than a resume. It typically includes the applicant’s professional experience, education, published works, research projects, coursework, and any accolades they have received.
4. References. A list of names (often 3 or 4) that the employer can contact by email or phone and ask about the applicant’s character and ensure the information in their letter of intent and CV is accurate.
5. Letters of Recommendation. These are letters written by past employers, teachers, mentors, and other individuals close to the applicant that know them well and are willing to write about their qualities, skills, and overall work ethic.
6. Certifications and Licenses. Copies of any applicable certificates and licenses may need to be attached to the application.
7. Portfolio. Many employers will want to look at the applicant’s collection of past work to determine their skills and suitability.
8. Transcript. A transcript of the applicant’s educational background might be a requirement for some companies.